Maesteg Crime Rate

Maesteg’s crime profile stands out for its high shoplifting rate, which is 58% above the UK average. While the area’s overall crime rate (98.0 per 1,000) is 7.7% above the national benchmark, it remains a relatively safe place with a safety score of 78/100. The stability of crime trends contrasts with a sharp 57.1% YoY increase in robbery, highlighting a combination of local factors and national patterns.

Maesteg is a built-up area within Bridgend, characterised by a mix of residential, retail, and light industrial zones. Its proximity to Bridgend town centre and a history of retail activity may contribute to higher shoplifting rates. The area's moderate population density and limited rural isolation likely explain its mid-range crime profile, though specific pockets of higher foot traffic and public order issues may elevate certain crime types.

The most surprising finding is that shoplifting in Maesteg is 58% above the UK average (11.8 vs 7.5 per 1,000), a stark contrast to the national trend. This may stem from the area’s retail density and high pedestrian traffic, which create opportunities for opportunistic theft. Criminal damage and arson, 52% above the UK average (10.0 vs 6.6 per 1,000), could be linked to anti-social behaviour and public order issues, which also dominate the crime profile. While violence and sexual offences are 12% above the UK average (35.9 vs 32.1 per 1,000), their stability suggests no immediate spikes in severe crime. Vehicle crime remains 9% below the UK average (4.2 vs 4.6 per 1,000), likely due to lower commuter traffic and fewer parking lots compared to larger urban centres.

Crime in Maesteg has remained stable (2.9% YoY), but robbery has increased sharply by 57.1%, a stark departure from other trends. This surge may reflect isolated incidents or unaddressed social pressures. Meanwhile, public order issues have declined by 18.5% YoY, though they remain 50% above the UK average. Shoplifting, the most notable crime type, has stayed stable (-1.3% YoY), suggesting a balance between retail opportunities and local enforcement efforts.

How To Keep Safe in Maesteg

Residents should focus on preventing opportunistic crimes linked to the area’s elevated shoplifting and property damage rates. Install motion-activated lighting near retail areas and secure sheds or gardens to deter theft. For anti-social behaviour, avoid isolated walks during evening hours when public order issues peak. Use scOS’s AI monitoring to track unusual activity around homes, particularly during late-night hours when vehicle crime spikes.

Crime in Maesteg shows distinct temporal patterns. Theft peaks in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), aligning with retail hours and potential shoplifting activity. Vehicle crime spikes at night (12am-6am), possibly due to unsecured parking in residential areas. Public order issues dominate in the evening (6pm-12am), reflecting late-night social activity and anti-social behaviour. Other crime categories surge at night, suggesting a concentration of low-level opportunistic incidents during hours of reduced visibility and surveillance.

Compared to nearby areas, Maesteg has a significantly higher crime rate: 70% higher than Pont Rhyd-y-cyff and 228% higher than Bryn (Neath Port Talbot). Croeserw, the closest comparable area, has a 5% lower rate. These differences may reflect Bryn’s rural character and Pont Rhyd-y-cyff’s lower population density, both of which typically correlate with reduced crime rates.

For Maesteg households, scOS offers targeted protection against shoplifting and property damage, the two most pressing concerns. Its AI-driven perimeter monitoring detects suspicious activity at retail zones and residential boundaries, while DVLA vehicle registration checks flag potential threats near parked cars. By learning behavioural patterns, scOS minimises false alarms, ensuring timely responses to the area’s 58% above-average shoplifting rate and 52% above-average criminal damage incidents.