Cardiff Crime Rate

Cardiff recorded an overall crime rate of 110.9 per 1,000 residents between December 2024 and November 2025. This figure is above the UK average of 91.7, resulting in a safety score of 75/100, which is slightly below the national average of 79/100. However, the recent trend direction is encouraging, with a 5.0% decrease in total crime year-over-year. As the capital of Wales and a major economic hub, Cardiff's crime profile is typical of a large city, with significant activity in its commercial centre and nightlife districts. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of these statistics to help residents and visitors understand the current safety environment in Cardiff.

About Cardiff

Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, is a major urban centre with a diverse economic and social profile. Its crime statistics are shaped by its status as a regional hub for government, education, and tourism. The city features a dense urban core with a high concentration of retail, nightlife, and entertainment venues, particularly around the city centre and Cardiff Bay, which naturally attracts higher volumes of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting.

The presence of several large universities brings a significant student population, which can influence crime rates through transient residency and specific crime types like bicycle theft. Cardiff is also a major transport hub, with high footfall at its central railway and bus stations. Economic factors, including areas of both high affluence and significant deprivation, contribute to the varied crime landscape across the local authority. The city's active night-time economy and frequent hosting of major sporting and cultural events at the Principality Stadium also play a role in the prevalence of public order and alcohol-related incidents. Understanding these urban dynamics is key to interpreting Cardiff's safety score and crime rates.

Crime in Cardiff

Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Cardiff, accounting for 13,152 incidents or 30.9% of the total. Anti-social behaviour is also significant, representing 13.2% (5,612 crimes), followed closely by shoplifting at 12.0% (5,103 crimes). These figures are typical for a major capital city with a busy commercial heart and active social scene.

Property crime in Cardiff occurs at a rate of 43.4 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 32.3. This total includes 2,824 vehicle crimes, 1,447 burglaries, and 5,103 shoplifting offences. Other contributors to the property crime profile include criminal damage and arson (3,117), other theft (2,404), and bicycle theft (864). For residents and homeowners, this indicates that property security is a major consideration. The combined volume of theft, burglary, and vehicle crime suggests that opportunistic offences are common, particularly in high-density residential and commercial areas, making robust home and vehicle protection a priority for safety-conscious citizens.

Crime Trends in Cardiff

The crime trend in Cardiff is currently stable, with a year-over-year decrease of 5.0%. This reduction in total offences is a positive indicator that local safety measures and policing strategies are proving effective in the capital.

An analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a relatively consistent pattern with some minor fluctuations. The year began with crime rates of 8.7 and 8.9 per 1,000, before seeing a peak in March 2025 at 10.1. Following this, the rate remained fairly steady throughout the spring and summer, ranging between 9.1 and 9.7. The latter part of the year saw a slight dip in September (8.4) before returning to 9.4 in October and November. This lack of significant spikes suggests a well-managed security environment. For residents, the overall 5.0% decrease provides reassurance that the city is moving in a safer direction, although the consistent monthly rates highlight the importance of maintaining regular security habits.

Cardiff serves as the central hub for the South Wales region, and its crime statistics reflect its urban intensity compared to nearby areas. Local authorities such as the Vale of Glamorgan, Caerphilly, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Newport, Torfaen, and Bridgend all show reported crime rates of 0.0 in this specific period. While these zero-rated figures may be influenced by data boundaries, they highlight Cardiff's position as the primary location for reported incidents in the region. For those considering living or working in the area, Cardiff offers the amenities of a major capital city but with a higher crime rate than its more rural and suburban neighbours, making personal and property security a more prominent consideration for its residents.

Cardiff's property crime rate of 43.4 per 1,000 people highlights a clear need for effective home security. Traditional security systems, such as basic alarms or standard CCTV cameras, are often reactive—they record footage of a crime or sound an alert after an intruder has already entered your home. In a busy urban environment like Cardiff, proactive protection is a far more effective strategy.

scOS is an AI-powered security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously with intelligent boundary detection, it can identify potential threats at the edge of your property. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly spot suspicious vehicles, while autonomous responses—such as activating lights or audio alerts—can deter a burglar in the critical seconds before they act. For Cardiff homeowners, this shift from reactive recording to proactive prevention provides a much higher level of security, ensuring that your home is a hard target that opportunistic criminals will choose to avoid.

How To Keep Safe in Cardiff

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Cardiff, accounting for 30.9% of all reported incidents. While the city centre is generally well-policed, maintaining personal awareness is important, particularly during the busy weekend nights.

When enjoying Cardiff's vibrant nightlife, try to stay in well-lit areas and travel with friends. Use licensed taxis or public transport to get home, and avoid walking alone through less populated areas like Bute Park after dark. Keeping your mobile phone charged and sharing your location with a trusted contact can provide an extra layer of safety.

Shoplifting and "other theft" are also prominent, especially in high-footfall retail areas like St David's Centre and Queen Street. Be vigilant with your personal belongings; keep bags closed and avoid leaving wallets or phones on tables in cafes or bars. For residents, bicycle theft is a known issue; always use high-quality D-locks and secure your bike in well-lit, overlooked areas or dedicated cycle hubs. In residential neighbourhoods, joining a local Neighbourhood Watch group can help you stay informed about local trends and suspicious activity.