Cardiff Crime Rate

Cardiff's crime rate of 107.9 per 1,000 residents is 18.6% above the UK average, with bicycle theft standing out as a major concern at 159% above the national rate. This reflects the city's dense student population and limited secure bike storage in central areas. While property crime is 32.7% higher than the UK average, targeted efforts in suburbs like Pentyrch have helped maintain lower rates in some parts of the city. The recent 6.7% year-on-year decline in overall crime is notable. highlighting areas for further intervention.

Cardiff's urban core, including Cardiff City Centre and Cardiff Bay, is a hub for tourism, retail, and cultural activity, contributing to elevated public order and anti-social behaviour rates. The city's commuter suburbs, such as Pentyrch and Penarth, contrast sharply with the dense, transient populations in central areas, which may influence crime patterns. The presence of universities like Cardiff University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David drives bicycle theft, as students frequently use bikes for transport. Limited secure bike storage in popular university districts, combined with high foot traffic in commercial zones, likely exacerbates property crime rates. Meanwhile, the city's economic diversity, with a mix of industries and tourism, may influence shoplifting and vehicle crime in areas with high pedestrian activity.

The most surprising finding in Cardiff's crime profile is the 159% higher rate of bicycle theft compared to the UK average (2.1 vs 0.8 per 1,000). This likely stems from the city's dense student population and limited secure bike storage in central areas. Anti-social behaviour, at 7% below the UK average, may reflect community policing efforts or lower rates of alcohol-fuelled incidents in certain areas. Shoplifting, though 71% above the UK average, has shown a 12% year-on-year decline, possibly due to increased retail security measures or seasonal factors. Public order crimes, 80% above the UK average, may be linked to Cardiff's nightlife and event-driven economy, where crowded venues and public transport hubs create opportunities for disorder. Property crime overall is 32.7% above the UK average, with vehicle crime and criminal damage also elevated, likely influenced by the city's urban layout and high commuter traffic.

Cardiff's overall crime rate has decreased by 6.7% year-on-year, but this masks sharp increases in specific categories. Robbery has surged by 96.3%, likely linked to evolving criminal tactics or shifts in crime patterns. Bicycle theft. remains 159% above the UK average, highlighting persistent challenges in securing personal property. Public order crimes have shown a 4.7% year-on-year decline, possibly due to seasonal factors or improved policing in high-traffic areas. The most concerning trend is the sharp rise in robbery, which has outpaced other categories and requires targeted interventions to address underlying causes.

Compared to nearby areas, Cardiff's crime rate is 54% higher than Vale of Glamorgan and 92% higher than Caerphilly. Rhondda Cynon Taf has a crime rate 24% lower than Cardiff, while Pentyrch, a suburb within Cardiff, has a crime rate 193% lower than the city average. This disparity highlights the impact of urban density and economic factors on crime rates across different regions.

For households in Cardiff, where property crime is 32.7% above the UK average, proactive security measures are essential, scOS's AI-powered perimeter monitoring can detect loitering near your property and trigger deterrents like lights and speakers to interrupt potential intruders. With bicycle theft at 159% above the UK average, integrating scOS's multi-camera system with DVLA vehicle verification can help secure both personal property and vehicles. The system's ability to distinguish between household members and potential threats reduces false alarms, offering peace of mind in areas with high foot traffic and transient populations.

How To Keep Safe in Cardiff

For residents in Cardiff, where bicycle theft is 159% above the UK average, secure your bikes with high-quality locks and avoid leaving them unattended in public spaces. In areas with elevated public order crimes (80% above UK average), be cautious in crowded venues and public transport hubs. Use scOS's AI monitoring to detect potential threats near your property and deter intruders with automated lighting and speaker activation. For vehicle security, ensure your car is locked and consider using DVLA vehicle verification to flag stolen or cloned plates. In suburbs like Pentyrch, where crime rates are significantly lower, community vigilance and participation in local safety initiatives can further enhance security.