Cardigan Crime Rate

Crime in Cardigan

Cardigan is a busy market town in Ceredigion, with an overall crime rate of 133.8 per 1,000 people. This is significantly higher than the UK national average of 93.1, resulting in a safety score of 68/100. The town has experienced a 14.6% increase in crime year-over-year, reflecting its status as a regional hub for retail and social activity. Property crime in Cardigan stands at 40.3 per 1,000 people, which is also above the UK average of 32.9. These figures suggest that residents and business owners in Cardigan face a more active crime environment, necessitating proactive security measures and personal safety awareness to manage the local risks effectively.

Crime Breakdown in Cardigan

In Cardigan, violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type, accounting for 40.3% of all reported incidents. This is followed by shoplifting at 10.0% and anti-social behaviour at 9.4%. The high percentage of shoplifting and social offences is typical for a market town that serves as a regional retail hub.

Property crime, including burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences, occurs at a rate of 40.3 per 1,000 people. This is higher than the UK national average of 32.9. Other theft accounts for 6.2% of total crime, while burglary stands at 2.9%. Vehicle crime is relatively low at 1.3%. For residents and business owners in Cardigan, this means that property security is a significant priority. The prevalence of criminal damage (8.9%) also suggests that homes and businesses are at a higher risk of vandalism, necessitating robust physical and electronic security measures to protect assets in this active town environment.

Crime Trends in Cardigan

The crime trend in Cardigan is currently increasing, with a 14.6% rise in total incidents over the last 12 months. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that crime peaked in August at 15.1 per 1,000, followed by significant spikes in February (13.6) and July (12.6).

The lowest rate was recorded in April at 7.8 per 1,000. These fluctuations suggest that crime levels are influenced by seasonal events and local activity. For residents, the 14.6% annual increase is a key indicator that community safety requires renewed focus and that proactive security measures are increasingly important to mitigate the rising risk.

How To Keep Safe in Cardigan

The most common crime type in Cardigan is violence and sexual offences, followed by shoplifting. To maintain your safety in this market town, consider these practical steps.

1. When out in the town centre at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid using isolated shortcuts or unlit alleys.
2. Be aware of your surroundings in busy retail areas, and if you witness any anti-social behaviour or shoplifting, report it to the local police.
3. Ensure your home or business is always securely locked, even when you are inside, to prevent opportunistic theft.
4. Given the rate of criminal damage, ensure your vehicle is parked in a secure, well-lit location and that no valuables are left inside.
5. If you are out alone in the evening, let someone know your plans and consider using a personal safety app to share your location with trusted contacts.

Crime Time Patterns in Cardigan

Crime in Cardigan follows a distinct daily rhythm influenced by its status as a retail and social hub. The morning and afternoon hours are the most active for theft-related offences (51% and 53% respectively), likely coinciding with retail hours and when residents are away.

As the day transitions into evening and night, the nature of crime changes significantly. The evening period (6pm - 12am) sees the highest concentration of 'other' crimes, including drug offences and anti-social behaviour, which account for 57% of incidents during these hours. Night-time (12am - 6am) is the peak period for burglary (21%) and vehicle crime (16%). This suggests that while daytime security should focus on retail and home protection, overnight strategies must prioritise boundary monitoring and personal safety in the town centre.

Nearby Areas Comparison

Cardigan is the primary urban hub for the southern part of Ceredigion and northern Pembrokeshire. When compared to nearby settlements like Penparc (34.4 per 1,000) or very rural areas like St Dogmaels, Llangoedmor, and Cilgerran, Cardigan has a significantly higher crime rate due to its status as a major social and retail centre. For those considering the region, Cardigan offers a more active urban lifestyle with a crime profile that is typical for a regional hub, while the surrounding villages provide a much quieter, lower-crime alternative.

Proactive Protection for Cardigan Homes

With a property crime rate of 40.3 per 1,000 and a 14.6% increase in crime over the last year, Cardigan residents and business owners should consider more robust security. Traditional systems like Ring or Nest are reactive; they record footage as a crime happens, which often does not stop an intruder from completing a break-in or causing damage. For real protection in a busy town, a proactive system like scOS is recommended.

scOS uses AI to monitor your property boundaries, detecting potential threats before an intruder reaches your home. Its multi-camera intelligence identifies suspicious patterns and can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating security lights or audible deterrents, destroying the element of surprise. In a town where criminal damage is a notable concern (8.9%), the ability to prevent an incident before it occurs is far more valuable than simply having evidence after the fact. Professional-grade AI protection ensures your home remains a hard target in an active urban environment.