Cardiff Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Cardiff's overall crime rate in January 2026 reached 7.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 18.2% above the UK average of 6.6 per 1,000. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33.2% of all reported incidents (992 cases), followed by shoplifting (12.0%, 359 cases) and public order offences (10.0%, 299 cases). These figures align with seasonal patterns typical of January, a post-holiday period marked by reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours, which may partly explain the lower prevalence of outdoor crimes compared to summer months. The high rate of shoplifting, 64% above the UK average, reflects the city's dense retail presence and high street activity, which persists even in January despite reduced consumer spending. Meanwhile, public order offences—95% above the UK average—suggest ongoing challenges in managing crowds in areas with significant nightlife or event spaces. The area's status as a major urban centre with a mix of commercial and residential zones likely contributes to these patterns, as does its role as a regional hub attracting both residents and visitors throughout the year.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in January 2026 was the 67.7% drop in theft from the person, which fell from 31 cases in December 2025 to 10 cases. This decline may reflect reduced foot traffic during January, a month with fewer tourists and shorter evenings. Conversely, 'Other crime' saw a 24.6% increase, rising from 61 to 76 cases, a category that often includes minor incidents not easily categorised under other headings. Shoplifting remained a persistent issue, with rates 64% above the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), consistent with the city's high concentration of retail outlets and shopping areas. Public order offences, at 0.8 per 1,000 (10.0% of total crimes), were 95% above the UK average, suggesting continued pressure on policing resources in areas with significant nightlife or public events. The rate of burglary rose by 22.7% (from 88 to 108 cases), though it remained below the UK average. Residents may find the sharp reduction in theft from the person particularly reassuring, as this category often involves vulnerable individuals in crowded spaces.

January 2026 saw Cardiff's crime rate fall slightly from 8.0 per 1,000 in December 2025 to 7.8 per 1,000, a 2.1% monthly decline. On a daily basis, this equates to approximately 96 crimes reported each day in January, a figure that provides context for residents assessing local safety. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 128 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is consistent with the area's urban density and population size of 383,919. When compared to the UK average, Cardiff's overall crime rate remains 18.2% higher, though this gap may narrow as seasonal factors shift. The population-scaled perspective shows that while Cardiff's rates are elevated, the absolute number of crimes is distributed across a large resident base. This context is important for understanding that higher rates in a major urban centre like Cardiff do not necessarily translate to a higher perceived risk for individual residents, as the city's infrastructure and policing resources are proportionally larger than in smaller areas.