Porthcawl Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Porthcawl's overall crime rate in January 2024 stood at 5.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 20.3% below the UK average of 7.4. This continued a trend of relatively low crime levels compared to national benchmarks, though the types of crimes recorded reflected local characteristics. Shoplifting was the most prevalent category, accounting for 28.1% of all crimes (27 incidents), significantly exceeding the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences followed closely, with 26 cases reported, a figure 38% below the UK rate. These patterns may be consistent with the area's retail presence, which could drive shoplifting despite the post-holiday period and reduced footfall typically seen in January. The seasonal context of shorter days and fewer outdoor activities also aligns with the lower rates of public order and criminal damage offences compared to the UK average. However, the presence of high-value retail spaces may create opportunities for targeted theft, even in low-traffic months. The overall crime picture illustrates a balance between local economic factors and broader seasonal influences, with the area maintaining a safer profile than the UK average but requiring vigilance in specific sectors.

The month-on-month crime rate in Porthcawl rose by 4.2%, from 5.7 to 5.9 per 1,000 residents in January 2024. This increase was driven by sharp rises in drug-related offences, vehicle crime, and other theft, each doubling from the previous month. Shoplifting remained the most common crime type, with 27 incidents reported—198% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This stark contrast to national rates suggests that local retail environments may be particularly vulnerable, despite reduced footfall in January. Meanwhile, decreases in violence and sexual offences (down 18.8%) and anti-social behaviour (down 11.1%) indicate some short-term success in managing community tensions. The drop in criminal damage and arson by 46.2% may reflect seasonal factors, such as fewer outdoor activities during colder months. These shifts highlight the combination of local conditions and national trends, with Porthcawl's crime profile showing both resilience and areas requiring focused attention.

Porthcawl's crime rate in January 2024 was 5.9 per 1,000 residents, a 4.2% increase from the previous month's rate of 5.7. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly three crimes per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 169 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate underscores the relatively low frequency of crime in Porthcawl compared to the UK average, where the equivalent figure would be significantly higher. The population context further highlights the area's safety: with 16,260 residents, the 96 total crimes recorded represent a manageable burden for local policing and community resources. However, the rise in drug-related offences and vehicle crime suggests that targeted interventions may be necessary to address emerging trends. The contrast between Porthcawl's crime profile and the UK average—particularly in shoplifting and violence—illustrates the unique dynamics of this built-up area, where retail-focused crime may dominate despite broader national patterns.