Maesteg Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 in Maesteg, a built-up area within Bridgend, saw a crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 1.6% above the UK average of 6.4. This slight elevation, while modest, highlights the area’s position relative to national trends. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 45% of all reported incidents, followed by criminal damage and arson (11.7%) and anti-social behaviour (10%). These figures suggest a concentration of violent crime, which may be influenced by local demographics or social dynamics. The seasonal context of February—characterised by colder weather and reduced outdoor activity—likely played a role in shaping these patterns, with some crimes, such as shoplifting, declining sharply during the month. However, the persistent above-average rate of violent crime indicates a need for ongoing monitoring and community-focused strategies. While the overall rate was lower than the previous month’s 8.1, the combination of seasonal factors and local conditions means that the area’s crime profile remains a combination of environmental, social, and economic influences. The data also reveals that anti-social behaviour and public order offences were below the UK average, possibly reflecting effective local policing or community engagement initiatives.

February 2026 marked a significant shift in crime patterns, with shoplifting falling by 54.5% from 22 incidents in January to 10. This sharp decline may reflect seasonal factors, such as reduced retail activity during winter or heightened awareness among businesses. Conversely, criminal damage and arson rose by 27.3%, increasing from 11 to 14 incidents—a trend that could be linked to colder weather or specific local events. Violent crimes, which accounted for 45% of all incidents, remained higher than the UK average, with a rate of 2.9 per 1,000 compared to the national average of 2.3. This disparity underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas where violence is concentrated. A resident might find the 54.5% drop in shoplifting particularly relevant, as it suggests a potential reduction in pressure on local retailers during a traditionally slow season.

February 2026 saw a 20.0% reduction in Maesteg’s crime rate compared to January 2026, dropping from 8.1 to 6.5 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with typical winter patterns, where reduced outdoor activity and colder weather may limit opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 4 reported crimes per day over the 28-day period, reflecting a consistent but manageable level of activity. When scaled to the local population, this translates to one crime occurring for every 155 residents over the course of the month—a figure that contextualises the impact of crime on daily life. The population context further highlights that, despite the 1.6% increase over the UK average, the absolute number of crimes remains relatively low in proportion to Maesteg’s size. This suggests that local factors, such as community engagement or policing strategies, may be contributing to the downward trend, though further analysis would be required to confirm this.