Cardiff Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In August 2023, Cardiff recorded 4,347 crimes across its population of 383,919 residents, equating to a crime rate of 11.3 per 1,000 individuals. This figure places the city 39.5% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, a disparity that reflects Cardiff’s role as a major urban hub with a dense mix of residential, commercial, and tourist environments. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (26.4% of total), anti-social behaviour (15.3%), and shoplifting (11.5%), all of which align with patterns typical of cities with high foot traffic and social activity. Violence and sexual offences, at 3.0 per 1,000, were 14% above the UK average, a figure that may be partly explained by the city’s concentration of nightlife venues and public spaces that see frequent use during summer months. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.7 per 1,000, was 18% above the UK average, likely influenced by the transient nature of Cardiff’s population and the pressures of urban living. Shoplifting, at 1.3 per 1,000, was an eye-catching 117% above the UK average, a statistic that points to the city’s retail sector as a focal point for such crimes. This could be linked to the presence of large shopping districts and the seasonal influx of tourists during August, a peak holiday month. The data also highlights the significant role of public order offences (1.2 per 1,000) and criminal damage (1.1 per 1,000), both of which were well above national averages. These trends suggest that Cardiff’s crime profile is shaped by its urban character, with high-density areas and seasonal factors contributing to the patterns observed. The city’s elevated crime rate compared to the UK average underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas with high concentrations of retail, nightlife, and transient populations, while also reflecting the broader challenges faced by large cities in balancing economic activity with public safety.

August 2023 saw significant increases in vehicle crime (+39.6%) and burglary (+39.0%), likely linked to seasonal shifts and increased vehicle movement during the summer. Public order offences also rose by 16.1%, potentially tied to the city’s vibrant nightlife and events calendar. Conversely, bicycle theft decreased by 11.0%, possibly reflecting reduced cycling during peak holiday periods or improved security measures. The city’s violent crime rate of 3.0 per 1,000 (26.4% of total crimes) remains 14% above the UK average, highlighting persistent challenges in managing violent incidents in high-density areas. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.7 per 1,000, was 18% above the UK average, a trend consistent with urban centres experiencing pressures from transient populations and overcrowding. These shifts illustrate the dynamic interplay between local conditions and broader national trends, with Cardiff’s unique character influencing crime patterns in ways distinct from smaller or more rural areas.

Cardiff’s crime rate in August 2023 rose by 9.2% compared to the previous month, reaching 11.3 per 1,000 residents. This increase, while notable, remains consistent with the city’s position as a major urban centre with complex social dynamics and high population density. On a daily basis, approximately 140 crimes were reported in August, reflecting the pace of activity in a city with a diverse mix of residential, commercial, and tourist areas. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for roughly every 88 residents, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the local population. This rate, though higher than the UK average, aligns with patterns seen in other large cities where concentrated populations and economic activity contribute to elevated crime statistics. The comparison to the UK average underscores Cardiff’s unique challenges, particularly in areas with high foot traffic and transient populations, such as the city’s central shopping districts and nightlife hubs.