Porth Crime Rate

Porth’s crime profile reveals a stark contrast between its property crime rates and public order challenges. While property crime is 30.7% below the UK average, public order offences are 106% higher, making this a key concern for residents. The area’s crime rate of 105.4 per 1,000 is 15.8% above the national average, with shoplifting surging by 60% YoY despite remaining below UK levels. This mix of trends underscores the need for targeted community initiatives and security measures to address local vulnerabilities.

Porth is a built-up area within Rhondda Cynon Taf, characterised by a mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces. Its proximity to transport hubs and a relatively young population may contribute to higher anti-social behaviour and public order issues. The area's compact layout and limited green spaces could also influence crime patterns, particularly in public spaces where anti-social behaviour and public order incidents are more likely to occur.

The most striking finding in Porth’s crime profile is the 106% exceedance of the UK average for public order offences, with 13.0 per 1,000 residents compared to the national rate of 6.3. This likely reflects the area’s high foot traffic in public spaces, which may create opportunities for disorderly conduct. Anti-social behaviour, at 16.6 per 1,000, is also above the UK average, possibly linked to social dynamics in densely populated residential areas. Meanwhile, shoplifting has risen sharply by 60% YoY, reaching 4.8 per 1,000, despite remaining below the UK average. This could be tied to increased retail activity or unattended goods in high-traffic zones. Property crime, however, is 30.7% below the UK average, suggesting that targeted security measures or community engagement may be mitigating burglary and vehicle crime risks.

Crime in Porth has remained stable year-on-year, with a -4.2% decline overall. Possession of weapons has plummeted by 61.9% YoY, likely reflecting improved policing or community interventions. However, shoplifting has surged by 60.5%, reaching 4.8 per 1,000, despite remaining below the UK average. This increase may be linked to rising retail activity or unattended goods in high-traffic zones. Burglary and other crime types have also risen, with burglary increasing by 30.4% YoY. These trends highlight the need for targeted measures to address rising shoplifting and property crime while maintaining the positive decline in weapons-related offences.

How To Keep Safe in Porth

For residents in Porth, where public order offences are 106% above the UK average, consider reducing opportunities for anti-social behaviour by reporting disturbances promptly to local authorities. Given the 13.2% YoY rise in vehicle crime, secure parking in well-lit areas and use immobilisers when possible. For public spaces, avoid isolated walkways during evening hours when theft and other crimes are more likely. Community engagement, such as participating in local safety initiatives, may also help address the area’s elevated public order rates.

Crime in Porth exhibits distinct patterns across the day and week. Theft peaks in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), aligning with retail hours and potential opportunities for shoplifting. Vehicle crime surges at night (12am-6am), likely due to unattended cars in poorly lit areas. Evening hours (6pm-12am) see a mix of theft and other crimes, possibly linked to social activity. Burglary rates are highest in the early evening (6pm-9pm), suggesting opportunistic activity during transitional periods when residences are less secure. These trends may reflect the area’s mix of commercial and residential spaces, with public order incidents concentrated in the late afternoon and night as foot traffic increases.

Compared to nearby areas, Porth has a 32% higher crime rate than Tonypandy (79.9 per 1,000) but a 10% lower rate than Wattstown (115.8 per 1,000). The area’s compact layout and high foot traffic likely contribute to its elevated public order offences, which are 106% above the UK average. In contrast, Tonypandy’s lower crime rate may reflect a more dispersed population or different economic dynamics.

For households in Porth, where public order offences are 106% above the UK average, proactive security measures are essential, scOS’s AI-powered boundary detection can identify potential threats in real time, such as loitering near properties, and trigger deterrents like lights and speakers. DVLA vehicle verification helps flag stolen or cloned plates near homes, addressing the 13.2% YoY rise in vehicle crime. These features shift from passive recording to active deterrence, raising the risk for offenders and reducing the likelihood of intrusion in an area where property is clearly a target.