Cardiff Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cardiff's crime profile in May 2024 reflects a combination of seasonal dynamics and local patterns. The overall crime rate of 11.2 per 1,000 residents places the city 33.3% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This figure underscores the city's status as a major urban centre with a high concentration of certain crime types. Violence and sexual offences dominate the landscape, accounting for 28.6% of all reported crimes, while anti-social behaviour and shoplifting follow closely. The seasonal context of May—characterised by extended evenings and increased outdoor socialising—likely contributes to the elevated rates of violent and public order offences. Cardiff's retail corridors, which attract significant foot traffic, may explain the 134% increase in shoplifting compared to the UK average. However, the city's crime picture is not uniformly high: drug-related incidents, for instance, occur at a rate 9% below the national average, suggesting targeted policing or community initiatives may be effective in specific areas. The persistence of property crimes, particularly shoplifting and vehicle crime, indicates a need for ongoing focus on retail and transport security. As a densely populated metropolitan area with a mix of commercial and residential zones, Cardiff's crime trends align with broader urban challenges, though localised efforts may mitigate some risks.

May 2024 saw notable fluctuations in crime types, with some categories showing marked shifts. Robbery incidents surged by 104.2%, rising from 24 to 49 cases, a stark contrast to the 9% reduction in drug-related crimes. This increase in robbery may be linked to the city's nightlife and high-traffic areas, where isolated incidents are more likely. Theft from the person also rose sharply, with an 80.5% increase from 41 to 74 cases, potentially reflecting heightened outdoor activity during longer evenings. Bicycle theft, though less severe, climbed by 36.7% (79 to 108), due to increased cycling during warmer weather. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 47.1% (34 to 18), a decline that may signal improved community engagement or enforcement in weapons-related cases. The crime mix shifted towards property offences, with shoplifting and vehicle crime accounting for 13.5% and 6.7% respectively—both significantly above UK averages. Anti-social behaviour remained a pressing concern, occurring at 24% above the national rate, a figure that may be influenced by the city's high population density and transient demographics. These variations highlight the need for targeted interventions in specific areas and times, particularly where violent and property crimes intersect with urban living patterns.

Comparing May 2024 to April, Cardiff's crime rate increased by 17.0%, rising from 9.6 to 11.2 per 1,000 residents. This monthly shift translates to roughly 139 crimes reported each day in the city, a figure that, while localised, provides context for residents assessing daily risks. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 89 residents—a rate that, when scaled to the city's population of 383,919, illustrates the frequency of incidents in a densely populated urban environment. The contrast between Cardiff's crime profile and the UK average is stark: while property crimes like shoplifting and vehicle crime are high, drug-related offences are slightly lower, suggesting a mixed impact of local policing strategies. The daily crime count, though not directly comparable to UK-wide figures, offers a tangible measure for residents considering safety in their daily routines. These numbers also reflect the city's role as a regional hub, where commercial activity and population mobility may drive certain crime types. Understanding these comparisons is essential for both residents and policymakers seeking to address specific vulnerabilities within the city's broader crime profile.