Aberdare Crime Rate

Aberdare, an urban settlement in Rhondda Cynon Taf, recorded an overall crime rate of 104.6 per 1,000 people for the 2025 calendar year. This figure is higher than the UK average of 91.6, resulting in a safety score of 74/100, which is slightly below the national average of 79. The area's crime trend is currently stable, with a minor 3.0% decrease year-over-year. With a population of over 37,000, Aberdare experiences a typical urban crime profile, where violence and anti-social behaviour are the most frequently reported offences. However, property crime remains notably low at 21.9 per 1,000, suggesting that while community safety is a focus, the risk of theft and burglary is relatively controlled compared to other urban centres.

In Aberdare, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 44.3% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common category at 14.7%, followed by public order offences at 13.4%. These three types represent the vast majority of local crime, highlighting a focus on personal and community-based issues. Property-related crime overall—including burglary, robbery, various thefts, and vehicle-related offences—is recorded at a rate of 21.9 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.2. For residents, this means that while personal safety and community conduct are the primary concerns, the risk to physical property is lower than in many other urban areas across the UK. Nonetheless, consistent home security remains important to maintain these relatively low property crime levels.

Aberdare is currently experiencing a stable trend in its crime statistics, with a minor 3.0% decrease in total offences year-over-year. Monthly data from 2025 shows a consistent pattern of activity. The year began with rates of 8.9 in January and 8.4 in February, rising to a yearly peak of 10.3 in June. This mid-year increase is a common seasonal trend. Following the summer peak, the rate dipped to a yearly low of 6.6 in September before rising slightly to 8.5 in November. This lack of significant volatility is a positive sign, indicating that crime levels are well-managed and predictable. For residents, this stability means that while standard precautions are always necessary, there are no sudden surges in local crime that warrant immediate alarm.

How To Keep Safe in Aberdare

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Aberdare, representing over 44% of all reports. To enhance personal safety, residents are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings, particularly in the town centre or when walking alone late at night. Stick to well-lit, busy routes and consider using a personal safety app. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences are also significant factors; reporting persistent issues to the local South Wales Police neighbourhood teams helps ensure that resources are effectively deployed. For vehicle owners, while the rate is low, 38% of night-time crime is vehicle-related. To mitigate this, always lock your car, avoid leaving valuables on display, and park in a well-lit driveway or garage if possible. Finally, staying active in local community groups or Neighbourhood Watch schemes can foster a stronger sense of collective vigilance, helping to keep Aberdare's crime rates stable and the community secure.

Crime in Aberdare exhibits clear temporal trends. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are highly prevalent, accounting for 39% and 44% of incidents respectively. This likely reflects activity in local retail and commercial spaces during the day. As night falls, there is a shift towards vehicle crime, which makes up 38% of all reports between 12am and 6am. Evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a high concentration of 'other' crimes, which account for 54% of incidents. Burglary remains a lower-level but persistent threat, with a slight peak in the afternoon (17%). These patterns suggest that while personal safety is a daytime concern, vehicle security is a primary priority during the night.

In the local context of the South Wales valleys, Aberdare (104.6) sits in a mid-range for crime. It is significantly safer than Maerdy, which has a high rate of 139.2, and is comparable to Troedyrhiw and Pentrebach (101.6). However, it has a higher crime rate than its neighbours Mountain Ash (93.5) and Ferndale (61.7). This regional data highlights Aberdare as an active urban hub with a stable crime profile, making it a typical example of a larger valley town where standard urban safety precautions are advisable.

In Aberdare, where the property crime rate is low at 21.9 per 1,000, residents enjoy a generally secure environment for their homes. However, the high percentage of violence and anti-social behaviour suggests that maintaining a visible and effective security presence is still valuable for peace of mind. Traditional security systems are often reactive, providing footage only after an incident has occurred. For those seeking a higher level of protection, proactive security is the better approach. scOS is an AI-powered home security system that monitors your property boundaries in real-time. It uses advanced intelligence to distinguish between normal activity and a genuine threat, such as an intruder. By activating autonomous responses like lights or audio deterrents before a crime occurs, scOS removes the opportunity for criminals. In a town where crime is stable, professional-grade prevention ensures that your home remains a hard target, providing security through intelligent detection rather than just recording.