Bridgend Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Bridgend's crime rate in July 2024 stood at 6.9 per 1,000 residents, 17.9% below the UK average of 8.4. This places the area among the safer local authority districts in Wales, a position consistent with its historical focus on community-based policing and economic diversification. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (36.8% of total), anti-social behaviour (15.2%), and public order issues (14.8%). The dominance of violent crime, though 9% below the UK average, may reflect the town's status as a regional hub with a mix of industrial and commercial activity. Public order offences, however, stood out as 56% above the UK average — a figure likely tied to the summer season, with festivals, outdoor events, and increased foot traffic in town centres. This contrast highlights the dual nature of Bridgend's crime profile: while violent incidents remain a concern, the summer months bring unique challenges in managing public spaces. Seasonal factors such as school holidays, tourism, and festivals may have contributed to the rise in public order offences, even as overall crime rates remained lower than the national average. The lower rates of property crime, particularly vehicle crime (57% below UK average) and shoplifting (12% below), suggest that targeted interventions in high-risk areas have had a measurable impact. These trends align with Bridgend's character as a town with a strong sense of community but also a growing need for event management strategies to address seasonal spikes in certain offence categories.

July saw a 150% surge in bicycle theft, likely linked to increased summer cycling and outdoor events. Other theft rose by 33.3%, possibly reflecting higher retail activity during the tourist season. Conversely, robbery and theft from the person fell by 50% and 60% respectively, suggesting improved security measures or reduced opportunities during peak summer hours. Public order offences, at 1.0 per 1,000, were 56% above the UK average — a stark contrast to other categories like vehicle crime, which remained 57% below the national rate. This divergence illustrates the impact of local events: while violent crimes (2.6 per 1,000) were 9% below the UK average, public order issues may reflect the challenges of managing crowds during festivals and outdoor gatherings. Residents might find the 57% reduction in vehicle crime particularly notable, indicating effective policing around car parks and transport hubs.

Bridgend's crime rate in July 2024 fell to 6.9 per 1,000 residents, a 6.9% drop from the previous month's 7.4. This decline places the area 17.9% below the UK average, reinforcing its position as a relatively safe locality. Daily crime figures show 33 incidents reported each day, a rate that, while consistent with local patterns, remains lower than the UK average. Over the course of July, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 144 residents — a monthly exposure rate that reflects the area's population of 147,530. This statistic contextualises the scale of incidents for residents, showing that while crime is present, it does not dominate daily life. The population-scaled perspective highlights Bridgend's ability to maintain lower crime levels despite its status as a major urban centre in south Wales, with a mix of industrial heritage and modern infrastructure. Local factors such as community policing initiatives and targeted interventions may contribute to this sustained reduction in crime.