Bridgend Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Bridgend's September 2024 crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents marks a 15.6% reduction compared to the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This overall figure, while modest, is underpinned by a distinct crime profile shaped by the area's characteristics. Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile, accounting for 39.8% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.3%) and public order offences (10.9%). These proportions suggest a focus on interpersonal conflicts and disorder in public spaces, which may be amplified by the area's mix of urban and suburban environments. Seasonal context further informs the data: as September brings the tail end of summer holidays and the start of the academic year, patterns such as the sharp drop in bicycle theft (linked to fewer students cycling during shorter evenings) and the rise in anti-social behaviour (possibly tied to university freshers arriving) become evident. Meanwhile, property crimes—though lower than the UK average for categories like shoplifting (26% below) and vehicle crime (56% below)—still account for 249 incidents, or 26% of total crimes. This balance between violent and property offences, combined with the area's relatively low overall rate, illustrates a combination of local factors, including the impact of seasonal transitions and the presence of educational institutions. The data, while consistent with broader UK trends, highlights Bridgend's unique position as a place where crime management appears to be influenced by both community dynamics and targeted interventions.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in September 2024 was an 80% decline in bicycle theft, dropping from 5 to 1 reported incidents. This steep reduction, likely tied to the start of the academic year and fewer students cycling during shorter evenings, contrasts sharply with a 12.2% rise in anti-social behaviour, which increased from 147 to 165 cases. The latter may reflect heightened social interactions in town centres as university freshers arrive. Bridgend's public order offences (10.9% of total crimes) exceed the UK average by 25%, a divergence that may relate to the area's mix of retail and leisure spaces. Meanwhile, violent crimes (380 incidents, 39.8% of total) remained 1% below the UK average, despite a 36% drop in burglary—a decrease that could indicate improved community engagement or targeted policing efforts in high-risk areas.

Bridgend's crime rate in September 2024 fell to 6.5 per 1,000 residents, an 8.7% decrease from the previous month's 7.1 per 1,000. This downward trend aligns with the local context of fewer summer evening activities as nights draw in. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 32 crimes per day, a figure that, while consistent with prior months, reflects a shift in crime patterns. Over the course of September, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 154 residents—a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low overall crime levels compared to the UK average. The population context further highlights that Bridgend's total of 956 reported crimes is spread across 147,530 residents, translating to a manageable frequency per individual. These figures, when contextualised against the local rhythm of the academic year and seasonal transitions, suggest that the drop in crimes like burglary and theft from the person may partly reflect reduced foot traffic in key areas as students return to campuses.