Rural Rhondda Cynon Taf Crime Rate

Rural Rhondda Cynon Taf offers a safety profile that is characteristic of a large, diverse local authority. The area has an overall crime rate of 95.6 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly above the national average of 91.7. However, this is balanced by a safety score of 76/100, which is close to the UK average of 79. Over the past year, the crime trend has remained stable, showing a slight decrease of 3.3%. This data, covering December 2024 to November 2025, indicates a predictable and consistent security environment. While social-related offences are the most common, the property crime rate is notably lower than the UK average, making these rural communities a secure choice for many homeowners and families.

In Rural Rhondda Cynon Taf, the crime profile is heavily weighted towards violence and sexual offences, which account for 45.6% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 15.2% and public order offences at 12.3%. Together, these three categories represent nearly three-quarters of the total crime in the area, suggesting that social and interpersonal offences are more common than large-scale property crime.

Property-related crime across the rural parts of the local authority presents a combined rate of 19.2 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft. Within this category, 'other theft' and criminal damage are the most frequent. Burglary is relatively low, with 34 incidents recorded, resulting in a rate of 2.4 per 1,000 residents. For those living in these rural communities, this means that while the overall property crime rate is lower than the UK average (32.3), the high proportion of violent and social offences highlights a need for personal awareness. Homeowners should feel secure, but the data suggests that maintaining community safety and personal security remains important.

The crime trend in Rural Rhondda Cynon Taf is currently stable, with a slight 3.3% decrease in total offences over the last year. This consistency is a positive indicator for local residents. Looking at the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025, the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated throughout the year. The year started with relatively low rates in December (5.8) and January (7.1), before peaking in July at 11.0.

Following this summer high, the rate remained elevated through August (9.6) and October (8.7). The most recent data from November 2025 shows the rate sitting at 7.2. This suggests a seasonal pattern where crime increases during the warmer months and stabilizes during the winter. For residents, this means that while the overall annual trend is stable, extra vigilance is recommended during the summer period when local activity and recorded incidents typically reach their peak.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Rhondda Cynon Taf

The most common crime type in Rural Rhondda Cynon Taf is violence and sexual offences, which makes up over 45% of all reported incidents. While the area is generally secure, personal safety and property awareness are important. Consider these tips:

1. Secure outbuildings and sheds: In rural areas, tools and equipment are often targets for theft. Ensure all external buildings are fitted with high-quality locks and consider alarm sensors.
2. Use motion-activated perimeter lighting: This is a highly effective deterrent for both opportunistic thieves and anti-social behaviour, especially in less populated rural lanes.
3. Be mindful of vehicle security: 28% of vehicle crime occurs at night. Always park in well-lit areas and ensure no valuables are left inside, even in seemingly safe rural locations.
4. Report suspicious activity: If you notice unfamiliar vehicles or individuals loitering in your community, report it to the local police. Rural communities rely on residents being each other's eyes and ears.
5. Secure your home during the day: With burglary peaking in the afternoon and at night, always ensure your property is locked, even if you are just working in the garden or popping out briefly.

Crime in Rural Rhondda Cynon Taf follows a clear temporal cycle. During the morning and afternoon, theft and burglary are the primary concerns. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) is particularly busy for theft, accounting for 44% of incidents, likely due to increased activity in local commercial pockets and transport hubs.

As the day transitions into the evening, the focus shifts towards social-related offences like public order and anti-social behaviour. The night-time period (12am - 6am) sees a significant percentage of vehicle crime (28%) and burglary (18%). While the overall volume of crime is lower at night, these hours represent the highest risk for residential property and parked vehicles. This pattern suggests that residents should be most vigilant about home security during the day when they may be out, and focus on vehicle and perimeter security during the overnight hours.

Rural Rhondda Cynon Taf covers a broad area, but when compared to specific urban centres within the local authority, it provides a more stable safety profile. Its crime rate of 95.6 is higher than more residential pockets like Gilfach Goch (56.2) and Taff's Well (86.3), but it is significantly safer than high-activity retail hubs like Talbot Green (205.2). For residents in the rural parts of the county, the crime levels are typical for the region, reflecting a mix of quiet residential life and occasional spikes in social-related activity. This context helps homeowners understand that while they live in a relatively safe area, they are part of a larger administrative district with varying levels of criminal activity.

With a property crime rate of 19.2 per 1,000 people, Rural Rhondda Cynon Taf is statistically safer for homeowners than many urban parts of the UK. However, the rural nature of these communities can present unique security challenges, such as longer response times and isolated properties. Traditional security systems often rely on recording a crime as it happens, which is of limited use if the intruder has already left by the time you see the footage.

A proactive approach is far more effective for rural properties. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that identifies threats at your property boundary before a break-in occurs. By monitoring your cameras simultaneously, scOS can distinguish between local wildlife and an individual loitering with intent. If a threat is detected, the system autonomously triggers deterrents like lights and audio warnings to stop the intruder in their tracks. For residents in Rural Rhondda Cynon Taf, scOS provides the proactive deterrence needed to protect both the home and outbuildings, ensuring that threats are neutralised before they can cause damage or loss.