Cardiff Crime Rate

Cardiff is a major capital city with an overall crime rate of 110.2 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 91.6. Despite this, the area maintains a safety score of 76/100, reflecting its status as a significant metropolitan hub. The crime trend in Cardiff is currently positive, showing a 5.1% decrease year-over-year. This downward trajectory indicates an improving security environment. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of the types of crime occurring in Cardiff, offering residents and businesses a clear understanding of the local safety landscape and the most prevalent risks.

About Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital and largest city of Wales, serving as a major administrative, commercial, and cultural hub. The city's characteristics are defined by its high population density, diverse demographics, and significant economic activity. As a key regional centre, Cardiff features several large retail destinations, including the St David's Dewi Sant centre, and three prominent universities, which contribute to a large and transient population of students and visitors. Cardiff's status as a major transport hub, with extensive rail and road links, further increases the daily flow of people through the city.

The urban environment of Cardiff includes a mix of high-density residential areas, busy commercial districts, and industrial zones. This high level of urban activity, combined with a vibrant nightlife scene centered around St Mary Street and the Cardiff Bay area, naturally influences local crime statistics. Economic factors and the city's role as a major employment centre also play a role in the local crime landscape. Understanding these urban characteristics is essential for providing context to Cardiff's overall crime rate and its safety score.

Crime in Cardiff

Cardiff's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 31.1% of all recorded incidents (34.3 per 1,000). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 12.9% and shoplifting at 11.8%. While these are the most frequent categories, it is important to note that Cardiff's overall crime rate is higher than the national average.

Property-related crime—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—carries a combined rate of 42.8 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting is the most prominent in this category (11.8%), followed by criminal damage and arson (7.3%) and vehicle crime (6.7%). Burglary accounts for 3.3% of total crime, occurring at a rate of 3.6 per 1,000. For homeowners and businesses, these figures suggest a significant risk of opportunistic property crime, particularly shoplifting and criminal damage, making robust security measures a critical investment in this major capital city.

Cardiff Crime Trends

The crime trend in Cardiff is currently positive, with a 5.1% decrease in total recorded incidents year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate per 1,000 people remained relatively consistent throughout the year, typically ranging between 8.0 and 10.1.

The year began with rates of 8.9 and 9.0 in January and February, respectively. Activity peaked during the spring months, with March reaching the highest rate of 10.1 per 1,000, followed by a relatively stable summer and autumn. The year concluded with a rate of 8.0 in December. This pattern of stable, consistent activity with an overall downward trend suggests that crime levels in Cardiff are being effectively managed, providing a predictable and improving security environment for its residents. For those living in the city, this stability is a positive indicator of ongoing safety efforts.

In a regional comparison, Cardiff (110.2 per 1,000) currently exhibits higher crime activity than many of its immediate neighbours in South Wales. Based on the latest data, surrounding local authority areas such as the Vale of Glamorgan, Caerphilly, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Newport, Torfaen, and Bridgend all record lower crime rates. This positions Cardiff as the most active metropolitan centre in the region. For those considering the area, this highlights the importance of choosing residential pockets carefully and investing in robust security measures to mitigate the high urban crime risks present in the capital.

With a property crime rate of 42.8 per 1,000, Cardiff residents and business owners face a significant risk from opportunistic theft and burglary. Traditional security systems like Ring or basic CCTV are reactive—they provide footage of a crime after it has occurred. In a high-density urban environment like Cardiff, the most effective approach is to stop the crime before it begins.

scOS offers a proactive AI-driven security solution that monitors your property boundary. It doesn't just record; it identifies and deters. By detecting threats at the property line, scOS can activate autonomous deterrents like lighting and audio warnings, destroying the element of surprise. The system can verify vehicle plates and learn your family’s routines, ensuring you are only alerted to genuine threats. This boundary-first protection is essential for deterring the professional and opportunistic criminals who target properties in busy metropolitan areas like Cardiff.

How To Keep Safe in Cardiff

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Cardiff, followed by anti-social behaviour. While the city is a major urban hub, taking practical steps for personal security is recommended.

1. Stay aware of your surroundings when walking through Cardiff’s busy commercial and transport hubs, particularly after dark.
2. If you are out late in the evening, try to travel with others and stick to well-lit main roads and busy public areas.
3. Be mindful of your personal belongings in crowded places, such as shopping centres or when using public transport, to deter opportunistic theft.
4. Ensure your home and vehicles are securely locked, as shoplifting and criminal damage are notable contributors to local crime statistics.
5. If you witness anti-social behaviour or suspicious activity, report it to the local police to help them target their patrols effectively.