Bedwas Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2024, Bedwas—a built-up area within Caerphilly—recorded a crime rate of 7.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 2.8% above the UK average of 7.1. This rate translates to one reported crime for roughly every 138 residents over the course of the month, a figure that contextualises risk in terms of daily life in the area. Violence and sexual offences were the most prevalent category, accounting for 44.9% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.3%) and public order offences (10.2%). The seasonal context of December—characterised by Christmas shopping, extended evening darkness, and the temporary absence of some residents during holidays—likely contributed to the elevated rates of violent crime and anti-social behaviour. Conversely, the drop in criminal damage and arson (66.7% decrease from November) may be linked to reduced activity in public spaces during the festive period. While the overall crime rate is slightly above the UK average, the breakdown reveals significant variations across categories: violence and sexual offences were 29% above the UK average, whereas shoplifting and other theft were 30% and 26% below, respectively. These disparities suggest that local factors, such as the presence of retail outlets and community engagement efforts, may influence crime trends differently than national averages. The relatively low rates of vehicle crime (0.4 per 1,000) and shoplifting, combined with the sharp increase in vehicle theft, indicate that while some crime types remain stable, others are susceptible to seasonal shifts. This data highlights the need for targeted interventions that address both the immediate impacts of seasonal fluctuations and the underlying factors that contribute to specific crime types in a small urban setting.

December 2024 marked a stark rise in vehicle crime, which surged by 200% from 1 to 3 incidents—a jump that may reflect increased car usage during holiday travel. Other theft also doubled, with three cases reported, potentially linked to seasonal retail activity. Shoplifting increased by 50%, though it remained 30% below the UK average, suggesting local retail strategies may be effective. Conversely, criminal damage and arson dropped by 66.7%, from six to two incidents, due to holiday closures reducing opportunities for such crimes. Violence and sexual offences, while still the most common category (44.9% of all crimes), decreased by 21.4% compared to November, a shift that could be tied to holiday-related social dynamics. The area's violent crime rate was 29% above the UK average, a disparity that warrants attention given the local context of a built-up area within Caerphilly. These fluctuations highlight the interplay between seasonal factors and specific crime patterns.

December 2024 saw a 14.0% decrease in Bedwas' crime rate compared to November 2024, dropping from 8.4 to 7.3 per 1,000 residents. This reduction, though modest, aligns with seasonal patterns where holiday-related activity may temporarily disrupt crime trends. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while low, reflects the concentrated nature of reported incidents. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for roughly every 138 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises risk in terms of population density. This rate, though slightly above the UK average, is not significantly higher when considering Bedwas' small population of 6,763. The shift from November to December highlights how transient factors—such as reduced foot traffic during holidays—can influence crime dynamics, even as other categories like vehicle crime spike. This contrast between overall trends and specific crime type fluctuations underscores the complexity of local crime profiles.