Bridgend Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Bridgend’s overall crime rate in January 2026 stood at 6.3 per 1,000 residents, marking a 7.4% reduction compared to the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This improvement, though modest, reflects a broader trend of stability in the area’s crime profile during the post-holiday period. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 46.5% of all reported incidents, followed by public order offences (12.0%) and anti-social behaviour (10.3%). These figures highlight the persistent challenge of violent crime in the area, which remains 16% above the UK average for this category. Seasonal factors likely play a role in the current landscape: January’s shorter days and reduced retail footfall may have dampened opportunities for property crimes. Anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, recorded a 25% deficit compared to the UK average, suggesting local initiatives or environmental factors may be contributing to a relatively lower incidence of this category. The data also indicates that shoplifting and public order crimes—both of which are influenced by foot traffic and community dynamics—experienced notable fluctuations. While the overall rate is encouraging, the concentration of violent crime underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas. Bridgend’s crime profile, shaped by its mix of urban and semi-rural environments, reveals a combination of local demographics and seasonal rhythms, with the post-holiday lull offering a window for further improvements.

January 2026 saw several notable shifts in crime patterns, with reductions in specific categories offsetting increases in others. Robbery rates plummeted by 60%, falling from 10 incidents in December to just 4 in January—a decline that may reflect heightened police visibility or seasonal changes in criminal activity. Similarly, possession of weapons dropped by 55.6%, and theft from the person fell by 25%, both of which could be linked to the reduced outdoor activity typical of winter months. However, these decreases were partially counterbalanced by increases in drugs-related crimes, which rose by 40%, and public order offences, up by 21.7%. The latter’s 90% deficit compared to the UK average suggests a unique local dynamic, influenced by Bridgend’s community engagement strategies or environmental factors. Shoplifting also increased by 15.3%, though it remained only 5% above the UK average, indicating that retail areas may still be vulnerable despite the post-holiday dip in foot traffic. Violent crimes, meanwhile, continued to outpace national trends by 16%, a figure that warrants attention given their significant share of total incidents. For residents, the sharp drop in robbery rates offers a tangible example of how targeted efforts can yield measurable results, even as other challenges persist.

Bridgend’s crime rate in January 2026 remained stable compared to the previous month, declining slightly from 6.4 to 6.3 per 1,000 residents—a change of -0.3%. This minimal fluctuation suggests a consistent baseline in the area’s crime profile, though the monthly exposure figure provides a more granular perspective: over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for every 158 residents. This translates to a monthly aggregate that, while low in absolute terms, underscores the need for vigilance in high-risk categories. The daily crime count of approximately 30 incidents per day highlights the frequency of criminal activity in Bridgend, even as the overall rate remains below the UK average. When viewed through the lens of population, the area’s crime statistics reveal a nuanced picture: while violent crimes remain elevated compared to national benchmarks, other categories such as vehicle crime and burglary are significantly below the UK average, with vehicle crime recording a 46% deficit. This disparity suggests that local factors—such as Bridgend’s infrastructure, policing strategies, or community characteristics—may be exerting a protective effect in certain areas. For residents, these figures offer both reassurance and a reminder that while progress has been made, targeted efforts to address violent crime and public order issues remain critical.