Cardiff Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cardiff's overall crime rate in May 2023 stood at 9.7 per 1,000 residents, 21.2% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure reflects a mix of persistent challenges and emerging trends, with violence and sexual offences (1143 cases, 30.8% of total) remaining the most prevalent category, followed by anti-social behaviour (573 cases, 15.4%) and public order offences (401 cases, 10.8%). The seasonal context of May—characterised by bank holidays, extended evenings, and increased outdoor socialising—likely contributes to the elevated levels of public order and anti-social behaviour crimes. Despite these challenges, the city's crime profile shows a shift in the balance between property and violent crimes, with property crimes (1443 cases) slightly outpacing violent crimes (1143 cases). This may be attributed to the city's retail and commercial infrastructure, which drives shoplifting and vehicle crime. Bicycle theft surged to 102 cases, 275% above the UK average, a figure that suggests a need for enhanced security measures in cycling corridors and transport hubs. The overall rate, while higher than the UK average, remains consistent with Cardiff's status as a major urban centre, where population density and economic activity create unique crime dynamics. These patterns underscore the importance of targeted policing strategies in high-risk areas such as the city centre and major transport networks.

May 2023 saw significant increases in bicycle theft (102 incidents, +47.8% from April) and shoplifting (333 cases, +32.7%), both of which may reflect seasonal patterns of increased outdoor activity and shopping during bank holidays. Burglary also rose by 38.9% (150 cases), potentially linked to warmer weather and increased home occupancy during the Easter school break. In contrast, 'Other crime' decreased by 17.0% (39 cases), the only category showing a decline. Violence and sexual offences remained 8% above the UK average at 3.0 per 1,000, while public order crimes surged 52% above the national average. These figures suggest a combination of urban density and seasonal factors, with specific hotspots such as retail areas and transport interchanges requiring focused intervention.

Cardiff's crime rate in May 2023 rose to 9.7 per 1,000 residents, a 19.2% increase from the previous month's 8.1 per 1,000. This upward trend aligns with the seasonal context of longer evenings and increased outdoor activity, which may partly explain higher reports of public order and anti-social behaviour. Daily crime counts averaged 120 incidents per day, reflecting the density of the city's population and its role as a major urban centre. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 103 residents, a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents in a densely populated area. While this monthly exposure rate is consistent with Cardiff's urban character, it remains 21.2% above the UK average, highlighting the need for targeted policing strategies in high-traffic zones such as the city centre and transport hubs.