Porthcawl Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For an area with 16,260 residents, Porthcawl’s 121 reported crimes in November 2025 equate to one crime for every 134 people over the course of the month. This totals 7.4 crimes per 1,000 residents, a rate that places the area 1.4% above the UK average of 7.3 per 1,000. The data highlights a shift in the crime profile, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 37.2% of all incidents, followed by shoplifting at 21.5% and anti-social behaviour at 10.7%. This distribution suggests a combination of local demographics and seasonal factors, such as the timing of Bonfire Night and the darker evenings typical of November, which may exacerbate anti-social behaviour and public order offences. The town’s coastal location and mix of residential and commercial zones likely contribute to the higher incidence of shoplifting, which is 154% above the UK average. However, the rate of violent crime—2.8 per 1,000 residents—remains 9% above the UK average, indicating a localized challenge in managing such incidents. The presence of a significant retail presence in the built-up area likely drives shoplifting, while the increased darkness and social gatherings during Bonfire Night may exacerbate anti-social behaviour. These factors, combined with the area’s population density and the mix of housing types, suggest that crime prevention efforts need to be tailored to specific local conditions. The overall rate, though slightly above the national average, remains within a narrow margin, suggesting that Porthcawl’s crime profile is not drastically different from the broader UK context but requires targeted interventions based on its unique characteristics. The seasonal context of November, with its associated events and environmental conditions, further complicates the picture, as similar patterns may emerge in subsequent months if underlying factors remain unaddressed.

November 2025 saw a 200% increase in criminal damage and arson cases, rising from 4 to 12 incidents, a sharp contrast to the previous month’s figures. This surge, coupled with a 175% jump in public order offences, highlights the impact of seasonal events such as Bonfire Night, which may have contributed to heightened tensions during darker evenings. Shoplifting remained a persistent issue, with 26 cases reported—154% above the UK average for this category, underscoring the influence of the town’s retail presence. Conversely, drug-related crimes fell sharply by 75%, from 4 to 1, a decline that may reflect targeted enforcement or changes in local drug markets. The balance between property and violent crime also shifted: while property crimes (48) remained slightly higher than violent crimes (45), the latter’s rate (2.8 per 1,000) was 9% above the UK average, indicating a localized challenge in managing violent incidents. Residents may find the 22.2% monthly increase in overall crime rates particularly concerning, though the breakdown shows that not all categories followed this trend. The drop in vehicle crime by 50% and the decrease in other theft by 33.3% suggest that certain areas or sectors may be experiencing improved security measures or reduced opportunities for crime.

Porthcawl’s November 2025 crime rate of 7.4 per 1,000 residents represents a 22.2% increase from October’s 6.1 per 1,000, a shift that may be influenced by the seasonal context of darker evenings and the timing of Bonfire Night. This rate translates to approximately 4 crimes reported daily across the built-up area, a figure that, while not uncommon for a coastal town with a mix of residential and commercial zones, reflects a notable uptick compared to the previous month. When scaled to the area’s 16,260 residents, the monthly exposure of one crime for every 134 people highlights the frequency of incidents within a relatively small population. This statistic underscores the need for community-focused policing strategies, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or during periods of increased social activity. The comparison to the UK average of 7.3 per 1,000 residents is minimal, with Porthcawl’s rate just 1.4% higher. However, the localized nature of certain crime types—such as shoplifting and public order offences—suggests that local factors, including the town’s retail presence and seasonal events, may play a larger role than national trends. The daily crime figure, while seemingly low, could indicate a concentration of incidents in specific areas or times, warranting further spatial analysis to identify hotspots.