Rhondda Cynon Taf Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 242,844 residents, Rhondda Cynon Taf recorded 1,605 crimes in January 2026, equating to a crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 people—2.9% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure, while slightly lower than the national benchmark, reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal trends. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 46.3% of all reported incidents, followed by public order offences (9.9%) and anti-social behaviour (9.4%). The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period marked by shorter days and reduced retail footfall—may have influenced the distribution of crimes, with fewer outdoor incidents but a persistent focus on interpersonal violence. The rate of violence and sexual offences in the area is 24% higher than the UK average, a disparity that could be linked to the region's socio-economic profile, which includes a mix of urban and rural communities with varying levels of deprivation and service access. In contrast, categories such as anti-social behaviour and shoplifting are below the UK average, suggesting that local initiatives or environmental factors may be contributing to these differences. The data also indicates a slight seasonal dip in property-related crimes, which may be attributed to the reduced outdoor activity and lower retail traffic typical of January. However, the prominence of violent crime underscores the need for continued community engagement and targeted policing strategies, particularly in areas with higher concentrations of at-risk populations. The overall crime rate, while stable, serves as a reminder that even small fluctuations can have significant implications for public safety, requiring a nuanced understanding of both local and national trends.

January 2026 saw a sharp 106.9% rise in 'other crime' reports, increasing from 29 to 60, a category that may include unclassified or emerging types of misconduct. This surge, coupled with a 38.6% increase in vehicle crime, suggests shifting patterns in criminal activity that warrant closer examination. Meanwhile, theft from the person fell by 75%, dropping from 8 to 2 incidents—a stark contrast that may reflect changes in public behaviour during the post-holiday period. Violence and sexual offences, though 24% above the UK average, remained the dominant category, accounting for 46.3% of all crimes. Conversely, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting both fell below the UK average by 35% and 30% respectively, indicating areas where local efforts may be yielding results. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime, with certain categories spiking while others decline, underscoring the importance of targeted interventions.

Rhondda Cynon Taf's crime rate rose by 4.4% from 6.3 per 1,000 in December 2025 to 6.6 per 1,000 in January 2026, marking the first monthly increase since last autumn. This translates to approximately 52 crimes reported each day in the area—a figure that, while consistent with the local rhythm of activity, reflects the impact of seasonal transitions on community interactions. Over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 151 residents, a monthly aggregate that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the population. When compared to the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, the local rate remains 2.9% below, a small but notable edge that underscores the area's relative stability. However, the increase in overall crime highlights the need for continued vigilance, particularly as the post-holiday period may have influenced patterns of behaviour. This data provides a tangible snapshot of how crime exposure varies across different times of the year, offering residents a clearer understanding of their monthly risk profile.