Pontllanfraith Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 10,203 residents, 70 crimes were recorded in Pontllanfraith during September 2023, equating to a crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 people. This figure is 13.7% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, indicating a relatively safer environment compared to the national picture. The most common crime types were violence and sexual offences (28 cases, 40% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (17 cases, 24.3%) and public order offences (8 cases, 11.4%). These patterns align with seasonal rhythms, as September marks the back-to-school period and the transition to shorter evenings, which may influence local activity levels. Violence and sexual offences, at 2.7 per 1,000, match the UK average for this category, suggesting no significant deviation in violent crime trends. However, anti-social behaviour and public order offences are higher than UK averages, with anti-social behaviour 27% above the national rate and public order offences 29% above. This could reflect local factors such as community dynamics or policing priorities. The lower-than-average rates for property crimes, including shoplifting and vehicle crime, may be linked to the area's character, which appears to be a smaller built-up area with fewer high-traffic retail zones or commuter parking facilities. The seasonal context of September, with students returning to education and nights drawing in, may also contribute to shifts in crime patterns, particularly in anti-social behaviour and public order incidents.

September 2023 saw notable month-on-month changes in specific crime categories. Anti-social behaviour increased by 70% compared to August, rising from 10 to 17 cases. This surge may be linked to the return of students and the associated social pressures in the area. Possession of weapons also saw a 100% increase, with one incident reported in September compared to none in August. Similarly, criminal damage and arson rose by 100%, with one case recorded. These spikes, though small in absolute terms, warrant attention. Conversely, some categories declined: vehicle crime fell by 50% (from 4 to 2 cases) and shoplifting decreased by 14.3% (from 7 to 6 cases). The drop in vehicle crime could reflect improved security measures or reduced parking activity during the month. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.7 per 1,000 residents, is 27% above the UK average of 1.3 per 1,000, highlighting a local challenge in managing community disturbances. Meanwhile, other theft, at 0.3 per 1,000, is 50% below the UK average, suggesting effective prevention strategies in this category. The contrast between rising anti-social behaviour and falling property crimes illustrates a shifting crime mix, with a greater emphasis on public order issues in September compared to previous months.

The crime rate in Pontllanfraith rose from 5.7 per 1,000 in August to 6.9 per 1,000 in September, a 20.8% increase. This upward trend, though modest, places the area's monthly exposure in a broader context: over the course of September, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 146 residents. This monthly figure provides a tangible sense of risk for local residents, though this is an aggregate measure and does not reflect daily fluctuations. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day in September, a rate that is likely influenced by the area's population density and local activity patterns. When scaled to the population of 10,203, the 70 crimes recorded in September represent a relatively low level of criminal activity compared to the UK average. However, the increase from August underscores the need for ongoing monitoring, particularly given the rise in anti-social behaviour and public order offences. The comparison to the UK average also reveals that while violent crime aligns closely with national trends, the area's higher rates of anti-social behaviour and public order offences indicate distinct local challenges. These differences may be shaped by factors such as community cohesion, policing strategies, or the specific needs of the built-up area's population.