Porthcawl Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Porthcawl’s February 2024 crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 residents places it 23.9% below the UK average of 7.1, a disparity that reflects a combination of local factors and broader regional patterns. As a built-up area within Bridgend, Porthcawl’s crime profile is shaped by its mix of residential and commercial spaces, which may influence the distribution of crime types. The most frequently reported crimes were violence and sexual offences (28 incidents, 32.2% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (18 incidents, 20.7%) and shoplifting (12 incidents, 13.8%). This mix highlights the dual pressures of public safety and community cohesion, with violence and anti-social behaviour likely influenced by local social dynamics. Seasonal context also plays a role, as February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—may contribute to a pre-spring lull in certain crime categories, such as vehicle crime, which fell sharply by 75% compared to January. However, anti-social behaviour saw a marked 125% increase, linked to indoor gatherings or other winter-specific factors. The UK comparison is particularly striking for violence and sexual offences, which are 32% below the national average, suggesting that Porthcawl may have effective policing strategies or community initiatives that reduce violent crime. Conversely, shoplifting remains a challenge, with rates 30% above the UK average, due to the area’s retail presence or the impact of seasonal shopping patterns. These findings illustrate a nuanced picture of Porthcawl’s crime profile, where some categories align closely with national trends while others deviate significantly, reflecting the area’s unique social and economic context.

February 2024 saw a sharp 125% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from 8 to 18 incidents. This surge, while significant, contrasts with a 75% decrease in vehicle crime, which fell from four to one incident. The shift in crime mix also reveals a notable trend: property-related crimes (32.2% of total) remained the second most common category, but violent crimes (32.2%) accounted for the largest share, a balance that differs from the UK average where violence and sexual offences make up a smaller proportion. Shoplifting, which dropped by 55.6% from 27 to 12 incidents, is still 30% above the UK average, highlighting a persistent challenge in retail areas. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson fell 44% below the UK average, suggesting that Porthcawl’s community may have stronger preventative measures or lower exposure to such crimes. These fluctuations may be influenced by seasonal factors, such as reduced outdoor activity in February, which could reduce opportunities for certain types of crime while increasing indoor-related incidents like anti-social behaviour.

Porthcawl’s February 2024 crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 residents marks a 9.3% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.9, reflecting a continued trend of stability in local crime statistics. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of three crimes per day during February, a figure that, while consistent with the area’s historical patterns, remains lower than the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 187 residents, a ratio that underscores the relatively low exposure to crime compared to national standards. This monthly exposure figure, when contextualised against Porthcawl’s population of 16,260, suggests that the majority of residents are not directly affected by crime on a regular basis. The stability in crime rates may partly explain this, as well as the area’s geographical and social characteristics, which could include a mix of residential and commercial zones that contribute to a balanced distribution of crime types. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, the data illustrates that Porthcawl’s crime profile is not only below the UK average but also maintains a consistent rhythm that aligns with its seasonal and community dynamics.