Blackwood Crime Rate

Blackwood is an urban settlement within Caerphilly that currently reports an overall crime rate of 100.8 per 1,000 residents. This figure is slightly higher than the UK average of 91.6, resulting in a safety score of 67/100. However, the town is experiencing a very positive trend, with total crime decreasing by 35.8% year-over-year. While the headline rate is elevated, much of this is driven by anti-social behaviour and public order issues rather than serious property crime. In fact, Blackwood's property crime rate of 27.2 is significantly lower than the national average of 32.2. This data suggests that for residents, the primary concerns are public-facing disturbances, while the risk to homes and vehicles remains relatively low compared to other UK urban areas.

In Blackwood, the safety landscape is primarily shaped by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 32.6% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 32.8 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is also a significant factor, accounting for 23.4% of incidents, while public order offences make up 12.3%. These three categories represent the most frequent interactions between the public and local law enforcement.

Property crime in Blackwood, which encompasses burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences, stands at a rate of 27.2 per 1,000 people. This is lower than the UK average of 32.2, which is a positive sign for local property owners. Shoplifting is the most common property-related crime at 7.5%, while burglary and vehicle crime are relatively rare, each accounting for just 1.9% of total activity. For residents, this data suggests that while the risk of home invasion is low, there is a higher prevalence of opportunistic theft in commercial areas and general anti-social conduct. Homeowners should focus on deterring nuisance crimes and ensuring that outbuildings and vehicles are properly secured to mitigate the risk of these less frequent but still impactful property offences.

Blackwood is currently seeing a very positive shift in its safety profile, with total crime decreasing by 35.8% year-over-year. This is a significant reduction that outpaces many other areas in the region. The monthly data for 2025 highlights this downward trajectory, with the crime rate per 1,000 residents starting at 15.5 in January and generally declining throughout the year.

While there was a slight mid-year rise in May (15.1) and July (13.2), the overall trend remains much lower than in previous reporting periods. The peak in January suggests a historical high that the town has successfully moved away from. For residents, this sustained decrease is a strong indicator that local policing and community safety measures are having a tangible impact. If these patterns continue, Blackwood is on track to significantly improve its safety score and further reduce the risk to both people and property. The data clearly shows that the town is moving in a safer direction.

How To Keep Safe in Blackwood

With violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent crime type in Blackwood, personal safety in public spaces is the primary focus. The town's urban nature means that remaining aware of your surroundings is key to staying safe.

When visiting the town centre or high street, especially during busy afternoon hours, keep your personal belongings secure to prevent opportunistic theft. If you are out during the evening, stick to well-lit areas and plan your journey home in advance. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue; reporting such incidents to local authorities helps them target patrols more effectively. For homeowners, even though burglary rates are low, ensuring that your property looks occupied—perhaps by using smart lighting timers—can deter the 13% of burglaries that happen in the afternoon. Finally, car owners should ensure no valuables are left on display, particularly overnight, to mitigate the risk of vehicle crime which peaks during the late hours. Practising these simple awareness tips can help you navigate Blackwood safely and confidently.

Crime in Blackwood follows distinct temporal patterns that align with its role as a local urban hub. The morning hours (6am - 12pm) are relatively quiet, though they see a significant proportion of theft (38%), likely as retail businesses open for the day. This trend intensifies in the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), where theft-related offences peak at 42% of all activity. This period also sees a rise in burglary, accounting for 13% of incidents, suggesting that opportunistic criminals target homes when residents are likely to be at work or out shopping.

As the day transitions into the evening (6pm - 12am), the nature of crime shifts toward 'other' categories, which include anti-social behaviour and public order offences, making up 68% of reports. The night-time period (12am - 6am) is when vehicle crime is most prominent, jumping to 22% of reported incidents. Burglary also peaks during these early hours at 15%. This suggests a dual risk for residents: theft in commercial areas during the day, and vehicle or property interference under the cover of darkness.

Blackwood sits as a primary urban centre among several smaller settlements in the Caerphilly local authority. When compared to its neighbours, Blackwood's crime rate of 100.8 is higher than Fleur-de-lis and Pengam (72.3), Pontllanfraith (53.7), Tir-y-berth and Glan-y-nant (46.5), and Oakdale (41.6). This difference is typical for a town that acts as a commercial and transport hub for the surrounding residential villages. While Blackwood sees more reported activity, it also offers more amenities and higher footfall. For those considering the region, the nearby areas offer a quieter, lower-crime alternative, while Blackwood remains the central point for local activity with a crime rate that is currently trending sharply downwards.

With a property crime rate of 27.2 per 1,000 people, Blackwood residents enjoy a safer environment than many other UK towns, but protection remains a priority. The presence of shoplifting and opportunistic theft in the afternoon highlights that criminals are active during daylight hours. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV, are often reactive—they record a burglary but do nothing to stop it.

For real peace of mind, Blackwood homeowners should consider proactive protection. The scOS AI-powered security system is designed to prevent crime at the property boundary. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify an intruder before they attempt to break in. It doesn't just record; it can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and speakers to destroy the element of surprise. This proactive approach is especially effective against the 13% of burglaries that occur in the afternoon and the 15% at night. By choosing a system that intervenes in real-time, you ensure your home is not just another statistic, but a hard target that criminals will choose to avoid.