Cardiff Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Cardiff, 10.4 crimes were reported in July 2023 — a rate 25.3% higher than the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This translates to a monthly risk of approximately one crime occurring for every 96 residents. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (26.4% of all incidents), anti-social behaviour (15.9%), and shoplifting (12.4%). These figures align with Cardiff's character as a major urban centre with a vibrant retail sector, bustling nightlife, and a dense population. The summer season, with schools out and festivals in full swing, likely contributed to the elevated levels of public order and anti-social behaviour offences. Violence and sexual offences. from June, remain a significant concern, particularly in areas with high foot traffic and nightlife activity. Shoplifting rates, 117% above the UK average, reflect the pressures on retail spaces during peak tourist months. The city's compact urban layout and high population density may amplify the visibility of such crimes, creating a sense of heightened risk for residents and visitors alike. While the overall rate is concerning, the breakdown of crime types offers insight into the specific challenges faced by different parts of the city.

July 2023 saw a 59.2% increase in bicycle theft, rising from 103 to 164 incidents — a stark contrast to the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000, with Cardiff's rate 300% higher. This surge may reflect the growing popularity of cycling in the city, combined with the increased visibility of bikes during summer months and festivals. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences fell 11.2% compared to June, though they remain 3% below the UK average at 2.7 per 1,000. This decline could be linked to the summer break, with fewer students and tourists reducing certain types of incidents. Anti-social behaviour, however, remained a persistent issue, with rates 20% above the UK average. The 12.4% share of shoplifting in the crime mix highlights the pressure on retail areas during peak tourist season, with Cardiff's rate 117% above the UK average. This suggests that while the city's economy benefits from tourism, local businesses may face disproportionate challenges in managing theft during busy periods. The contrast between falling violent crime and rising anti-social behaviour underscores the complexity of urban safety dynamics, where different factors — from population density to seasonal activity — can shape the crime profile in distinct ways.

Cardiff's July 2023 crime rate of 10.4 per 1,000 was a 2.1% decrease from June's 10.6 per 1,000, indicating a slight but measurable decline in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, this equates to roughly 128 crimes reported each day — a figure that, while high, reflects the city's population of 383,919. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 96 residents, a rate that emphasizes the frequency of incidents in a densely populated urban environment. This monthly exposure figure is particularly relevant for residents, as it illustrates the cumulative impact of crime on daily life. The comparison to the UK average reveals a stark contrast: Cardiff's overall rate is 25.3% higher, a gap that persists despite the month-on-month reduction. When considering the population-scaled perspective, the city's higher crime rate is not uniform across all categories. For instance, burglary and drugs-related crimes are below the UK average, suggesting that certain aspects of Cardiff's urban fabric — such as its well-maintained housing stock or community-focused policing — may contribute to lower rates in these areas. However, the significant disparities in shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, and public order offences highlight the need for targeted interventions in high-risk sectors of the city.