Porthcawl Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Porthcawl during October 2023, 7.3 crimes were reported — a figure 8.8% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This rate, while modest, translates to a tangible risk profile that residents can contextualise in their daily lives. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (55 cases, 46.6% of total incidents), followed by shoplifting (16 cases, 13.6%) and public order offences (14 cases, 11.9%). These figures suggest a crime profile heavily influenced by interpersonal dynamics and retail environments, both of which are amplified in Porthcawl’s built-up area. The high incidence of violent crime — 26% above the UK average — may be linked to the town’s mix of residential and commercial spaces, where public areas are used for both leisure and commerce. Conversely, the significant drop in anti-social behaviour (56.3% decrease) could reflect the impact of local events or seasonal closures, such as those during October half-term. Shoplifting rates, 72% above the UK average, align with the timing of Halloween, a period known to drive retail crime in coastal towns. These patterns are further shaped by Porthcawl’s coastal location, which attracts both permanent residents and transient visitors, creating a combination of local and external factors. The relatively low rates of burglary (0.4 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000) suggest that property crimes are not a major concern, due to the town’s compact layout and community-oriented policing. However, the rise in criminal damage and arson (20% increase) may point to challenges in managing public spaces during periods of reduced visibility, such as those brought on by darker evenings in October. These observations highlight the importance of situational awareness for residents, particularly during times of year when crime patterns are likely to shift due to environmental and social factors.

October 2023 saw a 100% increase in vehicle crime, rising from 1 to 2 incidents — a sharp contrast to the broader decline in other categories. Anti-social behaviour fell by 56.3%, dropping from 16 to 7 cases, a shift that may reflect seasonal changes or targeted local interventions. Violent crimes remained high, with 55 incidents recorded (3.4 per 1,000 residents) — 26% above the UK average. Shoplifting also surged, with 16 cases (1.0 per 1,000) — 72% above the national figure, a trend that could be linked to Halloween-related activity or increased foot traffic in retail areas. These fluctuations highlight the uneven nature of crime patterns, where specific categories can deviate sharply from the overall trend. For instance, anti-social behaviour dropped significantly, influenced by the closure of local venues during the October half-term or community-led initiatives. Meanwhile, the 72% increase in shoplifting compared to the UK average suggests a need for targeted retail security measures during peak shopping periods. The 20% rise in criminal damage and arson, from 5 to 6 incidents, may be tied to the darker evenings and increased alcohol consumption during the autumn months. These variations underscore the importance of contextual analysis when interpreting crime data, as local factors often drive deviations from national trends.

Porthcawl’s October 2023 crime rate of 7.3 per 1,000 residents marks a 21.9% decline from September’s 9.3 rate, reflecting a sustained reduction in local crime activity. This shift translates to approximately 4 crimes reported each day — a figure that, while modest, highlights the area’s consistently low daily risk profile. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 138 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the built-up area’s relatively low risk compared to broader UK trends. When scaled to population size, this rate positions Porthcawl as one of the safer urban pockets in Wales, though local factors such as seasonal transitions and community engagement may play a role. The contrast with the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000 further illustrates Porthcawl’s distinct position, suggesting a combination of local policing strategies and demographic characteristics that differentiate it from the national picture. The town’s coastal location, with its mix of residential and commercial zones, may also influence crime patterns, particularly during periods of reduced daylight and heightened seasonal activity. This built-up area’s proximity to Bridgend and its reliance on tourism during peak seasons could contribute to variations in crime types, such as the surge in shoplifting linked to Halloween and the drop in anti-social behaviour during October half-term. These dynamics suggest that Porthcawl’s crime profile is shaped by both its geographical context and the rhythms of local life, with crime trends fluctuating in response to seasonal and economic factors.