Blackwood Crime Rate

Despite a 47% year-on-year decrease in crime, Blackwood's safety score of 68/100 remains 11 points below the UK average. The area's crime rate of 85.4 per 1,000 residents is 6.4% below the national average, but anti-social behaviour and public order incidents remain notably higher than in surrounding areas. This suggests that while overall crime is falling, specific challenges persist that require targeted community responses.

Blackwood is a built-up area in Caerphilly with a mix of residential and commercial zones. Its moderate population density and proximity to retail hubs likely contribute to higher anti-social behaviour and public order incidents. The area's historical character as a market town may influence social dynamics, while its commuter connections could explain the relatively low burglary rates compared to UK averages.

The most surprising finding is that anti-social behaviour remains 33% above the UK average despite a 45% year-on-year decrease. This suggests persistent social challenges in Blackwood, possibly linked to its market town heritage and transient population. Violence and sexual offences, though 14% below the UK average, still account for 27.8 per 1,000 residents, likely driven by local nightlife and public spaces. Public order crimes, 74% above the UK average, may stem from high foot traffic in retail areas. Notably, shoplifting is 24% below the UK average, indicating effective retail security measures in the area.

Crime in Blackwood has decreased by 47.0% year-on-year, with vehicle crime falling 69.4% due to improved parking security measures. The monthly trend shows a clear seasonal pattern, peaking in May (15.1 per 1,000) and troughing in February (9.8 per 1,000). This aligns with increased outdoor activity during warmer months and reduced foot traffic in winter. Notably, anti-social behaviour has fallen 45% YoY but remains 33% above the UK average, indicating persistent social challenges requiring ongoing community engagement.

How To Keep Safe in Blackwood

Residents should prioritise vigilance in public spaces, especially during afternoon hours when theft peaks. Avoid isolated areas at night, as vehicle crime spikes between midnight and 6am. For families, installing security lighting and using Neighbourhood Watch schemes can help address the 33% above-average anti-social behaviour. Keep valuables out of sight in vehicles and report suspicious activity promptly, given the area's 47% year-on-year crime reduction.

Crime patterns in Blackwood show distinct temporal trends. Theft peaks in the afternoon (42% of incidents between 12-6pm), aligning with retail activity and commuter movements. Vehicle crime spikes at night (22% between midnight-6am), likely due to isolated parking areas. Other crimes dominate overnight hours (55% between midnight-6am), possibly reflecting unmonitored properties. Weekends see a 15-20% increase in evening incidents, correlating with nightlife activity in the area's commercial centres.

Compared to nearby areas, Blackwood's crime rate of 85.4 per 1,000 is 127% higher than Oakdale (37.6 per 1,000), likely due to its more urbanised character. Pontllanfraith, with a rate of 48.2 per 1,000, shows significantly lower crime, possibly reflecting its rural setting. Fleur-de-lis and Pengam's rate of 65.8 per 1,000 is still 30% lower than Blackwood's, indicating regional differences in urban planning and population density.

For Blackwood residents, scOS's proactive boundary detection and DVLA vehicle verification features could address the 64% lower vehicle crime rate by flagging suspicious vehicles. Its behavioural pattern learning helps distinguish legitimate activity from threats, which is particularly useful given the 33% above-average anti-social behaviour. Simultaneous multi-camera monitoring would complement the area's efforts to reduce public order incidents, which are 74% above the UK average.