Cardiff Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cardiff's December 2024 crime profile reveals a distinct mix of violent and property offences that aligns with its status as a major urban centre. Violence and sexual offences dominated at 32.2% of all reported crimes, followed closely by shoplifting (12.6%) and anti-social behaviour (12.6%). This pattern is consistent with the city's dense population, vibrant retail sector, and bustling nightlife, all of which create environments conducive to such crimes. The overall crime rate of 8.7 per 1,000 residents, 22.5% above the UK average, underscores the challenges faced by a large metropolitan area. Seasonal factors likely contributed to the elevated rates: Christmas shopping and party season typically increase foot traffic in commercial areas, potentially driving shoplifting and public order offences. Darker evenings and the closure of some homes during holidays may also have created opportunities for burglary. However, the sharp disparity between certain crime types—such as the 93% above-average rate for shoplifting versus the 50% below-average rate for theft from the person—suggests that local conditions and policing strategies may be influencing specific categories. The city's high proportion of violent crimes compared to the national average may reflect both its demographic makeup and the pressures of urban living, though further analysis would be needed to confirm causal links.

December 2024 saw a 27.5% increase in burglary compared to November, with 139 incidents reported. This rise, coupled with a 16.6% increase in other theft, suggests heightened vulnerability in residential areas during the holiday season. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 23.6% to 68 incidents, potentially linked to reduced cycling during colder weather. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 32.2% of all crimes, 9% above the UK average. Shoplifting, at 12.6% of total crimes, was 93% above the national average, a stark contrast to the 50% below average for theft from the person. These disparities highlight the combination of factors affecting different crime types, with retail spaces and public venues likely contributing to shoplifting and anti-social behaviour rates.

Cardiff's crime rate in December 2024 remained stable compared to November, falling by 1.6% to 8.7 per 1,000 residents from 8.8 per 1,000. This consistency suggests no major short-term disruptions in crime patterns. above the UK average. Daily crime data shows 108 crimes reported each day in December, reflecting the city's population density and activity levels. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 115 residents, a figure that contextualises the exposure risk for local residents. While this rate is slightly lower than the previous month, the composition of crimes—particularly the dominance of violent and property offences—continues to differentiate Cardiff from the national average. The city's 383,919 residents mean that even small shifts in crime trends can translate to significant numbers, highlighting the need for sustained community engagement and policing efforts.