Porthcawl Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Porthcawl, based on data from January 2025 to December 2025, indicate a crime rate of 77.8 per 1,000 residents. This is slightly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. While the overall crime rate is comparatively reasonable, understanding the specific types of crime and trends is crucial for assessing safety and implementing preventative measures. The safety score for Porthcawl is 82 out of 100, demonstrating a relatively good level of safety within the area. This page provides a detailed breakdown of crime statistics, potential contributing factors, and practical safety advice to help residents and visitors stay informed and secure.

The most concerning crime types in Porthcawl, based on data from January 2025 to December 2025, are violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38.1% of all recorded crimes. These were followed by anti-social behaviour (14.1%), and shoplifting (11.4%). Overall, property crime in Porthcawl represents a rate of 24.3 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly above the UK average. The prevalence of violence and sexual offences suggests potential concerns around personal safety, while shoplifting indicates challenges related to retail security within the community. Public order offences, criminal damage, and other theft also contribute to the overall crime landscape, demonstrating a need for targeted interventions and community engagement.

Crime in Porthcawl has shown a stable trend, decreasing by 1.9% year-on-year. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveal fluctuations, with a peak in crime rates during March (7.1 per 1,000) and May (8.1 per 1,000). While there are month-to-month variations, the overall downward trend indicates a slight improvement in safety compared to the previous year. However, sustained vigilance and proactive crime prevention measures remain crucial.

How To Keep Safe in Porthcawl

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's essential to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Consider travelling in groups or using well-lit routes. Due to the higher rates of shoplifting, be mindful of your belongings when shopping and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight. Vehicle crime is also a concern; always lock your car and remove valuables when parked. Finally, secure your home with robust locks and consider installing an alarm system, especially given the occurrence of burglaries.

Crime in Porthcawl tends to fluctuate throughout the day and night. Burglaries are most common in the early morning (6am-12am) and late afternoon (12pm-6pm), while theft is concentrated during commercial hours. Vehicle crime sees a significant spike during the overnight hours (12am-6am). Violence and anti-social behaviour often increase in the evening (6pm-12am), particularly during weekends. Understanding these patterns can help residents and visitors make informed decisions about when and where to be most vigilant.

Compared to neighbouring areas, Porthcawl's crime rate is slightly higher than South Cornelly (0.0 per 1,000) and Merthyr Mawr (0.0 per 1,000), but lower than Pyle (83.1 per 1,000). Ogmore-by-Sea (53.0 per 1,000) also has a lower rate, highlighting variations in crime levels across the region. These differences can be influenced by factors such as population density, socioeconomic conditions, and local policing strategies.

Traditional CCTV systems often record incidents after they’ve occurred, providing evidence but failing to prevent the crime itself. Consider a proactive approach to home security. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, works differently. It detects threats at your property boundary, utilising multi-camera intelligence to watch all angles simultaneously, identifying potential risks before they escalate. The DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly flags suspicious vehicles, while pattern learning recognises your family and deliveries, minimising false alarms. This autonomous response, including activating lights and speakers, creates an element of surprise, often deterring potential intruders. The visible presence of scOS signals serious protection, making that crucial 60-second decision for a burglar – they move on.