Cardiff Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cardiff’s November 2023 crime rate of 10.0 per 1,000 residents places the city 33.3% above the UK average of 7.5, a gap that underscores the distinct challenges faced by Wales’ capital. This rate, while showing a 13.5% monthly decline from October’s 11.5, remains significantly higher than the national benchmark. The city’s crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences (27.9% of total incidents), anti-social behaviour (14.5%), and shoplifting (11.3%), all of which reflect the characteristics of a major urban centre with a vibrant retail and nightlife sector. The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night, Black Friday shopping, and the transition to darker evenings—likely contributes to patterns seen in the data. For instance, shoplifting rates surge during the post-Black Friday period, consistent with the influx of shoppers and the temptation of discounted goods. Anti-social behaviour, which peaks during colder months, may also be exacerbated by the social dynamics of urban areas where public spaces are used more intensively in the evenings. However, the city’s performance in certain categories, such as burglary (3.0% below UK average) and theft from the person (47% below UK average), suggests that targeted interventions or environmental factors may be mitigating risks in these areas. The overall picture illustrates a city where high population density and economic activity drive certain crime types, but where localized efforts may be helping to curb others.

November 2023 saw a notable 20.7% decrease in anti-social behaviour, dropping from 701 to 556 incidents. This decline aligns with the month’s seasonal context, as shorter evenings and reduced foot traffic in commercial areas may have dampened opportunities for such crimes. Conversely, possession of weapons increased by 13.0%, with 26 reported cases compared to 23 in October. This rise, though modest, may reflect the impact of Bonfire Night events, which can sometimes lead to increased weapon-related incidents. The city’s shoplifting rate of 1.1 per 1,000—100% above the UK average—remains a persistent concern, particularly during Black Friday shopping. Violent crimes also fell by 16.2%, from 1,274 to 1,068, a trend that may be linked to the end of university term-time activity in the city. These fluctuations illustrate the combination of seasonal events and local crime patterns, with certain categories showing marked sensitivity to November’s unique calendar dynamics.

Cardiff's November 2023 crime rate of 10.0 per 1,000 residents sits 33.3% above the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, highlighting a persistent gap between the city and national trends. This rate translates to roughly one reported crime for every 100 residents over the course of the month, a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents in a densely populated urban environment. While the monthly rate marked a 13.5% decline from the previous month’s 11.5 per 1,000, the city still lags behind the UK average in several categories. Daily crime statistics show 127 crimes reported each day in November, a figure that reflects the city’s high population density and the challenges of managing public spaces in a major Welsh city. The contrast between Cardiff’s figures and the UK average is particularly stark in areas like anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, where local rates exceed national benchmarks by over 100% and 400% respectively. These disparities suggest systemic factors—such as the concentration of retail and entertainment hubs in the city—that may contribute to higher local crime rates compared to the broader UK context.