Porthcawl Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Porthcawl's August 2023 crime rate of 7.2 per 1,000 residents placed the area 11.1% below the UK average, a consistent trend that reflects broader safety improvements. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (46 incidents, 39.3% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (17 incidents) and other theft (12 incidents). This distribution aligns with Porthcawl's character as a coastal town with a mix of residential and commercial areas, where retail presence and transient populations may contribute to theft-related incidents. The seasonal context of August—peak holiday month—likely influenced crime patterns, with empty homes potentially increasing burglary risks. However, the area's overall safety remains a notable strength, as evidenced by its lower-than-average rates for burglary (71% below UK average) and vehicle crime (39% below UK average). These figures suggest effective community policing or environmental factors, such as well-lit public spaces, may be deterring certain crimes. The surge in criminal damage and arson, however, may indicate targeted activity or vandalism linked to the summer season. While the rise in violence and sexual offences (6% above UK average) warrants attention, the overall decline in property crimes and the absence of significant spikes in theft from the person or robbery suggest that Porthcawl's crime profile remains relatively stable compared to national trends.

August 2023 saw a dramatic 400% increase in vehicle crime, rising from 1 to 5 incidents. This jump, though alarming, contrasts with a 50% decrease in burglary, which fell from 2 to 1. The category of criminal damage and arson also rose sharply by 120%, reflecting potential seasonal influences linked to August's peak holiday season. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remained 24% below the UK average, suggesting ongoing community efforts in this area. Theft from the person, though only 1 incident, represented a 100% increase from July's zero. These shifts highlight a combination of seasonal factors—such as increased tourism and empty homes—and localized crime patterns. Vehicle crime's surge may be tied to increased traffic or unsecured vehicles during the holiday period, though further data would be needed to confirm this connection.

Porthcawl's crime rate in August 2023 (7.2 per 1,000 residents) marked a 28.6% increase compared to July's 5.6 per 1,000. While this rise may reflect seasonal fluctuations, the area remains 11.1% below the UK average. On a daily basis, 4 crimes were reported per day in August, a figure that translates to a monthly exposure of 1 crime for every 139 residents. This rate, though higher than July, is still lower than the UK average when considering the population context. The shift in crime mix—particularly the surge in vehicle crime and criminal damage—suggests localized factors may have influenced activity. However, the significant drop in burglary and drugs-related crimes indicates some areas of improvement. For residents, the 4-per-day average offers a tangible benchmark for understanding local crime frequency, though it remains a snapshot of a month rather than a long-term trend.