Pontypridd Crime Rate

Pontypridd currently has an overall crime rate of 95.1 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly higher than the UK average of 91.7. Despite this, the town maintains a respectable safety score of 77/100, reflecting a generally secure environment for its population of over 36,000. The recent trend direction is stable, with a year-over-year decrease of 4.2%, suggesting that local safety is gradually improving. Notably, the property crime rate in Pontypridd is 26.1 per 1,000, which is significantly better than the UK average of 32.3. This indicates that while social and public order offences are more common, the risk to homes and personal property is lower than in many other parts of the country.

Crime Breakdown in Pontypridd

The crime profile of Pontypridd is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 40.6% of all recorded incidents (38.6 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 12.1% and public order offences at 11.6%. These figures suggest that most police activity is focused on social conduct and personal safety within the town's public spaces.

Property crime in Pontypridd stands at 26.1 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the UK average of 32.3. The most frequent property offence is shoplifting, representing 9.1% of total crime, followed by criminal damage and arson at 6.5%. Burglary is relatively rare, making up only 2.8% of incidents with a rate of 2.7 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, this indicates that while the risk of a break-in is low, there is a moderate risk of opportunistic theft and vandalism, particularly in commercial areas or near the town centre.

Crime Trends in Pontypridd

The crime trend in Pontypridd is currently stable, with a year-over-year decrease of 4.2%. This suggests that local safety initiatives are having a positive impact. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a relatively consistent rate, beginning at 7.5 in December and reaching a peak of 8.8 in May.

Following the spring peak, the crime rate remained steady throughout the summer, with another minor rise to 8.7 in October before dropping back to 7.4 in November. This pattern indicates that while there are minor seasonal fluctuations, there is no significant upward surge in criminal activity. For residents, this stability provides a predictable environment, though the slight downward trend is an encouraging sign for the town's long-term safety prospects.

How To Keep Safe in Pontypridd

The highest crime category in Pontypridd is violence and sexual offences, often concentrated in the town centre or near social hubs. To stay safe in the urban environment, consider these tips:

1. Be aware of your surroundings when walking through the town centre, especially during the evening. Stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas like the park after dark.
2. If you are out late, try to travel in groups and use reputable local taxi services. Ensure someone knows your expected arrival time.
3. Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the local authorities. ASB is the second most common issue in Pontypridd, and consistent reporting helps police identify and manage hotspots.
4. Secure your vehicle, even when parked for short periods. Vehicle crime is most common late at night, so using a garage or a well-lit driveway is highly recommended.
5. Keep valuables out of sight in public spaces. Shoplifting and other thefts are common in commercial areas, so staying vigilant can help prevent opportunistic theft.

Crime in Pontypridd follows distinct temporal patterns. The morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft and shoplifting, which peak between 12pm and 6pm, accounting for 42% of crimes in that window. This aligns with the town's retail hours and higher footfall in commercial areas. As the day transitions into the evening (6pm-12am), the focus shifts toward 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 51% of reports. Late-night hours (12am-6am) see a significant spike in vehicle crime, which represents 38% of all incidents during this period. This suggests that while daytime crime is largely opportunistic and retail-focused, night-time crime targets unattended property and vehicles.

Pontypridd is the largest urban settlement in its immediate vicinity and serves as a regional hub. Compared to nearby areas, its crime rate of 95.1 is higher than the more residential Church Village (42.4) and Abercynon (73.1). It also sits above Ynysybwl, which has a rate of 61.0. These differences are largely due to Pontypridd's central role, featuring more commercial activity, transport links, and a higher transient population. For those seeking a quieter environment, Church Village offers a significantly lower crime rate, but Pontypridd remains a safe and well-connected choice for those who value the amenities of a larger town within the Rhondda Cynon Taf area.

In Pontypridd, where property crime sits at 26.1 per 1,000 residents, protecting your home requires more than just recording events. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide evidence after a crime has occurred, which is a reactive approach. With shoplifting and criminal damage being the most common property offences in the area, homeowners should focus on preventing opportunistic incidents before they escalate.

scOS offers a proactive security solution that uses AI to monitor your property boundaries. Unlike standard cameras that just record, scOS intelligently identifies threats in real-time. It can distinguish between your family, a delivery, and a potential intruder. If a threat is detected, the system can autonomously respond by activating lights or speakers, destroying the element of surprise that most criminals rely on. This level of professional-grade protection is a powerful deterrent, signaling to potential offenders that your property is not an easy target. For Pontypridd residents, this means moving beyond simple surveillance to a system that actively prevents crime.