Monthly Crime Statistics

Cardiff Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cardiff’s crime rate in February 2025 stood at 9.0 per 1,000 residents, with drug-related offences surging by 170% compared to the previous month. The city remains 34.3% above the UK average.

3,462
Total Crimes
9
Per 1,000 People
6.7
UK Average
+1.8%
vs Previous Month

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Violence and sexual offences dominated Cardiff’s crime profile in February 2025, accounting for nearly 30% of all reported incidents. This category, which stands at 2.7 per 1,000 residents, is 15% above the UK average of 2.4. The prominence of violent crime in a city like Cardiff—home to a large student population, vibrant nightlife, and a mix of urban and suburban areas—can be partially explained by the concentration of social hubs and public spaces. Anti-social behaviour (1.0 per 1,000) and shoplifting (1.0 per 1,000) followed closely, with the latter exceeding the UK average by 61%. These figures reflect the city’s retail presence, particularly in areas like the Cardiff City Centre, where high foot traffic and commercial activity create opportunities for theft. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with reduced outdoor activity—may also contribute to the lower incidence of property crimes compared to summer months. However, the significant rise in drug-related offences (0.9 per 1,000, 260% above the UK average) suggests other factors at play, such as the post-holiday period or shifts in illicit market dynamics. While the overall crime rate of 9.0 per 1,000 remains 34.3% above the UK average, the breakdown reveals a combination of local characteristics and national trends. Cardiff’s status as a major urban centre with a diverse economy and population means its crime profile is distinct from smaller towns or rural areas, where different patterns might emerge.

February 2025 saw a stark rise in drug-related crimes, with 332 reported incidents—a 169.9% increase from January. This surge may be influenced by seasonal patterns, as the post-holiday period often sees heightened activity in illicit markets. Conversely, robbery rates fell by 38.1%, from 21 to 13, marking a notable decline in violent theft. Public order offences also dropped by 13.5%, potentially linked to the pre-spring lull in outdoor events and gatherings. Shoplifting remained a persistent issue, with 379 cases recorded—61% above the UK average. This aligns with Cardiff’s retail landscape, where high-street areas and shopping centres attract both residents and visitors. Vehicle crime also fell slightly, though it remained 62% above the UK average, due to reduced outdoor activity in winter. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of Cardiff’s crime profile, where some categories surge while others stabilise or decline.

Cardiff’s crime rate in February 2025 remained stable at 9.0 per 1,000 residents, a 1.8% increase from the previous month’s 8.9. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall crime trends. above the UK average. Daily crime activity averaged 124 incidents per day, reflecting the city’s status as a major urban centre with a dense population and diverse economic activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 111 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. While this rate is slightly higher than the UK average, it aligns with Cardiff’s profile as a city with a mix of high-density residential areas, commercial hubs, and tourist attractions, all of which can influence crime patterns. The stability in the monthly rate contrasts with the significant variations seen in specific crime categories, such as drug-related offences, which surged by 169.9% compared to January.

Crime Breakdown - February 2025

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences1,0322.729.8%
Anti-social behaviour384111.1%
Shoplifting379111%
Drugs3320.99.6%
Public order3020.88.7%
Criminal damage and arson2550.77.4%
Vehicle crime2260.66.5%
Other theft1940.55.6%
Burglary1410.44.1%
Other crime770.22.2%
Bicycle theft590.21.7%
Possession of weapons400.11.2%
Theft from the person280.10.8%
Robbery1300.4%

About Our Crime Statistics

Official government data sources for Cardiff

4,683+
UK Locations Monitored
8.2M+
Data Records
100%
Government Sources

Crime Rate Methodology

We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.

Information Sources

Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.

Mathematical Formula

Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000

We exclusively use official UK government information sources:

  • Police.ukRecorded crime data from England and Wales' 43 territorial police forces
  • Office for National StatisticsDemographic data and Crime Survey statistics
  • Home OfficeNational offence records and crime policy information
  • FOI RequestsSupplementary data from direct police force requests
We monitor crime data across 4,683+ locations throughout England and Wales, covering the majority of significant towns, cities, and county areas. Updates occur promptly following new official data releases (approximately monthly), with historical records preserved for trend tracking.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 4 March 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month