Rural Cardiff Crime Rate

Rural Cardiff has an overall crime rate of 97.3 per 1,000 people, which is slightly higher than the UK average of 91.6. The area maintains a safety score of 79/100, which is exactly in line with the national average, indicating a balanced security environment. However, there has been a significant 22.9% increase in crime year-over-year, a trend that warrants attention from residents and local authorities. Property crime is notably elevated at 37.1 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK average of 32.2. The following data provides a detailed analysis of local crime types, trends, and time-based patterns to help the community understand their local safety context and take appropriate measures to protect their property.

In Rural Cardiff, the crime profile is led by Violence and sexual offences (30.3%), Anti-social behaviour (16.4%), and Shoplifting (11.9%). These top categories are typical of mixed-use areas where residential life meets local commercial activity. Property crime is a significant factor in Rural Cardiff, with a rate of 37.1 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 32.2. The property crime breakdown includes 106 shoplifting incidents, 91 cases of criminal damage and arson, 62 'Other theft' reports, 40 vehicle crimes, and 21 burglaries. For homeowners, the elevated property crime rate—particularly the presence of burglary and vehicle crime—highlights the need for proactive security. While violent crime is the single largest category, the combined volume of theft and damage suggests that opportunistic property crime is a persistent challenge for the local community.

Rural Cardiff has seen a notable 22.9% increase in its crime rate over the last year. Analysis of the monthly trend data for 2025 shows that the rate peaked in March at 10.9 per 1,000 residents, with another high point in May at 10.0. The lowest rate was recorded in November at 6.2. The trend throughout the year was somewhat volatile, with rates fluctuating between 6.9 and 8.7 in the latter half of the year. This significant year-over-year growth suggests that crime is a growing concern in the area, and residents should be aware that the overall volume of reported incidents is on the rise compared to previous periods.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Cardiff

The most common crime in Rural Cardiff is Violence and sexual offences, accounting for 30.3% of all reports. To enhance your safety and protect your home in this mixed residential and rural area, consider the following advice:

1. Be Mindful of Shoplifting Areas: With shoplifting making up 11.9% of crime, be aware of your surroundings in local retail clusters, as these areas can also see higher rates of anti-social behaviour.
2. Secure Vehicles Overnight: Vehicle crime accounts for 34% of incidents reported at night. Always lock your car, remove valuables, and park in a well-lit, secure driveway or garage if possible.
3. Lock Up in the Afternoon: Burglary risk is significant during the afternoon (12% of crimes). Ensure all windows and doors are locked when you leave the house, even for short periods.
4. Boundary Security: Maintain clear boundaries around your property. Secure gates and well-maintained fences help deter opportunistic intruders who may target more rural or isolated homes.
5. Install Proactive Lighting: Motion-activated lighting is an excellent deterrent for night-time crime, which often targets unattended vehicles and property. Ensure your home's exterior is well-lit after dark.

Rural Cardiff displays clear time-based crime trends. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the dominant crime type, accounting for 43% and 47% of reports respectively. This suggests that daytime incidents are often related to shopping or property theft. As evening falls, 'Other' crimes, including public order and anti-social behaviour, become the most common, making up 61% of reports. At night (12am - 6am), the focus shifts to property and vehicle security, with vehicle crime accounting for 34% of incidents and burglary reaching 13% of the total. These patterns indicate that while the area is active during the day, the primary risks to residents' property and vehicles occur during the afternoon and overnight hours.

Rural Cardiff occupies a middle ground in the region's safety profile. Its crime rate of 97.3 per 1,000 people is lower than the high-activity urban areas of Cardiff (117.0) and Tongwynlais (114.7). However, it is considerably higher than the safer residential settlements of Creigiau (63.2) and Pentyrch (39.8). For those looking at the broader region, Rural Cardiff offers a more tranquil alternative to the city centre, though it still faces more crime than the most rural parts of the local authority. This makes it a transition zone where residents enjoy more space but must still be mindful of the urban crime trends that occasionally spill over from the nearby capital.

In Rural Cardiff, where property crime is 37.1 per 1,000 and has increased by 22.9% recently, traditional security measures may not be enough. Standard CCTV and DIY doorbells are reactive; they provide a record of a crime after it has occurred, which does little to prevent the intrusion or the loss of property. Proactive protection is a more effective strategy for modern homeowners. scOS is an AI-powered operating system that monitors your property's boundary in real-time. It uses multi-camera intelligence to identify potential threats before they reach your home. For example, if a suspicious vehicle is detected near your property at night, scOS can autonomously activate lights and sound to deter any potential criminal. This immediate intervention is a powerful deterrent, as most burglars will move on to an easier target if they realize they have been detected. For Rural Cardiff residents, scOS provides a sophisticated, professional-grade solution to the area's rising property crime trends.