Cardiff Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Cardiff’s crime profile in February 2025, accounting for nearly 30% of all reported crimes. At 9.0 per 1,000 residents, the city’s crime rate was 34.3% above the UK average, a disparity that underscores the unique challenges faced by this major urban centre. The dominance of violent crime—2.7 per 1,000 residents—suggests a combination of factors, including the city’s dense population, its role as a university hub, and the presence of high-traffic areas that may contribute to incidents of assault and sexual violence. Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting followed closely, each contributing over 10% of total crimes. The latter, in particular, was 61% above the UK average, a figure that may be tied to Cardiff’s retail presence and the seasonal lull in February, which could have led to more opportunistic theft. The city’s position as a regional economic and cultural hub likely amplifies these trends, with high foot traffic in areas such as the city centre and Cardiff Bay increasing exposure to property crime. Seasonal context also plays a role: as a winter month, February typically sees lower outdoor activity, which may reduce certain types of crime but could also lead to increased indoor-related incidents, such as domestic violence or anti-social behaviour in enclosed spaces. The data, while revealing, also highlights the need for targeted interventions that address both the immediate drivers of violent crime and the broader structural factors that contribute to Cardiff’s elevated crime rate relative to the UK average.

February 2025 saw a stark surge in drug-related crimes, jumping by 169.9% to 332 incidents—far exceeding the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000. This increase may partly explain the broader rise in violent and sexual offences, which accounted for 29.8% of all reported crimes. The spike in drug-related activity could be linked to Cardiff’s vibrant nightlife and proximity to university campuses, where such crimes often cluster. Conversely, robbery rates fell by 38.1%, dropping from 21 to 13 incidents—a decline that contrasts with the UK average, where robbery remains 100% above the national rate. Public order offences also decreased by 13.5%, reflecting the winter lull in outdoor activity. Bicycle theft. to 59 incidents, still remains 300% above the UK average, a figure that may be attributed to Cardiff’s commuter infrastructure and the prevalence of cycling in the city.

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 per 1,000. This slight rise, however, does not signal a significant shift in overall safety. On a daily basis, the city recorded an average of 124 crimes per day, a figure that underscores the persistent nature of local crime patterns. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 111 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects the density of Cardiff’s population and the mix of urban and semi-rural areas within the district. While this rate is higher than the UK average, the stability between February and January suggests that broader systemic factors—such as policing strategies or community initiatives—may be tempering seasonal fluctuations. The population context also matters: with 383,919 residents, the city’s scale means that even small percentage changes can translate into noticeable shifts in absolute numbers, but the rate itself remains a key metric for comparative analysis.