Maesteg Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Maesteg's crime profile in January 2026 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property crimes, with violence and sexual offences comprising 38.7% of all recorded incidents. This proportion is higher than the UK average for this category, which stands at 2.5 per 1,000 residents. The dominance of violent crime suggests a dynamic social environment where interpersonal disputes or public safety challenges may play a role. Shoplifting, at 14.7% of total crimes, remains a significant concern, particularly given its 111% deviation from the UK average. This discrepancy could reflect local retail patterns or the presence of high-traffic areas where unattended goods are more vulnerable. Anti-social behaviour, at 12.7% of total crimes, further reinforces the idea of a community grappling with persistent low-level disruptions. Seasonal factors likely contribute to these trends: post-holiday periods often see shifts in consumer behaviour, with reduced footfall in retail areas creating opportunities for theft. The colder weather may also reduce outdoor activity, concentrating crime in indoor spaces or public transport hubs. While the overall crime rate of 8.1 per 1,000 residents is 19.1% above the UK average, the specific mix of crimes points to local characteristics that differ from broader national patterns. This balance between violent and property crimes, coupled with the above-average rates for shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, illustrates an area where community safety initiatives may need targeted approaches to address both immediate incidents and underlying social dynamics.

January 2026 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Burglary and drug-related offences both doubled from December, with four incidents of burglary and two drug-related crimes reported. This increase could be linked to post-holiday patterns, though no direct causal factors are evident. Conversely, robbery rates fell by 50%, dropping from four to two incidents, a decline that may reflect seasonal changes in public activity. Shoplifting remained a standout concern, with 22 incidents reported—111% above the UK average. This is particularly notable given the post-holiday context and reduced retail footfall, suggesting a possible mismatch between security measures and local shopping patterns. Anti-social behaviour also rose sharply, increasing by 58.3% to 19 incidents, which may indicate heightened tensions in public spaces during the colder months. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson decreased by 31.3%, from 16 to 11 incidents, influenced by shorter daylight hours and fewer outdoor gatherings.

Maesteg's crime rate remained stable at 8.1 per 1,000 residents in January 2026, unchanged from the previous month. This consistency suggests no immediate surge or decline in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 5 crimes per day—equivalent to one crime for every 124 residents over the course of the month. While this monthly exposure figure is a local benchmark, it highlights the frequency of incidents within the built-up area. Compared to the UK average, Maesteg's rate remains 19.1% higher, but the lack of change from December 2025 indicates a plateau in the local crime profile. This stability contrasts with some categories, such as shoplifting, which is 111% above the UK average, yet the overall rate has not shifted significantly. The population context further illustrates that while the absolute number of crimes is relatively low, the proportion of violent offences and anti-social behaviour contributes to a distinct local pattern.