Pontypridd Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Pontypridd's January 2026 crime rate of 8.0 per 1,000 residents places it 17.6% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This built-up area within Rhondda Cynon Taf exhibits a crime profile skewed heavily towards violent and sexual offences, which account for 44.1% of all reported crimes. The data reveals a marked contrast with national trends, as violence and sexual offences in Pontypridd occur at 3.5 per 1,000—40% above the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000. Shoplifting and public order offences also stand out, with both categories registering 40% and 90% above national averages respectively. These figures suggest a concentration of incidents in areas with high foot traffic or social interaction, though the exact locations remain unspecified in the data. Seasonal factors may contribute to the elevated violent crime rates, as January typically follows a post-holiday period marked by shorter days and reduced retail activity. The higher proportion of violent crimes compared to property crimes contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes dominate. This divergence could reflect local characteristics such as the town's proximity to educational institutions or its role as a commuter hub. The absence of significant spikes in vehicle crime or burglary, which are 19% and 29% below UK averages respectively, indicates a different crime ecology than typically seen in more urban or economically disadvantaged areas.

January 2026 saw a 200% surge in 'other crime' reports, rising from 3 to 9 incidents. This category's sharp increase—though not defined in the data—suggests emerging patterns or shifts in police categorisation. Concurrently, 'other theft' doubled from 11 to 22 cases, while robbery rates rose by 50% (2 to 3). These increases may reflect seasonal dynamics, as January's shorter days and post-holiday lull in retail activity could drive different criminal behaviours. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 50% (from 2 to 1), due to reduced foot traffic in high streets. Public order offences remain 90% above the UK average, a figure that may be influenced by local social dynamics or policing priorities. The decline in drugs-related incidents by 36.4% (11 to 7) and burglary by 33.3% (9 to 6) suggests potential success in targeted interventions, though no specific programmes are referenced in the data. For residents, the 40% above-average rate for shoplifting—a common category in retail hubs—may indicate the need for increased vigilance in local stores, particularly during off-peak hours.

Pontypridd's January 2026 crime rate of 8.0 per 1,000 represents a 10.3% increase from the previous month's 7.2 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 9 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the monthly total of 290 incidents. This translates to a monthly exposure rate of 1 reported crime for every 126 residents—a statistic that, while not directly comparable to UK-wide figures, highlights the local impact. The 17.6% gap between Pontypridd's rate and the UK average underscores the area's distinct challenges, particularly in violent crime categories. With a population of 36,479, the 290 total crimes equate to a population-scaled perspective where every resident faces a 0.8% chance of being directly involved in a crime during the month. This rate is higher than the UK average, which may reflect demographic factors such as a younger population or economic conditions affecting crime patterns. The 10.3% month-on-month rise, while significant, must be viewed in the context of January's typical seasonal trends—post-holiday periods often see shifts in criminal activity as individuals adjust to routine after festive seasons. Residents may find the daily crime count of 9 particularly relevant, as it provides a tangible measure of local risk compared to the abstract monthly rate.