Cardigan, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in Ceredigion, exhibits a crime rate of 133.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This figure is considerably higher than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000. Understanding this statistic requires considering the specific context of a BUA, which typically has a more concentrated population and potentially different demographic factors compared to broader rural areas.
To provide a comparative perspective, let's examine Cardigan’s neighbouring areas. St Dogmaels and Cilgerran both report crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 residents, indicating a remarkably low level of reported crime. Llangoedmor also reports a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000. Penparc, however, demonstrates a crime rate of 35.3 per 1,000, which is lower than Cardigan but still above the rates of St Dogmaels, Cilgerran, and Llangoedmor. This disparity highlights that crime rates can vary significantly even within a relatively small geographic region.
Cardigan’s safety score is 68/100, which falls below the UK average of 79/100. The safety score is an indicator of perceived safety and overall security, and the lower score reflects the higher crime rate observed. It’s important to remember that safety scores are often influenced by a combination of factors including crime statistics, resident perceptions, and the effectiveness of local crime prevention measures. The difference between Cardigan and the UK average safety score suggests that residents may perceive Cardigan as less safe than the average UK area.
While the data paints a picture, it's crucial to remember that crime rates can be influenced by numerous factors, including population density, socio-economic conditions, and reporting practices. The comparison with neighbouring areas demonstrates the variability in crime rates even within rural Wales. A higher crime rate doesn't necessarily mean Cardigan is inherently unsafe; it suggests a need for continued vigilance and community-based initiatives to address potential concerns.