Cardiff Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Cardiff's crime profile in February 2026, accounting for 32.9% of all reported crimes. This category alone recorded 990 incidents, a rate of 2.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 12% above the UK average for this category. The overall crime rate for the city stood at 7.8 per 1,000 residents, 21.9% higher than the UK average of 6.4. This disparity reflects a combination of local factors, including the city's status as a major urban centre with a diverse population and a vibrant nightlife scene that may contribute to higher rates of violence and public order offences. Shoplifting and public order offences followed closely, each contributing 11.4% of total crimes, with shoplifting at 0.9 per 1,000 residents — 55% above the UK average. These figures align with Cardiff's role as a retail and tourist hub, where high foot traffic in commercial areas may create opportunities for such crimes. Seasonal context suggests that February, as a winter month with low outdoor activity, may have seen fewer crimes related to outdoor spaces but higher incidents in indoor venues, such as pubs and nightclubs, where social interactions can escalate. The city's crime profile thus illustrates a pattern where urban density and economic activity intersect with seasonal rhythms to shape crime trends.

February 2026 saw a significant spike in theft from the person, with incidents rising by 120% compared to the previous month, from 10 to 22 cases. This sharp increase may be linked to heightened vigilance during colder months or changes in public behaviour, such as increased carrying of valuables. Meanwhile, drugs-related crimes rose by 27.6%, reflecting a 24-case increase. This could indicate shifts in drug market dynamics or increased policing efforts in specific areas. On the other hand, burglary and other crime categories experienced notable declines, with burglary falling by 23.1% (from 108 to 83 cases) and other crime dropping by 26.3% (from 76 to 56 cases). These decreases may be attributed to seasonal factors, such as reduced foot traffic in commercial areas during winter or the impact of targeted interventions by local authorities. Public order offences also rose by 14.7%, reaching 343 cases, a rate 120% above the UK average. This category's surge may be connected to the city's nightlife and social events, which are more prevalent during weekends and holidays. For residents, the most immediate concern remains the 120% increase in theft from the person, highlighting the need for heightened awareness in crowded public spaces.

Cardiff's crime rate in February 2026 remained stable compared to the previous month, with no significant change from the 7.8 per 1,000 residents recorded in January. However, this rate is higher than the UK average, underscoring the city's unique position within the national crime profile. On a daily basis, Cardiff experienced an average of 107 crimes per day in February, a figure that translates to roughly one crime occurring for every 128 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides a tangible measure of the likelihood of encountering crime for residents, though it does not account for variations in individual risk based on location or lifestyle. When viewed through the lens of population size, the 383,919 residents of Cardiff collectively face a higher burden of crime compared to the UK average, a disparity that may reflect the city's urban density, economic diversity, and the presence of multiple socio-economic challenges. While the overall rate has not shifted significantly month-on-month, the underlying trends in specific categories — such as the sharp rise in theft from the person — highlight the need for targeted strategies to address emerging patterns. The comparison to the UK average also serves as a reminder that Cardiff's crime profile is shaped by both local factors and broader national trends, requiring a nuanced approach to public safety.