Cardiff Crime Rate

Cardiff's crime rate of 114.6 per 1,000 residents is 26% above the UK average, with bicycle theft standing out as a major concern at 180% above the national rate. This stark contrast to the UK average highlights the need for targeted safety measures. While overall crime is decreasing by 7.3% year-on-year, a sharp 92.9% rise in robbery presents a troubling trend that requires urgent attention.

Cardiff is a major built-up area in Wales, characterised by a mix of urban density, historic neighbourhoods, and modern developments. Its high population density, coupled with a significant student population and tourist activity, likely contributes to higher rates of certain crimes. The presence of retail centres and nightlife hubs may explain elevated shoplifting and anti-social behaviour rates, while the city's role as a transport hub could influence vehicle crime patterns.

The most striking finding is the 180% higher rate of bicycle theft in Cardiff compared to the UK average, a figure that dwarfs other categories. This may be driven by the city's extensive cycling infrastructure and the lack of secure parking facilities in busy areas. Shoplifting, 84% above the UK average, is likely influenced by the concentration of retail spaces and tourist footfall. Anti-social behaviour, while slightly below the UK average, remains a notable concern, possibly linked to the city's nightlife and public transport networks. Meanwhile, vehicle crime remains 72% above the UK average, likely due to the high volume of commuters and transient populations using car parks and roadside parking.

Crime in Cardiff has decreased by 7.3% year-on-year, reflecting a positive trend overall. However, robbery has surged by 92.9%, a sharp increase that contrasts with the general decline. This rise may be linked to specific factors such as increased street-level crime or targeted incidents. Meanwhile, shoplifting and vehicle crime have both decreased, with shoplifting falling by 13% and vehicle crime by 17.9%. The most significant drop is in burglary, which has fallen by 20.8%, suggesting improved home security measures or police interventions. Despite these declines, Cardiff's crime rate remains 26% above the UK average, indicating ongoing challenges in maintaining public safety.

How To Keep Safe in Cardiff

For residents concerned about bicycle theft, secure your bikes using high-quality locks and consider installing GPS trackers. Avoid leaving bikes unattended in public spaces. Public order issues, which are 90% above the UK average, suggest vigilance in crowded areas, especially late at night. For property security, use motion-activated lights and ensure doors and windows are locked, particularly in areas with high vehicle crime rates.

Crime in Cardiff exhibits distinct temporal patterns. Theft peaks in the afternoon (12pm–6pm), aligning with shopping hours and commuter activity. Vehicle crime spikes at night (12am–6am), possibly due to abandoned cars in poorly lit areas or opportunistic targeting of parked vehicles. Evening hours (6pm–12am) see a mix of theft and other crimes, reflecting the city's nightlife and late-night retail activity. Burglary rates are relatively stable across all times of day, suggesting a more opportunistic, less time-specific nature compared to other crimes.

Compared to nearby areas, Cardiff has a 4% higher crime rate than Tongwynlais and an 119% higher rate than Penarth. Penarth's significantly lower crime rate may be due to its smaller population and more suburban character, while Tongwynlais, though closer to Cardiff, has a slightly lower crime rate, possibly reflecting differences in urban planning and community initiatives.

For Cardiff households, where bicycle theft is 180% above the UK average, proactive security is essential, scOS's AI-powered perimeter detection identifies threats before they occur, flagging suspicious activity around your property. Its DVLA vehicle registration verification helps detect stolen or cloned plates near your home, while real-time lighting and speaker activation can deter intruders. These features are particularly relevant in Cardiff, where property crime remains a key concern.