Porthcawl Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In October 2024, Porthcawl’s crime rate stood at 7.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 9.9% below the UK average of 8.1. This figure translates to a tangible risk for residents: over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 138 people. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 39.8% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (13.6%) and public order offences (12.7%). These patterns may reflect the area’s built-up nature, where high-density living and proximity to coastal tourist areas could contribute to higher rates of public disorder and interpersonal conflict. Seasonal factors in October—such as darker evenings, the transition to British Summer Time’s end, and Halloween—may also have influenced crime trends, particularly for offences like violence and public order disturbances, which often rise during periods of reduced visibility and increased social activity. Porthcawl’s public order offences were 61% above the UK average, a disparity that could be attributed to the area’s role as a hub for transient populations or its reliance on public spaces for community events. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates were 72% below the UK average, due to the area’s retail profile or local initiatives targeting theft in commercial zones. These figures illustrate how a relatively low overall crime rate can coexist with significant variations in specific offence types, shaped by both local geography and seasonal rhythms.

October saw dramatic shifts in crime patterns, with vehicle crime rising 300% (1 to 4 incidents) and other theft increasing 200% (3 to 9). These jumps may reflect seasonal factors, such as increased vehicle use during darker evenings or heightened focus on car-related crimes during Halloween. Conversely, shoplifting plummeted 78.6% (14 to 3), potentially due to reduced foot traffic during October’s shorter days or targeted interventions. Violence and sexual offences, the most common category (39.8% of total crimes), fell slightly by 7.8%, a trend that may align with Halloween-related activity patterns or temporary reductions in public gatherings. Porthcawl’s public order offences were 61% above the UK average, a figure that could be linked to the area’s built-up character and the pressures of managing public spaces during peak tourist or event periods.

Porthcawl’s crime rate in October 2024 rose 10.3% compared to September’s 6.6 per 1,000, reflecting a shift in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly four crimes per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 138 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure, while lower than the UK average in some categories, highlights the importance of localized patterns. For instance, public order offences were 61% above the UK average, a disparity that may reflect Porthcawl’s proximity to coastal tourist areas or its built-up environment, where public spaces see higher foot traffic. Conversely, shoplifting rates were 72% below the UK average, potentially linked to the area’s retail mix or community policing efforts. These figures illustrate how a relatively low overall crime rate can mask significant variations in specific offence types, underscoring the need for nuanced analysis rather than broad generalizations.