Porthcawl Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Porthcawl’s crime profile in May 2023, accounting for 34.9% of all reported crimes—nearly a third of the total. This category, which recorded 37 incidents, remained 17% below the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000 residents, a consistent trend that may reflect the area’s relatively stable community dynamics. Anti-social behaviour followed closely with 18.9% of total crimes, while other theft and public order offences each accounted for 10.4%. The seasonal context of May—marked by longer evenings, bank holidays, and increased outdoor socialising—likely contributed to the higher prevalence of violence and public order incidents. This aligns with patterns observed in coastal towns where late-night activity and transient populations can amplify such crimes. Despite these spikes, Porthcawl’s overall crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents remained 18.8% below the UK average, underscoring the area’s comparative safety. The breakdown also highlights the role of local factors: for instance, shoplifting (8.5% of crimes) and other theft (10.4%) exceeded UK averages, possibly linked to the town’s retail presence. Conversely, vehicle crime and criminal damage fell significantly below national rates, suggesting effective policing or community engagement in those areas. These patterns illustrate a nuanced crime picture shaped by both seasonal rhythms and the built-up character of Porthcawl within Bridgend’s broader region.

May 2023 saw sharp increases in two categories: other theft rose by 175% (from 4 to 11 incidents), and public order offences surged by 120% (from 5 to 11). These spikes contrast with a 70% drop in vehicle crime, which fell from 10 to 3 incidents. The shift in crime mix also reveals notable UK comparisons: while violence and sexual offences remained 17% below the UK average, other theft exceeded the national rate by 19%. This divergence suggests localized pressures, such as increased retail activity or seasonal socialising during May’s extended evenings. Residents may find the 12.8% month-on-month rise in overall crime rate particularly relevant, though the area still maintains an 18.8% gap below the UK average. The decrease in vehicle crime may reflect improved parking security measures or reduced commuter traffic during the month.

Porthcawl’s crime rate in May 2023 rose to 6.5 per 1,000 residents, marking a 12.8% increase from the previous month’s 5.8 per 1,000. This upward shift, though modest, reflects localized fluctuations in reported incidents. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 3 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that translates to roughly one reported crime for every 153 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate situates Porthcawl within a broader context of population-scaled crime patterns, where the density of incidents remains lower than the UK average. The town’s built-up character within Bridgend, a coastal area with seasonal tourism rhythms, likely influences these figures, though the absence of major tourist influx in May may temper some expectations. The comparison to the UK average highlights Porthcawl’s relatively safer profile, with 18.8% fewer crimes per 1,000 residents than the national benchmark, suggesting a combination of local policing strategies and community factors that contribute to its lower overall crime rate.