Cardigan Crime Rate

Cardigan, a built-up area within Ceredigion, has a concerning crime rate of 133.6 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, reflecting a greater level of reported crime within the area. While the overall safety score is 68 out of 100, which indicates a moderate level of safety, the trend data shows a worrying increase in crime. The period has seen crime rates increase by 17.0% year-on-year, suggesting an escalating situation that warrants further investigation and preventative measures. Understanding the specific types of crime prevalent in Cardigan is crucial for developing targeted interventions and enhancing community safety.

Cardigan, within Ceredigion, exhibits a concerning crime profile. Violence and sexual offences account for the largest proportion of recorded crimes, numbering 230 incidents, representing 41.8% of all recorded offences and a rate of 55.9 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting are tied for the second highest incidence, each contributing 56 crimes, or 13.6 per 1,000, and 10.2% of the total. Public order offences and criminal damage and arson also feature prominently, indicating potential underlying issues within the community. While burglary rates are comparatively low at 14 incidents (3.4 per 1,000), the overall distribution highlights a need for targeted interventions to address the root causes of violent crime and public disorder.

Crime in Cardigan has been on a concerning upward trajectory. The latest data reveals a 17.0% increase in crime year-on-year. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 shows a fluctuating, but consistently elevated, level of crime. While there are periods of relative calm, such as April and October, the overall trend indicates a steady rise, with peaks observed in February, August, and September. The highest monthly rate was recorded in August 2025, at 15.1 per 1,000, highlighting the urgent need for preventative measures and community engagement.

How To Keep Safe in Cardigan

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when out alone at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and stick to well-populated routes. When shopping, keep valuables secure and be mindful of potential pickpockets. Consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes, which foster community vigilance and information sharing. Secure your home with robust locks and consider installing an alarm system. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the local police; your observations could be vital in preventing further incidents.

Crimes in Cardigan tend to follow distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglaries are most frequently reported in the morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm), while theft is heavily concentrated during commercial hours. Vehicle crime exhibits a peak overnight (12am-6am), suggesting opportunities during periods of reduced activity. Evening hours (6pm-12am) see a shift towards property crime, particularly theft, alongside a notable increase in other crimes, potentially linked to increased social activity.

Compared to surrounding areas, Cardigan’s crime rate stands out. St Dogmaels and Llangoedmor report zero crimes, while Penparc exhibits a rate of 35.3 per 1,000. This disparity highlights Cardigan as an area of heightened concern within the wider Ceredigion region, underscoring the need for specific interventions and community support.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide a recording of the crime after it has occurred. scOS, however, represents a different approach to home security. Reading crime statistics for Cardigan reveals a concerning prevalence of violent crime and anti-social behaviour. The right security system is not about reaction; it's about prevention. scOS utilises AI to detect threats at the property boundary, watching all cameras simultaneously and instantly verifying vehicles with the DVLA database. Its pattern learning technology recognises family members and deliveries, only alerting you to genuine threats. This proactive detection, combined with autonomous responses like lighting activation and speaker warnings, creates an element of surprise that often deters potential intruders before they even attempt entry. Most burglars decide within those crucial first 60 seconds – visible scOS deterrence can make them move on.