Cardiff Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cardiff's crime rate in November 2025 (9.4 per 1,000 residents) exceeds the UK average by 28.8%, reflecting a combination of urban dynamics and seasonal factors. The city's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences (31.2% of all crimes), shoplifting (11.8%), and anti-social behaviour (10.8%). These patterns align with Cardiff's identity as a major urban centre with a vibrant retail sector, dense population, and active nightlife. The prominence of violence and sexual offences may partly explain the 13% gap above the UK average for this category, consistent with the concentration of nightlife areas and high-traffic zones. Shoplifting rates, at 75% above the UK average, likely reflect the city's retail presence, particularly during Black Friday sales. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than the UK average for this category (6% below), remains a notable concern in densely populated areas. Seasonal factors such as dark evenings and Bonfire Night events may have contributed to the persistence of anti-social behaviour, while the timing of Black Friday shopping could have amplified shoplifting activity. The data illustrates a city grappling with challenges typical of large urban areas, where population density, economic activity, and seasonal rhythms create a unique crime environment.

November 2025 saw significant month-on-month increases in vehicle crime (33.6% rise), robbery (29.8% increase), and criminal damage and arson (21.4% rise). These shifts suggest a possible intensification of property-related offences during the pre-Christmas shopping period, with vehicle crime likely linked to increased car usage for Black Friday purchases. Conversely, anti-social behaviour decreased by 18.6% and burglary fell by 16.0%, potentially reflecting seasonal patterns or localized interventions. The 75% gap between Cardiff's shoplifting rate (1.1 per 1,000) and the UK average (0.6 per 1,000) underscores the city's retail vulnerability, with major shopping districts likely driving this disparity. Vehicle crime's 125% above the UK average (0.9 vs 0.4 per 1,000) highlights the need for targeted measures in car-parking zones. For residents, the 33.6% surge in vehicle crime serves as a clear indicator to review personal vehicle security practices, particularly in areas with high foot traffic. The data also shows a 400% gap in bicycle theft compared to the UK average, pointing to potential gaps in cycle storage infrastructure in the city's transport hubs.

Cardiff's crime rate remained stable at 9.4 per 1,000 in November 2025, matching the previous month's figure. This consistency contrasts with the UK average of 7.3 per 1,000, highlighting the city's persistent challenge in maintaining lower crime rates compared to the national picture. On a daily basis, Cardiff recorded approximately 120 crimes per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 107 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is higher than the UK average, which typically sees one crime for every 135 residents in urban areas. The population context further illustrates the challenge: with 383,919 residents, the city's density likely contributes to higher interaction rates between individuals, which can both amplify crime opportunities and create social cohesion that mitigates them. While the rate is stable, the 28.8% gap above the UK average remains a critical metric for local authorities. The city's position as a major urban centre in Wales means its crime profile naturally diverges from rural or smaller urban areas, where lower population densities and different economic structures shape crime patterns. This comparison underscores the need for tailored strategies that address Cardiff's unique urban dynamics while benchmarking against national standards.