Cardiff Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

December 2025 in Cardiff revealed a crime profile shaped by seasonal dynamics and the city's urban character. Violence and sexual offences dominated with 35.6% of all reported crimes, a pattern consistent with Cardiff's status as a major urban centre with a vibrant nightlife and high population density. Public order offences followed at 10.7%, significantly above the UK average, reflecting the pressures of managing large crowds in entertainment districts during the Christmas season. Shoplifting, at 10.0% of total crimes, also exceeded UK rates, likely driven by increased retail activity and the influx of holiday shoppers. These figures contrast with lower-than-average burglary rates, which may indicate the effectiveness of targeted policing in residential areas. The seasonal context of December—marked by Christmas shopping, dark evenings, and the temporary closure of some businesses—likely contributed to the mix of crime types observed. While the overall crime rate (8.0 per 1,000 residents) remained 14.3% above the UK average, the decline in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting compared to November suggests that festive closures and reduced public spaces may temporarily mitigate certain crime trends. The balance of violent and property crimes highlights Cardiff's dual role as a commercial hub and a densely populated city, where the interplay of economic activity, social interactions, and seasonal rhythms continues to shape the local crime profile.

December 2025 marked a significant decline in bicycle theft, with incidents falling 69.2% to 33 from 107 in November. This drop may reflect seasonal factors, such as reduced outdoor activity during colder weather and fewer cyclists commuting to work. Anti-social behaviour also decreased by 33.7%, likely tied to the Christmas holiday period and reduced public gatherings. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates fell 28.0% to 304 incidents, possibly due to increased police presence in retail areas during the festive shopping season. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent crime category, accounting for 35.6% of all reported incidents and 9% above the UK average. Public order offences, at 10.7% of total crimes, were 105% above the UK average, highlighting ongoing challenges in managing crowd-related disturbances in Cardiff's nightlife areas. Burglary rates were 29% below the UK average, suggesting effective community policing strategies in residential zones.

December 2025 saw Cardiff's crime rate decline to 8.0 per 1,000 residents, a 14.9% drop from the previous month's 9.4 per 1,000. This reduction aligns with the typical seasonal patterns observed in urban centres, where festive closures and reduced nightlife activity may temporarily lower certain crime types. On a daily basis, 99 crimes were reported across the month, translating to roughly one crime for every 126 residents. While this monthly exposure figure remains a snapshot, it offers residents a concrete sense of risk relative to the population. The decrease from November to December is consistent with historical trends in Cardiff, where the post-Christmas lull in retail activity and holiday-related disturbances often leads to a temporary dip in public order offences. However, the city's overall crime rate still sits 14.3% above the UK average, reflecting its status as a major urban hub with persistent challenges in managing high-density areas.