Pencoed Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Pencoed, a Built-Up Area within Bridgend, reveal a crime rate of 57.0 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a generally safer environment compared to the national picture. The area boasts a safety score of 86 out of 100, further reinforcing this positive assessment. However, understanding the nuances of the data, including the breakdown of crime types and recent trends, is crucial for maintaining this level of safety and providing informed guidance to residents. Recent data from January 2025 to December 2025 shows a decreasing trend in crime.

The crime landscape of Pencoed is shaped by a combination of factors. As a largely residential area with a significant proportion of families and a close-knit community, there's a general sense of safety. However, the proximity to Bridgend, a larger town with more commercial activity, can influence crime patterns. The presence of a university campus within Pencoed also contributes to the demographic mix and associated activities. The area's relatively low population density, while fostering a sense of community, can also mean fewer potential witnesses and a greater reliance on preventative measures. Understanding these elements is key to interpreting the crime statistics and developing targeted safety strategies.

Crime rates in Pencoed have shown a positive decrease of -13.7% year-on-year. This reduction is reflected in the monthly data, which demonstrates a fluctuating but generally downward trend. While January 2025 recorded a monthly rate of 5.1 per 1,000, this figure decreased to 3.4 per 1,000 by December 2025. Significant dips were observed in April (3.6 per 1,000) and August (3.7 per 1,000), while October saw a slight increase (6.4 per 1,000). This overall decrease suggests the effectiveness of ongoing crime prevention initiatives and a positive trend towards improved safety within the community.

How To Keep Safe in Pencoed

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, being aware of your surroundings, especially during evening hours, is paramount. Consider walking with a friend or using well-lit routes. Due to concerns around antisocial behaviour, reporting incidents to the authorities promptly can help deter further occurrences. With criminal damage and arson being a notable concern, secure your property and belongings to minimise vulnerability. Finally, be vigilant about vehicle security – ensuring vehicles are locked and valuables are out of sight can help prevent vehicle crime.

Criminal activity in Pencoed displays a distinct pattern throughout the day. Burglary attempts are slightly more frequent during the afternoon hours (12pm - 6pm). Theft is heavily influenced by commercial hours, peaking in the afternoon. Vehicle crime exhibits a concerning trend, with a higher incidence during the overnight period (12am - 6am), likely due to reduced visibility and activity. Evening hours (6pm - 12am) also see an uptick in vehicle crime, potentially linked to increased foot traffic and opportunities for opportunistic theft. This underscores the need for enhanced security measures during these vulnerable times.

Compared to neighbouring areas, Pencoed's crime rate presents a varied picture. Llanharry demonstrates a lower rate at 28.4 per 1,000, suggesting a potentially safer environment. However, Bridgend itself, a larger urban centre, experiences a significantly higher rate of 95.3 per 1,000, reflecting the increased crime often associated with larger populations and greater commercial activity. Heol-y-Cyw has a rate of 0.0 per 1,000, demonstrating a significantly lower crime rate. These comparisons highlight Pencoed’s position as a relatively safe area within the wider Bridgend landscape.

Traditional CCTV offers a reactive perspective – recording crime after it has occurred. However, the right security system should be proactive, preventing incidents before they happen. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, takes a fundamentally different approach. By analysing data at your property boundary, scOS detects potential threats in real-time, preventing burglaries before they occur. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all angles simultaneously, while DVLA vehicle verification identifies suspicious vehicles. Pattern learning recognises your family and deliveries, minimising false alarms. The 60-second decision point for many burglars is often the difference between a successful break-in and moving on. The visible deterrence of a professional system like scOS, with its autonomous response – lights activating, speakers engaging – can be enough to make them reconsider. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actually safeguarding your property proactively is another.