Bedwas Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

November 2023 marked a concerning rise in violent and property-related crimes across Bedwas, a built-up area within Caerphilly. The overall crime rate of 7.7 per 1,000 residents placed the area 2.7% above the UK average, reflecting a trend that requires heightened vigilance. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 42.3% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson at 19.2% each. This shift in crime profile contrasts with the previous month’s focus on public order offences, suggesting a seasonal transition as Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping activities likely contributed to the uptick in property and violent crimes. The month’s long evenings and increased foot traffic in retail areas may have created conditions conducive to both anti-social behaviour and targeted offences. The rate of violent crimes (3.3 per 1,000) was 27% higher than the UK average, a disparity that could be linked to the area’s proximity to major transport routes and its role as a commuter hub. Meanwhile, shoplifting and burglary rates fell below UK averages, indicating that certain sectors—such as local retail outlets—may have implemented effective security measures. The seasonal context of November, with its heightened community events and commercial activity, likely played a role in shaping this month’s crime patterns. Residents are advised to remain cautious in public spaces and report suspicious activity promptly.

November 2023 saw alarming surges in several crime categories, with vehicle crime, criminal damage and arson, and 'other crime' all doubling compared to October. Vehicle crime, in particular, rose from zero to four incidents, a 100% increase that may be linked to the area’s car parks and transport infrastructure. Criminal damage and arson, which jumped from five to ten cases, was 154% above the UK average, suggesting targeted vandalism during the month’s darker evenings. These spikes contrast with significant declines in public order offences (down 87.5%) and burglary (down 66.7%), which may reflect seasonal shifts in activity or improved policing efforts. The violence and sexual offences category, at 22 incidents, remained 27% above the UK average, a persistent concern that could be tied to the area’s commuter demographics and late-night public transport usage. While shoplifting and burglary rates fell below UK averages, the absence of a clear pattern in these declines suggests that localized factors—such as increased security in retail zones or reduced opportunities for burglary—may be at play. Residents should be particularly vigilant in areas with high foot traffic and during events like Bonfire Night, where alcohol consumption and crowd density can amplify risk.

The crime rate in November 2023 (7.7 per 1,000) was marginally lower than October’s 8.0 per 1,000, reflecting a 3.6% monthly decrease. However, this slight improvement does not mitigate the area’s position above the UK average. On a daily basis, Bedwas experienced approximately two crimes per day in November, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 130 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate, while not extreme, underscores the need for consistent community engagement and policing. When compared to the UK’s broader context, Bedwas’ elevated rates in violence (27% above average) and anti-social behaviour (43% above) highlight systemic challenges that may be exacerbated by the area’s role as a commuter hub and its proximity to larger urban centres. The population of 6,763 means that each resident faces a higher likelihood of encountering crime than the national average, particularly in categories like criminal damage and arson. While burglary and shoplifting rates were lower than UK averages, this does not indicate a safer environment—rather, it suggests that certain crime types are being effectively mitigated through local initiatives. Residents should consider these comparative metrics when assessing personal risk and advocating for targeted interventions in high-risk areas.