Porth Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In July 2023, Porth maintained a crime rate of 7.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 9.6% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This figure reflects a persistent trend observed in similar built-up areas within Rhondda Cynon Taf, where community-focused policing and seasonal activity patterns appear to influence crime dynamics. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 53.1% of total crimes, followed by public order offences (15.6%) and criminal damage and arson (10.4%). These figures are consistent with the area’s character as a compact, high-density community where public spaces are frequently utilised during summer months. The surge in public order incidents, which rose by 114.3% compared to June, may be attributed to the peak of local festivals and outdoor events, which typically draw larger crowds and increase the likelihood of alcohol-related disputes. Despite this, Porth’s overall rate remains significantly lower than the UK average, a contrast that could be explained by the area’s relatively small population and the presence of local initiatives aimed at fostering community cohesion. The seasonal context of July—characterised by schools being out, heightened tourism, and extended daylight hours—likely plays a role in shaping these patterns, as outdoor crime and public disorder incidents often align with increased social activity. While violence and sexual offences remain elevated compared to the UK average, other categories such as shoplifting and burglary show marked underperformance, with rates 67% and 39% below national benchmarks respectively. This divergence suggests that Porth’s crime profile is influenced by unique local factors, including its proximity to natural landscapes that may deter property crime and a lower retail footprint that limits opportunities for theft. The data underscores the importance of tailoring crime prevention strategies to the specific needs of the area, balancing vigilance against high-impact categories with efforts to sustain the low rates observed in others.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in July 2023 was the 114.3% increase in public order crimes, rising from seven to 15 incidents. This surge, which outpaced all other categories, may be linked to the summer festival season and increased foot traffic in Porth’s built-up area. Violence and sexual offences also rose by 24.4%, from 41 to 51 cases, though this remains 44% above the UK average for the category. Conversely, drugs-related offences fell by 75.0%, dropping from four to one incident, a decline that could reflect seasonal changes in substance use patterns or heightened enforcement during peak tourist periods. Anti-social behaviour, which accounted for 6.3% of total crimes, fell by 68.4% compared to June, a decrease that may indicate the impact of targeted interventions in high-traffic areas. Porth’s shoplifting rate of 0.2 per 1,000 is 67% below the UK average, a figure that aligns with the area’s lower retail density compared to urban centres.

July 2023 saw a 7.7% decrease in Porth's crime rate compared to June, dropping from 8.1 to 7.5 per 1,000 residents. This aligns with a broader seasonal trend observed in similar built-up areas during peak summer months, where increased community engagement and event-related policing may contribute to reduced incidents. On a daily basis, Porth recorded an average of three crimes per day in July, a figure that contextualises the monthly total of 96 crimes within the local rhythm of activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 134 residents, a metric that reflects the area’s population density and the relative scale of incidents. When compared to the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000, Porth’s 7.5 rate places it 9.6% below the national benchmark, suggesting a combination of effective local policing strategies and environmental factors that may mitigate crime during the summer. The decrease in anti-social behaviour and drugs-related offences, alongside the rise in public order incidents, highlights shifts in crime patterns that warrant further contextual analysis.