Cardiff Crime Rate

Cardiff exhibits a crime rate of 109.1 incidents per 1,000 residents annually, based on data from February 2025 to January 2026. This figure is slightly higher than the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000, but a positive trend shows a decrease of 5.5% year-on-year. Understanding the types of crime prevalent in Cardiff and examining recent trends is crucial for assessing safety and informing preventative measures. This analysis provides a detailed overview of crime statistics in Cardiff, offering insights and practical advice for residents.

Cardiff, as a densely populated Local Authority District (LAD), experiences a complex mix of factors influencing crime rates. The city’s vibrant nightlife and busy commercial areas contribute to incidents of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. The diverse demographic profile, with a mix of ages and socioeconomic backgrounds, can also impact crime patterns. High-density residential areas, combined with pockets of relative deprivation, may present challenges in terms of community safety. The presence of significant student populations also contributes to the overall dynamic, requiring targeted safety initiatives and increased police presence in certain areas.

The most prevalent crimes in Cardiff, according to data from February 2025 to January 2026, are violence and sexual offences (13,032 incidents), accounting for 31.1% of all reported crimes. Anti-social behaviour follows closely with 5,338 incidents (12.8%), and shoplifting accounts for 4,974 crimes (11.9%). Property crime, overall, is observed at a rate of 42.6 per 1,000 residents, demonstrating a need for focused preventative measures. Public order offences represent 10.3% of total crimes, while criminal damage and arson account for 7.4%. Vehicle crime, at 6.7%, and other theft (5.6%) are also notable contributors to the overall crime profile of Cardiff.

Crime in Cardiff has been decreasing year-on-year, showing a decline of 5.5% between January 2025 and January 2026. Examining monthly trends reveals fluctuations; for instance, the rate peaked at 10.1 per 1,000 in March 2025, and reached a low of 7.8 per 1,000 in December 2025. The continued downward trend, particularly the reduction to 7.8 per 1,000 in January 2026, suggests ongoing efforts are proving effective, although sustained vigilance remains essential.

Compared to neighbouring local authorities, Cardiff's crime rate of 109.1 per 1,000 is higher than the Vale of Glamorgan (71.7), Caerphilly (63.5), and Torfaen (75.5), but lower than Rhondda Cynon Taf (87.6) and Newport (78.7). Understanding these comparative figures can provide residents with a broader perspective on safety within the wider region.

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How To Keep Safe in Cardiff

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when travelling alone at night. Report any suspicious behaviour to the authorities. With anti-social behaviour being a significant issue, consider participating in local community initiatives. Protect your belongings from shoplifting by keeping valuables secure and being mindful of your surroundings in public places. Finally, secure your home and valuables to mitigate the risk of burglary, which has a rate of 3.6 per 1,000.