Cardiff Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Cardiff's crime profile in February 2024, accounting for 30.6% of all reported crimes and 2.7 per 1,000 residents. This category alone was 8% above the UK average, underscoring the city's particular challenges in managing violent crime. The overall crime rate of 8.7 per 1,000 residents placed Cardiff 22.5% above the UK average, a significant disparity that reflects its status as a major urban centre with a diverse population and complex social dynamics. Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting followed closely, with shoplifting rates at 104% above the UK average, a figure that likely stems from the city's high concentration of retail spaces and public areas. February, as a winter month, typically sees lower outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, which may contribute to the relative stability of certain crime types while exacerbating others. The dominance of violent crime in particular suggests that factors such as alcohol consumption in nightlife areas, socioeconomic disparities, or limited community engagement opportunities could be playing a role, though these connections remain speculative without further data. The seasonal context of February, with its colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours, may also influence crime patterns by reducing opportunities for outdoor crimes while increasing tensions in indoor spaces.

February 2024 saw a sharp decline in bicycle theft, with incidents falling by 53.1% compared to the previous month, likely linked to colder weather reducing outdoor activity. Conversely, 'other crime' increased by 31.1%, a category that includes a wide range of non-specific offences, suggesting potential gaps in reporting or shifting patterns of criminal behaviour. Shoplifting remained a persistent issue, with rates 104% above the UK average at 1.1 per 1,000, reflecting the city's retail density and the challenges of managing high-traffic areas. Burglary rates dropped by 32.8%, possibly due to increased home security measures or seasonal factors, though the absolute number remains low compared to UK averages. The increase in drug-related crimes by 15.8% raises questions about local enforcement strategies or community dynamics, though further data would be needed to confirm causal links.

Cardiff's crime rate in February 2024 fell to 8.7 per 1,000 residents, a 7.9% decrease from the previous month's 9.5 per 1,000. This decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns, as winter months often see reduced outdoor activity and fewer opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the city recorded approximately 116 crimes per day in February, a figure that reflects the density of its urban environment. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 115 residents, illustrating the frequency of incidents within a population of 383,919. While this rate remains higher than the UK average, the month-on-month reduction suggests a potential stabilization in crime trends. The contrast with the previous month's figures highlights the volatility of crime patterns in urban centres, where fluctuations can be influenced by factors such as weather, events, or temporary changes in policing focus.