Cardiff Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

April 2024 marked a stark contrast in Cardiff’s crime profile, with shoplifting standing out as an outlier—94% above the UK average at 1.3 per 1,000 residents. This category, which accounted for 13.3% of all crimes, reflects the city’s role as a major retail and tourist hub, where high foot traffic and seasonal Easter shopping activity may contribute to the elevated rate. Violence and sexual offences, the most common crime type at 29.2% of total incidents, remained 9% above the UK average, a figure that may be consistent with the city’s demographic mix and the presence of university campuses. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 15.0% of total crimes, 15% above the UK average, a trend that could be linked to the city’s dense urban environment and the concentration of public spaces. Seasonal factors in April—Easter celebrations and spring weather—likely influenced patterns, with increased outdoor activity driving both anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. However, the overall crime rate of 9.6 per 1,000 still places Cardiff 24.7% above the UK average, a persistent challenge for local authorities. While property crimes (1516) accounted for 41.1% of all incidents, the dominance of violent and public order offences suggests a combination of urban density and social dynamics. The city’s status as a major Welsh city with a mix of commercial, educational, and residential areas may partly explain these trends, though targeted interventions could address the most pressing categories.

April 2024 saw a 21.9% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from 453 to 552 incidents. This surge aligns with the Easter holiday period, when public spaces may see increased congregation and associated tensions. Possession of weapons rose sharply by 61.9%, from 21 to 34 cases, a jump that could indicate heightened concerns around public safety in specific areas. Conversely, drug-related crimes fell by 30.4%, from 79 to 55, reflecting seasonal shifts in illicit activity patterns. Shoplifting, the third most common crime type, remained 94% above the UK average at 1.3 per 1,000, a figure that may be consistent with Cardiff’s retail presence and high foot traffic in commercial districts. Residents may find the 15.8% drop in violence and sexual offences, from 1,277 to 1,075, a notable positive trend, though the rate remains 9% above the UK average for this category.

Cardiff's crime rate in April 2024 fell by 3.6% compared to March, dropping from 10.0 to 9.6 per 1,000 residents. This represents a slight but measurable shift in the local crime picture. above the UK average. On a daily basis, the city recorded approximately 123 crimes each day in April, a figure that reflects the density of population and the scale of urban activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 104 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents in a city with a population of nearly 384,000. This statistic, while high, is contextualised by the city’s role as a major Welsh urban centre with a mix of residential, commercial, and educational hubs. The rate of decrease in violence and sexual offences, down 15.8% from March, may partly explain the overall decline, though anti-social behaviour and shoplifting remain persistent challenges.