Cardiff Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cardiff's crime rate of 8.8 per 1,000 residents in November 2024 places it 15.8% above the UK average of 7.6. This urban centre's crime profile reflects a mix of persistent challenges and seasonal influences. Violence and sexual offences (29% of total crimes) remain the most prevalent category, consistent with Cardiff's status as a major Welsh city with a dense population and active nightlife. Anti-social behaviour (15.3%) and shoplifting (13.7%) also feature prominently, likely driven by the city's commercial activity and the shopping surge around Black Friday. The seasonal context of November—marked by dark evenings, Bonfire Night events, and post-Christmas pre-shopping—may contribute to the elevated rates of public order offences and property crimes. While the overall rate exceeds the UK average, the breakdown shows some categories aligning with national trends: violent crime rates (2.6 per 1,000) are only 1% above the UK average, suggesting local policing efforts may be effective in curbing more severe crimes. However, the stark disparity in shoplifting (74% above UK average) and anti-social behaviour (26% above) highlights areas where targeted interventions could make a difference. These patterns are not unusual for a city with a significant student population, high foot traffic in retail zones, and a complex urban fabric that can amplify certain types of crime.

November 2024 saw notable shifts in Cardiff's crime profile. Other crime increased by 32.9% (70 to 93 incidents), a rise that may reflect unclassified or emerging criminal activities. Bicycle theft surged 23.6% (72 to 89), a sharp jump likely tied to increased shopping activity during Black Friday and the influx of short-term residents. Conversely, robbery fell 36% (25 to 16), possibly due to heightened police visibility during major events. Burglary dropped 31.9% (160 to 109), a decline that could be attributed to improved home security measures or seasonal factors reducing break-in opportunities. Theft from the person fell 30% (40 to 28), a trend consistent with reduced outdoor activity in colder weather. The city's shoplifting rate (1.2 per 1,000) is 74% above the UK average, a figure that may be exacerbated by the retail density in Cardiff's city centre and the presence of multiple high-street chains. Meanwhile, drugs-related crimes rose 18.4% (76 to 90), a trend that could be linked to the city's nightlife and proximity to transport hubs. These fluctuations illustrate the dynamic nature of urban crime and the need for adaptive policing strategies.

Cardiff's November 2024 crime rate of 8.8 per 1,000 residents represents a 6.1% decrease from October's 9.4, a downward trend that may reflect seasonal factors or improved law enforcement responses. On a daily basis, the city recorded approximately 113 crimes per day, a figure that, while high, is consistent with the population density and urban character of the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 113 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents in a city with 383,919 inhabitants. When compared to the UK average, Cardiff's overall rate remains higher, but the breakdown reveals a mixed picture: while property crimes (particularly shoplifting) far exceed national norms, violent crime rates are only marginally above the UK average. This contrast suggests that Cardiff's challenges are not uniform across crime types, with certain categories—like anti-social behaviour and public order offences—being affected by local conditions. The population-scaled perspective highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas with high foot traffic and commercial activity, where crime rates consistently outpace national averages.