Pencoed Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Pencoed’s crime profile in November 2023, accounting for 58.5% of all reported crimes. With 31 incidents recorded, this category far outpaces other types such as anti-social behaviour (7 cases) and public order offences (5 cases). The area’s overall crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents places it 29.3% below the UK average of 7.5, a gap that underscores the effectiveness of local policing or community initiatives. The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night, Black Friday shopping, and prolonged darkness—may partly explain the rise in violent crimes. Pencoed, as a built-up area within Bridgend, likely experiences unique dynamics that influence its crime profile. While the town’s proximity to industrial zones and retail hubs could contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour, the absence of major tourist attractions or student populations may help explain the relatively low levels of theft from the person and shoplifting. The area’s performance in categories like vehicle crime (60% below UK average) and criminal damage (83% below UK average) suggests that targeted interventions or environmental factors are mitigating certain types of crime. These patterns highlight the need for a nuanced understanding of local conditions, where geographic and demographic characteristics interact with seasonal rhythms to shape the crime picture.

November saw a notable 34.8% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 23 to 31 cases. This surge, which places the category 20% above the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, may partly explain the area’s overall crime profile. Anti-social behaviour also rose sharply by 75%, with incidents increasing from 4 to 7. This uptick could be linked to the festive season, with Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping contributing to heightened tensions. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 87.5%, dropping from 8 to 1 cases—a significant decrease that may reflect seasonal changes in outdoor activity or improved community engagement. Meanwhile, shoplifting and vehicle crime both remained 60-64% below UK averages, suggesting that local retail and transport environments are relatively secure despite the rise in other categories.

Pencoed's crime rate in November 2023 remained stable at 5.3 per 1,000 residents, matching the rate recorded in the previous month. This consistency suggests no significant shift in overall criminal activity over the past two months. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the low but persistent nature of local crime. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 189 residents, a statistic that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the community. The population context is particularly relevant here, as Pencoed’s relatively small size means that even a modest number of crimes can have a noticeable impact on the local community. This comparison highlights that while Pencoed is performing better than the UK average, the scale of the area’s population ensures that crime remains a focal point for local authorities and residents alike.