Porthcawl Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In November 2023, Porthcawl recorded 103 crimes, translating to a rate of 6.3 per 1,000 residents—16% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This figure, equivalent to roughly 6.3 crimes for every 1,000 residents, highlights the area’s relatively low crime exposure compared to larger urban centres. The breakdown of crimes reveals that violence and sexual offences accounted for the largest share at 35.0% (36 incidents), followed by shoplifting (18.5%, 19 incidents) and anti-social behaviour (13.6%, 14 incidents). The seasonal context of November, including darker evenings, the timing of Bonfire Night, and the aftermath of Black Friday shopping, likely influenced the distribution of crimes. For example, the surge in anti-social behaviour may be linked to increased social activity during the latter part of the month, while the drop in violence and sexual offences could reflect targeted policing efforts or community engagement initiatives. Shoplifting, which saw an 118% increase above the UK average, may be partly explained by the town’s retail presence and the timing of major sales events. However, the overall reduction in property crimes—particularly burglary and vehicle crime, both down 50% from October—suggests that local security measures or improved community awareness may be contributing to a broader downward trend. These patterns illustrate how Porthcawl’s crime profile is shaped by both seasonal factors and the town’s unique characteristics, including its coastal location and smaller population size, which may limit opportunities for certain types of crime.

November 2023 saw a stark contrast in crime trends, with anti-social behaviour increasing by 100% compared to October, the most significant rise among all categories. This surge, from seven to 14 incidents, may be linked to seasonal factors such as darker evenings and the timing of Bonfire Night, which often sees increased social gatherings. Conversely, violence and sexual offences fell by 34.5%, dropping from 55 to 36 cases—a decline that could reflect heightened community awareness or effective policing during peak hours. Shoplifting remained a persistent concern, with 19 incidents recorded, placing Porthcawl 118% above the UK average for this category. This discrepancy may be attributed to the area’s retail presence, particularly during Black Friday sales, which could have drawn opportunistic offenders. Meanwhile, vehicle crime and burglary both decreased by 50%, suggesting that local initiatives or improved security measures may have had a measurable impact. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime in Porthcawl, where seasonal and economic factors can rapidly influence reported incidents.

Porthcawl’s November 2023 crime rate of 6.3 per 1,000 residents represents a 12.8% decline from October’s 7.3 per 1,000, a shift that aligns with broader seasonal trends. This reduction is particularly pronounced in property crimes, where burglary and vehicle crime both fell by 50%, suggesting potential impacts from local security measures or increased police presence. The monthly total of 103 crimes equates to roughly three incidents per day, a figure that, while seemingly frequent, places Porthcawl well below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 158 residents, a ratio that underscores the area’s relatively low exposure to criminal activity compared to larger urban centres. This monthly exposure rate, when scaled to Porthcawl’s population of 16,260, highlights the effectiveness of community-based policing strategies and the influence of the town’s coastal geography, which may limit opportunities for certain types of crime. The 16% gap between Porthcawl’s rate and the UK average also reflects the area’s smaller urban footprint and the presence of community initiatives that have likely contributed to sustained reductions in violent and property crimes.