Maesteg Crime Rate

Maesteg currently has an overall crime rate of 99.4 per 1,000 people, which is slightly higher than the UK average of 91.7. Despite this volume of reported incidents, the area maintains a safety score of 78/100, placing it very close to the UK national average safety benchmark of 79/100. Recent data indicates that crime in Maesteg has seen a 5.5% increase year-over-year, suggesting a moderate upward trend in police activity. This settled urban area in Bridgend experiences a mix of typical town-centre offences and residential concerns. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of these statistics, offering insights into the types of crime occurring and practical advice for residents to enhance their personal and property security.

Crime Breakdown in Maesteg

Crime in Maesteg is predominantly driven by violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 658 recorded incidents, representing 35.6% of all local crime. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.6% and shoplifting at 12.7%. When examining property-related crime—which encompasses burglary, robbery, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft—the area recorded a rate of 32.6 per 1,000 people. This figure is marginally higher than the UK average for property crime, which stands at 32.3 per 1,000.

Within the property crime category, vehicle crime is the most frequent sub-type with 78 incidents, while burglary remains relatively low with 51 recorded cases (2.8% of total crime). For residents, this suggests that while personal safety and public order are the primary statistical concerns, property protection should not be overlooked. The prevalence of shoplifting also indicates a concentrated level of activity within the town's commercial zones, which can often spill over into residential concerns regarding general security and opportunistic theft.

Crime Trends in Maesteg

The crime rate in Maesteg has experienced a 5.5% increase over the last 12 months. Monthly data from the Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 period shows a fluctuating but generally upward trajectory. The year began with relatively lower rates in December (6.1) and January (7.3), before hitting a significant peak in February 2025 with 10.7 crimes per 1,000 people. Following this peak, the rate remained elevated through the spring and summer months, averaging around 9.0.

A secondary peak occurred in August 2025 at 10.1, before the rate began to stabilise toward the end of the year, finishing at 7.2 in November. This trend suggests that Maesteg experiences seasonal spikes, particularly in late winter and late summer. For residents, this means that while the overall increase is moderate, there are specific times of the year where police activity and reported incidents are noticeably higher, necessitating increased personal and home security awareness during these peak months.

How To Keep Safe in Maesteg

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crime type in Maesteg, making personal awareness and community safety paramount. While these statistics often include incidents that occur behind closed doors, staying safe in public spaces is equally important.

To enhance your personal safety in Maesteg:

• Stay Aware in Nightlife Areas: When walking through the town centre during evening hours, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through isolated alleys or parks.
• Use the 'Buddy System': If you are out late, try to walk with friends or use reputable local taxi services to ensure you get home safely.
• Report Anti-Social Behaviour: With ASB being the second most common issue, reporting incidents to the local neighbourhood policing team helps them allocate resources and patrol high-activity zones more effectively.
• Secure Your Perimeter: To prevent spillover from public order issues into your private space, ensure your home’s boundaries are clearly defined and gates are kept locked.
• Trust Your Instincts: If a situation or person makes you feel uncomfortable in a public setting, move toward a populated, well-lit area such as a shop or petrol station immediately.

Analysis of crime timing in Maesteg reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. Morning and afternoon periods are dominated by 'Other' crimes and theft, likely linked to the town's retail and commercial activity. As the day progresses into the evening, the percentage of 'Other' crimes (which includes public order and criminal damage) rises to 59%, indicating a shift toward social-related incidents. The night-time period between 12am and 6am sees a sharp spike in vehicle crime, which accounts for 39% of all offences during these hours. This suggests that while violent offences may be a primary statistical concern, the physical risk to property—specifically vehicles—is highest under the cover of darkness when streets are less populated. Burglary also remains a consistent threat during the afternoon and night, highlighting the need for round-the-clock vigilance.

When comparing Maesteg to its immediate neighbours, there is a significant range in crime density. Pont Rhyd-y-cyff, located just to the south, enjoys a much lower crime rate of 58.2 per 1,000 people. Similarly, the smaller settlement of Bryn in Neath Port Talbot is notably quieter with a rate of 29.2. To the north, Croeserw experiences a higher crime rate than Maesteg at 109.5 per 1,000, indicating that Maesteg sits in a mid-range position for the immediate valley region. Cymmer reported a crime rate of 0.0, which typically indicates a very low population or specific reporting anomalies. For those moving within the Bridgend local authority, Maesteg offers a central urban experience with crime levels that are typical for a town of its size and regional significance.

With a property crime rate of 32.6 per 1,000 people in Maesteg, protecting your home requires more than just reactive measures. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, often only provide footage of a crime after it has been committed. In an area where vehicle crime and burglary are present, the goal should be prevention rather than just recording.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system is designed to intervene before a crime occurs. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats like loitering or unauthorised vehicle access using DVLA-verified plate recognition. Unlike DIY systems that rely on you checking a notification, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and speakers to destroy the element of surprise. For Maesteg residents, this proactive approach ensures that your home is not just watched, but actively defended, making it an unappealing target for opportunistic criminals who typically decide to strike within 60 seconds of arriving.