Torfaen Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Torfaen

Torfaen records an overall crime rate of 113.5 per 1,000 people per year, placing it above the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. The area has a safety score of 74 out of 100, which is slightly below the national average of 78. This indicates that while Torfaen faces certain crime challenges, it maintains a reasonable level of safety. Encouragingly, the latest data shows a decreasing trend in crime, with a 6.1% reduction year-over-year. This report delves into the specific crime types, trends, and comparisons with nearby areas to provide a comprehensive overview of safety in Torfaen.

About Torfaen

Torfaen, a local authority district in South Wales, is characterised by a mix of urban and semi-rural landscapes. Its population of 94,119 is spread across towns like Cwmbrân and Pontypool, which serve as key residential and commercial hubs. The presence of significant retail centres, particularly in Cwmbrân, contributes to higher footfall and can influence certain crime types, such as shoplifting and other theft. Additionally, transport links and varying population densities across its communities can play a role in the distribution and nature of reported incidents. Understanding these characteristics helps in contextualising Torfaen's crime rate and safety score, providing insight into the underlying factors that shape the local crime landscape.

Torfaen Crime Type Analysis

An analysis of crime types in Torfaen reveals that Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant category, accounting for 4,108 crimes (38.5% of the total) at a rate of 43.6 per 1,000 people. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common, with 1,980 incidents (18.5%) at 21.0 per 1,000, followed by Public order offences, totalling 1,114 crimes (10.4%) at 11.8 per 1,000. These top three categories highlight prevalent issues related to public conduct and personal safety within the area.

In terms of property-related crime, Torfaen experiences a rate of 30.8 per 1,000 people, which is below the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses burglary (3.5 per 1,000), vehicle crime (2.6 per 1,000), and other theft (5.1 per 1,000), alongside criminal damage and arson (11.0 per 1,000) and shoplifting (7.8 per 1,000). While lower than the national average, these figures indicate that residents and homeowners should remain vigilant regarding the security of their properties and belongings. Proactive measures can help mitigate the risks associated with these types of offences.

Torfaen Crime Trends

Torfaen has experienced a positive trend in its crime statistics, with a year-over-year decrease of 6.1% in overall crime. This indicates a general improvement in safety over the past 12 months compared to the previous period. Looking at the monthly data, crime rates per 1,000 residents fluctuated, showing a peak in August 2025 at 12.3, following a rise from 10.4 in March 2025. Earlier in the period, rates were lower, such as 8.8 in December 2024 and 9.0 in January 2025. While there are monthly variations, the overarching trend points towards a reduction in overall crime, which is encouraging for residents and businesses in Torfaen. This suggests that local efforts to combat crime may be yielding positive results.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, Torfaen's crime rate can be compared with several neighbouring areas. Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil, and Cardiff each present a unique local crime landscape. Larger urban centres like Newport and Cardiff, with their higher population densities and diverse commercial and entertainment activities, often experience different crime patterns and potentially higher overall volumes compared to more suburban or rural areas. Monmouthshire, for example, typically exhibits a different profile due to its more rural characteristics. Understanding these variations helps to contextualise Torfaen's crime rate of 113.5 per 1,000 people and its safety score of 74/100 within the broader regional picture, allowing for a more informed perspective on local safety.

Protecting Your Property in Torfaen

Given Torfaen's property crime rate of 30.8 per 1,000 people, which is below the UK average, it remains crucial for residents to consider robust home security measures. Traditional security systems often provide footage after a crime has occurred, acting reactively rather than preventatively. However, the focus should shift towards proactive protection to deter potential intruders before they cause damage or gain entry.

Modern, AI-powered security operating systems like scOS offer a significant advancement. Unlike cameras that merely record a burglary, scOS is designed to prevent it by detecting threats at your property boundary. This multi-camera intelligence watches all areas simultaneously, using pattern learning to distinguish between family, deliveries, and genuine threats, only alerting you when necessary. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify suspicious vehicles. When a real threat is detected, scOS can trigger an autonomous response, activating lights and speakers to destroy the element of surprise and encourage intruders to move on within the crucial 60-second decision window. While DIY systems offer some peace of mind, professional-grade equipment and proactive deterrence, like that offered by scOS, signal serious protection and can make a significant difference in safeguarding your home in Torfaen.