Cardiff Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cardiff's crime rate in May 2025 stood at 9.7 per 1,000 residents, placing the city 19.8% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure reflects a combination of seasonal and demographic factors, with violence and sexual offences (30.9% of all crimes) and anti-social behaviour (15.0%) dominating the crime profile. The rise in public order offences—90% above the UK average—may be partly explained by the extended evenings and increased social activity typical of May, a month marked by bank holidays and warmer weather. Violence and sexual offences, at 3.0 per 1,000, remain 6% above the UK average, a pattern consistent with Cardiff's status as a major urban centre with a diverse population and high foot traffic in commercial areas. Meanwhile, shoplifting (1.1 per 1,000) and anti-social behaviour (1.5 per 1,000) both exceed UK rates, suggesting vulnerabilities in retail zones and public spaces where transient populations congregate. These trends highlight the need for ongoing community engagement and policing strategies tailored to Cardiff's unique urban fabric, which includes both historic neighbourhoods and modern developments.

May 2025 saw a 38.9% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from 239 to 332 incidents. This spike may partly explain the broader upward trend in property-related crimes, which now account for 38% of all recorded offences. Conversely, theft from the person dropped sharply by 43.4%, falling from 53 to 30 cases—a decrease likely linked to increased police patrols in high-risk areas during May's extended evenings. Drug-related crimes also fell by 36.5%, from 126 to 80, though this remains 29% below the UK average. The most striking disparity is in public order offences, which are 90% above the UK average at 1.1 per 1,000. This suggests a need for targeted interventions in areas where late-night socialising and alcohol consumption are concentrated, particularly around bank holidays and longer evenings.

Cardiff's crime rate in May 2025 rose to 9.7 per 1,000 residents, a 6.3% increase from April's 9.1 per 1,000. This places the city 19.8% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. On a daily basis, 120 crimes were reported across the 31 days, highlighting the persistent pace of incidents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 104 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for Cardiff's population of 383,919. While the overall rate has climbed, the daily crime count remains a critical indicator for residents assessing local safety trends. This rate is consistent with Cardiff's position as a major urban centre with a mix of high-density residential areas and bustling commercial hubs, where foot traffic and social activity can influence crime patterns.