Pencoed Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Pencoed’s crime rate in October 2023 stood at 5.3 per 1,000 residents, significantly below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, reflecting a 33.8% deficit. This rate, while lower than the national benchmark, is shaped by the area’s role as a built-up suburb within Bridgend, where proximity to urban centres and the presence of local amenities may influence crime dynamics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 43.4% of all crimes, the most common category, followed by public order offences (18.9%) and criminal damage and arson (15.1%). These figures highlight a persistent focus on violent and disorderly crimes, which may be exacerbated by the area’s high street activity and the transient nature of its population. The seasonal context of October—marked by the clocks going back and the onset of darker evenings—likely plays a role in shaping crime patterns, as reduced visibility and altered routines may impact both criminal and victim behaviour. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Pencoed was 15% below the UK average, a statistic that could be attributed to local policing strategies or demographic factors such as a younger population with lower exposure to violent crime. However, the sharp rise in robbery, drug-related incidents, and 'other crime' categories, which had no reports in the previous month, suggests that seasonal events or unseasonal factors may have introduced new challenges for local authorities. These increases, coupled with the continued prevalence of public order offences, indicate that while Pencoed remains relatively safe compared to the UK average, specific areas of concern require targeted interventions. The interplay between seasonal rhythms and the built-up nature of the area will likely continue to shape crime trends in the coming months, necessitating a nuanced approach to community safety and crime prevention.

The most striking month-on-month change in October 2023 was the 100% increase in reported robberies, drug-related incidents, and 'other crime' categories, all of which had zero reports in the previous month. This sharp rise suggests a sudden shift in criminal activity, potentially linked to seasonal factors such as Halloween events or increased foot traffic during the month. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 71.4%, shoplifting by 66.7%, and theft from the person by the same proportion, indicating a possible reduction in opportunistic crimes during darker evenings. Public order offences in Pencoed were 69% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect the area’s built-up character and the proximity of its high streets to Bridgend’s town centre, where similar patterns are often observed. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Pencoed (2.3 per 1,000) was 15% below the UK average, suggesting that local community efforts or demographic factors may contribute to this lower rate. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic during October’s seasonal events, as the 100% rise in robbery and drug-related crimes indicates a need for heightened awareness.

Pencoed’s crime rate in October 2023 fell to 5.3 per 1,000 residents, a 20.9% decline from the previous month’s rate of 6.7. This reduction aligns with broader seasonal trends observed in similar built-up areas, where longer evenings and reduced daylight hours may curtail opportunities for petty crimes such as theft from the person or shoplifting. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 2 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while low, reflects Pencoed’s unique demographic profile as a suburban extension of Bridgend. This daily rate is consistent with other small towns in South Wales where community policing and local engagement initiatives have historically contributed to lower crime exposure. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 189 residents, a statistic that contextualizes the area’s safety within its population size. This monthly exposure rate, when compared to the UK average, underscores Pencoed’s relatively lower crime burden, though local factors such as the built-up nature of the area and its proximity to Bridgend’s urban core may influence crime patterns differently than more rural or industrial regions. The decline in crime could be partly explained by the timing of October, which coincides with the end of the school term and the start of the holiday season, reducing foot traffic and associated opportunistic crimes.