Porthcawl Crime Rate

Porthcawl is a coastal town with an overall crime rate of 76.8 per 1,000 people, which is notably lower than the UK average of 91.7. This positive statistical standing is reflected in its safety score of 82/100, which surpasses the UK average safety score of 79/100. Over the last 12 months, the crime trend in Porthcawl has remained stable, with a slight decrease of 3.8% in recorded offences. This suggests a consistent and relatively secure environment for its 16,260 residents. While the area is popular with tourists, which can sometimes influence crime patterns, the data shows that Porthcawl remains a safe residential and commercial hub within the Bridgend local authority. The following sections provide a deeper analysis of specific crime types and timing to help residents stay informed.

Crime Breakdown in Porthcawl

Porthcawl's crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 39.3% of all reported crimes, with 490 incidents recorded. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 15.0%, followed by shoplifting at 10.7%. When looking at property crime as a whole—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and theft—the rate is 22.8 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3, suggesting that Porthcawl is relatively secure against theft-related offences.

Within the property category, shoplifting is the most frequent offence, likely concentrated in the town's commercial and tourist areas. Burglary remains low, accounting for only 2.6% of total crime (33 incidents), and vehicle crime is even lower at 2.0% (25 incidents). The low rates of bicycle theft (0.2%) and robbery (0.2%) further highlight that Porthcawl's security challenges are more social and behavioural in nature rather than being driven by organised property crime. For homeowners, this data indicates a lower-than-average risk of break-ins, though the prevalence of anti-social behaviour remains a factor in local neighbourhood quality of life.

Crime Trends in Porthcawl

The crime trend in Porthcawl is currently classified as stable, with a 3.8% year-over-year decrease in total offences. Examining the monthly data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 reveals a relatively consistent pattern with some seasonal variations. The year began with low rates in December (5.2) and January (4.9), before rising slightly as spring approached.

A peak was observed in May 2025 with 8.1 crimes per 1,000 people, which coincided with the start of the busier tourism season. Rates remained moderately high through the summer, before another peak in September (7.2) and a final rise to 7.4 in November. This suggests that while the overall trend is slightly downward, Porthcawl does experience increased activity during the late spring and autumn months. For residents, this stability is a positive indicator of the area's long-term safety, though awareness during the busier months remains advisable.

How To Keep Safe in Porthcawl

Violence and sexual offences are the primary crime concern in Porthcawl, accounting for nearly 40% of all reported incidents. In a busy coastal town, maintaining personal safety, especially during peak visitor periods, is a priority for residents.

To stay safe in Porthcawl:

• Exercise Caution in Crowded Areas: During the summer months and at local events, stay aware of your surroundings in busy areas like the seafront and town centre to avoid becoming a target for opportunistic crime.
• Plan Your Travel: If you are enjoying the town's nightlife, ensure you have a pre-booked taxi or a designated driver. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or isolated areas late at night.
• Manage Anti-Social Behaviour: Report any persistent anti-social behaviour to the local authorities. Engaging with neighbourhood watch schemes can also help build a stronger, more resilient community.
• Secure Your Home During Tourist Season: With higher footfall in the town, ensure that your home security is active, and windows/doors are locked, even when you are just in the garden.
• Keep Valuables Hidden: In public spaces, keep your phone and wallet secure. Opportunistic theft often occurs when items are left unattended or clearly visible.

Crime in Porthcawl follows a distinct temporal pattern influenced by its retail and social layout. During the morning and afternoon, theft and shoplifting are the most prominent offences, accounting for approximately half of all recorded incidents (49% in the morning and 51% in the afternoon). This suggests a strong correlation with the town's commercial hours. As the day transitions into the evening, the focus shifts toward 'Other' crimes, which includes anti-social behaviour and public order offences, rising to 56% of the total. Night-time (12am-6am) presents a different risk profile; while overall volume is lower, burglary (18%) and vehicle crime (25%) reach their highest proportional peaks. This data indicates that while social issues are a daytime and evening concern, property protection becomes more critical during the late-night hours.

In the local context, Porthcawl compares very favourably to nearby areas. It has a lower crime rate (76.8) than Pyle (80.6) and is significantly more active than the smaller, more rural Ogmore-by-Sea (47.4). Nearby South Cornelly and Merthyr Mawr recorded zero crimes, which is typical for very small settlements with minimal commercial activity. Porthcawl offers a balanced urban profile, being safer than many regional towns while providing the amenities of a larger settlement. For those looking for a coastal location in Bridgend, Porthcawl presents a statistically safer environment than many comparable urban centres in South Wales.

Despite Porthcawl's lower-than-average property crime rate of 22.8 per 1,000 people, maintaining high security standards is essential for long-term peace of mind. Traditional security measures, like basic CCTV, are often reactive—recording a crime only after someone has entered your property. In a coastal town like Porthcawl, where properties may be left unattended during the day or during off-peak seasons, a proactive approach is far more effective.

The scOS AI-powered home security system offers a professional-grade alternative to standard DIY cameras. It uses multi-camera intelligence to watch your entire property simultaneously, identifying threats at the boundary before a break-in can occur. With features like autonomous light and sound activation, scOS destroys the element of surprise for would-be intruders. It also includes DVLA vehicle verification to instantly flag unrecognised cars. By focusing on prevention rather than just recording, scOS ensures that Porthcawl homeowners are protected by a system that intervenes in real-time, making it significantly more difficult for opportunistic crime to take hold.