Machen Crime Rate

Machen is a very safe urban settlement with a safety score of 87/100. Its annual crime rate of 50.5 per 1,000 people is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, indicating a secure environment for its 2,279 residents. The crime trend is also moving in a positive direction, with a 16.1% reduction in total offences year-over-year. The property crime rate of 14.5 is also far below the national average, making it an attractive location for homeowners. These statistics reflect a peaceful community where reported criminal activity is relatively low and continuing to fall.

In Machen, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 42.6% of all reports with 49 incidents. This is followed by shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, both at 14.8%. For residents, the property crime rate is 14.5 per 1,000 people. This includes 17 incidents of shoplifting, 5 burglaries, 5 cases of criminal damage and arson, and 4 vehicle crimes. While the overall crime rate is low, the high proportion of shoplifting suggests that commercial areas are the main focus of opportunistic crime, while residential burglary remains a relatively minor but persistent concern for local homeowners.

The crime trend in Machen is decreasing, with a 16.1% reduction in total offences year-over-year. Monthly data shows consistently low levels of activity, with a peak rate of 7.5 per 1,000 in February 2025 and a low of 3.5 in June 2025. Throughout most of 2025, the rate has remained between 4.0 and 6.6. This overall downward trend is a positive indicator for the community, suggesting that the volume of crime is falling steadily, which should lead to an improved sense of security for the area's 2,279 residents.

How To Keep Safe in Machen

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Machen. Although the area is very safe, it is always wise to maintain situational awareness, especially when walking alone at night. Stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through quiet areas. If you are out in the evening, consider letting someone know your expected arrival time. Given that shoplifting is also a common concern, being vigilant in commercial areas and reporting any suspicious behaviour can help local businesses. For homeowners, ensuring that windows and doors are securely locked, even when you are at home, can help prevent the opportunistic burglaries that sometimes occur in the village.

Crime in Machen follows a distinct temporal pattern. Morning hours see a mix of burglary (27%) and theft (23%). In the afternoon, burglary rises to its peak at 44%, while theft remains significant at 24%, often targeting homes and businesses during peak operational hours. The evening period is dominated by 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order, which make up 41% of reports, while burglary also remains high at 35%. During the night, burglary continues to be a major concern at 37%, along with vehicle crime at 35%. This suggests that property security is the most important safety consideration for residents throughout the entire day.

Machen is one of the safer settlements in its immediate region. Its rate of 50.5 is significantly lower than Trethomas (93.5), Risca (93.5), and Bedwas (88.9). Notably, Cwmfelinfach recorded no crimes in the same period, making it the only nearby area with a lower rate. This positions Machen as a particularly secure residential area compared to its busier neighbours. For those seeking a safe community within the Caerphilly area, Machen offers a much lower risk of crime than many of the surrounding urban settlements.

While Machen is very safe, a property crime rate of 14.5 per 1,000 means security is still worth considering. Traditional security systems often only record events, but scOS offers a proactive approach that prevents crime. With burglary accounting for 44% of afternoon offences, scOS's AI-powered monitoring can detect threats at your property boundary before a crime is committed. By triggering autonomous responses like lights and speakers, it can deter potential intruders before they even reach your home. This proactive protection is far more effective than recording footage of a crime that has already happened, ensuring your home remains secure.