Newport Crime Rate

Newport currently has a crime rate of 99.5 per 1,000 people, positioned slightly above the UK average of 91.7. Despite this, the city boasts a safety score of 78/100, which is nearly identical to the national average of 79. The most encouraging data point is the recent trend direction, which shows a substantial 29.2% decrease in total crime year-over-year. This significant reduction suggests a positive shift in the city's safety landscape. The data, spanning December 2024 to November 2025, indicates that while Newport faces urban challenges, the overall volume of crime is falling sharply, making it an increasingly secure environment for its 167,899 residents.

About Newport

Newport is a significant urban centre in South Wales, characterised by its historic industrial roots and its modern role as a hub for technology and administration. The city's geography, situated along the River Usk and near the M4 corridor, makes it a major transport link between Wales and England. This connectivity, while beneficial for the economy, also contributes to a more transient population and higher activity levels typical of a regional gateway.

The local economy is driven by a mix of retail, public sector employment, and a growing tech scene, alongside a vibrant nightlife in the city centre. These factors, combined with urban density, influence the local crime statistics. Areas of commercial concentration often see higher rates of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, while the transport hubs can attract different types of public order issues. Understanding Newport's crime rate requires acknowledging these urban dynamics, where high-traffic areas naturally record more incidents than the quieter, residential outskirts of the Gwent region.

Crime in Newport

Violence and sexual offences constitute the largest portion of Newport's crime data, with 5,617 incidents making up 33.6% of the total. Anti-social behaviour is also prominent, accounting for 17.8% of reports, followed by public order offences at 10.4%. These statistics suggest that social conduct and personal safety in public spaces are the most frequent areas of concern for local residents and visitors.

Property crime in Newport sits at a rate of 31.9 per 1,000 people. This encompasses 471 burglaries, 591 vehicle crimes, and 1,440 shoplifting offences. Criminal damage and arson also represent a notable 9.7% of total crime. For homeowners, the burglary rate of 2.8 per 1,000 is relatively low compared to other urban centres, but the cumulative impact of theft and damage remains a priority. Ensuring that homes and vehicles are properly secured is essential, as property-related offences still make up nearly a third of all criminal activity in the city.

Newport Crime Trends

The crime trend in Newport is currently characterised by a significant decrease, with total offences falling by 29.2% over the last year. Monthly data from late 2024 and early 2025 shows crime rates hovering between 9.9 and 12.2 per 1,000. However, a dramatic shift occurred in the latter part of 2025, with rates dropping to near zero in September and October, before a very slight return in November.

This sharp decline in the latter half of the year suggests either a major successful policing initiative or a change in reporting patterns. Regardless of the cause, the year-over-year reduction is one of the most substantial in the region. For residents, this trend is highly encouraging, indicating a much quieter criminal environment than in previous years. Maintaining this low level of activity will be the primary challenge for the city moving forward.

Newport is the dominant urban centre in its immediate region, and its crime statistics should be viewed in that context. Nearby areas such as Torfaen, Monmouthshire, and Caerphilly report significantly lower crime rates, which is typical for more residential and rural local authorities. Further afield, Newport compares favourably to larger cities; its crime rate is lower than Bristol's and competitive with Cardiff's. For those considering the Gwent region, Newport offers the amenities of a city with a safety profile that is rapidly improving, providing a balanced alternative to the much lower-activity surrounding counties.

Protecting Your Property in Newport

In Newport, the property crime rate of 31.9 per 1,000 people is slightly below the UK average, yet property security remains a vital concern for many. Traditional security systems often rely on recording incidents as they happen, which may help with police investigations but does little to prevent the initial intrusion. For true peace of mind, Newport homeowners should look towards proactive, AI-driven solutions.

scOS represents the next generation of home security by focusing on prevention rather than just evidence gathering. The system uses AI to monitor your property's perimeter, identifying potential threats before they reach your doors or windows. By distinguishing between normal activity—like a neighbour walking past—and suspicious behaviour, scOS can trigger autonomous responses such as illuminating the area or playing a warning. This proactive approach is particularly effective in urban settings like Newport, where opportunistic theft can be deterred by the mere presence of an intelligent, responsive system. Moving beyond reactive CCTV ensures that your home isn't just a source of footage for a crime report, but a secure fortress that actively prevents crime from occurring.

How To Keep Safe in Newport

The most common crime type in Newport is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for over a third of all reported incidents. To ensure your safety in the city, consider these practical steps:

1. Plan Your Route: When walking through the city centre, especially after dark, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid quieter side streets or isolated pedestrian underpasses.
2. Stay Vigilant in Busy Areas: High-traffic commercial zones and transport hubs can be hotspots for various offences. Keep your personal belongings secure and stay aware of the people around you.
3. Use Safe Transport: If you are out late, use reputable taxi firms or public transport. Avoid walking long distances alone at night if possible.
4. Community Awareness: Join local neighbourhood watch groups or follow local police social media accounts to stay informed about specific safety issues in your part of Newport.
5. Trust Your Instincts: If a situation or location feels unsafe, leave immediately and head towards a crowded, well-lit area or a business that is still open.