Pencoed Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Pencoed's crime profile in January 2025 reveals a striking outlier: criminal damage and arson, which rose to 0.8 per 1,000 residents — 57% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This contrasts with the overall crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000, which is 28.2% below the UK average of 7.1. The area’s most common crime type was violence and sexual offences (21 incidents, 41.2% of total), with a rate of 2.1 per 1,000, 16% below the UK average for this category. The seasonal context of January — a post-holiday period with reduced retail footfall and shorter days — likely contributes to the lower overall rate, as outdoor crimes typically decline during this time. Anti-social behaviour (6 incidents, 0.6 per 1,000) and public order offences (4 incidents, 0.4 per 1,000) also remained below UK averages, suggesting a generally stable environment. However, the spike in criminal damage and arson raises questions about potential local factors, such as unoccupied properties or increased vandalism during colder months. The area’s built-up nature within Bridgend may influence this trend, with public spaces or infrastructure vulnerable to targeted damage.

Month-on-month, criminal damage and arson saw the most significant increase, rising 33.3% from 6 to 8 incidents. This surge occurred despite the overall crime rate remaining stable compared to December 2024. Other theft and other crime each rose by 50.0%, from 2 to 3 incidents, indicating a shift in criminal activity toward less specific property-related offences. Conversely, drugs offences fell sharply by 66.7%, from 3 to 1, potentially reflecting seasonal patterns or reduced illicit activity during January. Public order offences also declined by 20.0%, from 5 to 4, though this remains a relatively low category compared to the UK average. The crime mix shifted slightly, with violent crimes (21 incidents) comprising 41.2% of total crimes — a higher proportion than property crimes (16 incidents, 31.4%). This suggests a focus on interpersonal conflicts rather than theft or burglary. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Pencoed is 16% below the UK average, highlighting a relative safety in this category despite the overall area’s lower crime rate.

Pencoed’s crime rate in January 2025 (5.1 per 1,000) was 3.8% lower than December 2024’s rate of 5.3, reflecting a small but consistent decline. On a daily basis, this equates to roughly 2 crimes per day across the area, a figure that provides context for residents assessing local safety. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 196 residents — a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average, which would be higher given Pencoed’s overall rate is 28.2% below the national figure. The population-scaled perspective underscores that Pencoed’s crime burden is lighter than the UK average, though specific categories like criminal damage and arson remain elevated. This contrast between the overall rate and individual crime types illustrates the complexity of local crime patterns. For instance, while violent crime is relatively low, the higher rate of property damage suggests targeted issues that may require localized interventions. The 1-in-196 resident figure, when considered alongside the daily crime count, illustrates a community where crime is infrequent but not entirely absent, with certain types of offences standing out.