Aberfan Crime Rate

Recent data indicates that Aberfan, within Merthyr Tydfil, has experienced a concerning crime rate of 29.4 incidents per 1,000 residents over the period of January 2025 to December 2025. This rate significantly surpasses the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, highlighting a relatively higher level of criminal activity compared to the national picture. While Aberfan benefits from a safety score of 92 out of 100, indicating a generally perceived sense of security, the recorded crime statistics warrant attention. The data reveals a worrying upward trend, with crime increasing by 10.2% year-on-year, suggesting a potential escalation in criminal activity requiring proactive intervention and community engagement.

The most recent data, covering January 2025 to December 2025, reveals that Aberfan experiences a crime rate of 29.4 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure places Aberfan significantly above the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating a higher level of criminal activity within the built-up area. The most prevalent crimes involve violence and sexual offences, accounting for nearly half (48.1%) of all recorded incidents. Following this, criminal damage and arson represent 12.6% of crimes, and anti-social behaviour makes up 10.7%. Other theft, public order offences, and possession of weapons contribute to the overall crime landscape, though to a lesser extent. The relatively low incidence of burglary and vehicle crime compared to other crime types may reflect the close-knit community feel often associated with smaller Welsh towns. Further investigation may be needed to understand the specific factors driving these crime patterns.

The data reveals a concerning upward trend in crime rates within Aberfan. From January 2025 to December 2025, crime has increased by 10.2% year-on-year. Monthly data further illustrates this escalation. While there were periods of relative calm, such as October 2025 with a rate of 1.3 per 1,000, the overall trend consistently points towards increased criminal activity. The peak in June 2025, with a rate of 3.9 per 1,000, highlights the potential for sudden spikes in crime. This upward trajectory necessitates proactive measures and community engagement to address the root causes and mitigate further escalation.

How To Keep Safe in Aberfan

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Consider using well-lit routes and avoid isolated areas. With criminal damage and arson being a significant concern, ensure that your property is well-secured and any potential fire hazards are addressed. Report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. Due to the prevalence of anti-social behaviour, be mindful of your belongings in public spaces and avoid confrontation. Finally, consider joining local community watch schemes to enhance neighbourhood vigilance and support.

Crime patterns in Aberfan show a varied distribution throughout the day. Burglary is most likely to occur during the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm). Theft tends to be more common during commercial hours (afternoon), with a significant proportion occurring during the evening. Vehicle crime is particularly prevalent during the night (12am - 6am), suggesting a higher risk for parked vehicles during these hours. Violence is more frequently observed during the evening hours, particularly on weekends, highlighting the potential for increased risk during social activities.

Comparing Aberfan's crime rate to neighbouring communities reveals varying levels of criminal activity. Troedyrhiw and Pentrebach experience a significantly higher rate of 101.7 per 1,000, while Bedlinog’s rate stands at 86.5 per 1,000. Mountain Ash, with a rate of 93.5 per 1,000, shows a similar trend. Treharris, however, demonstrates a considerably lower rate of 56.3 per 1,000, suggesting a greater sense of safety within that area. These comparisons underscore the localised nature of crime and highlight the importance of tailored safety initiatives within Aberfan.

Traditional CCTV systems often record incidents after they’ve occurred, providing footage for investigations but doing little to prevent the crime itself. A proactive approach to home security is increasingly vital in areas like Aberfan. scOS offers a fundamentally different level of protection by utilising AI to detect potential threats at your property boundary before they escalate. The system’s multi-camera intelligence continuously monitors all cameras, instantly verifying vehicle registrations with the DVLA to identify potential intruders, and learns your family’s routines to differentiate between normal activity and genuine risks. The visible presence of scOS, with its active cameras and automated deterrents, acts as a powerful psychological deterrent for opportunistic criminals – the 60-second decision point often proves enough to make them reconsider. While DIY security systems have their place, the professional-grade equipment and AI-powered intelligence of scOS provide a significantly enhanced layer of protection, particularly given Aberfan’s elevated crime rate.