Torfaen Crime Rate

Torfaen presents a diverse safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 103.1 per 1,000 people. While this is higher than the UK average of 93.1, the area maintains a respectable safety score of 76/100, which is close to the national average of 78. Importantly, the region is experiencing a strong positive trend, with crime figures decreasing by 15.2% year-over-year. For the 94,119 residents, it is notable that property crime in Torfaen (28.1 per 1,000) is actually lower than the UK average (32.9), suggesting that residential and commercial assets are relatively secure. The following data provides a comprehensive breakdown of the specific crime types and trends across the local authority.

Torfaen is a local authority area in South East Wales, characterised by a mix of urban settlements like Cwmbrân and Pontypool, alongside more rural, hilly terrain. Historically an industrial heartland, the area has transitioned towards service-based and manufacturing economies. High population density in the primary urban hubs, combined with significant commercial activity and retail centres like Cwmbrân Centre, influences the local crime statistics. These hubs attract a transient population for work and shopping, which can contribute to higher rates of opportunistic theft and anti-social behaviour compared to purely residential zones. Economic factors common to post-industrial regions also play a role in the overall crime profile and safety score.

In Torfaen, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 38.1% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (18.8%) and public order offences (10.3%). Property crime is a significant factor for residents and homeowners, with an overall rate of 28.1 per 1,000 people. This includes shoplifting (6.8%), other theft (4.5%), and criminal damage (9.8%). Burglary and vehicle crime, while less frequent at 3.0% and 2.3% respectively, remain key concerns for property owners. The high proportion of shoplifting and criminal damage reflects the area's urban commercial centres, while the lower vehicle crime rate suggests a relatively secure environment for car owners compared to national averages.

The crime trend in Torfaen is on a significant downward trajectory, with a 15.2% year-over-year decrease. Analysis of the monthly data shows a steady increase in crime rates throughout 2025, starting at 9.0 per 1,000 in January and rising to a peak of 12.3 in August. This seasonal rise is common in urban areas as social activity increases during the summer months. Despite this recent monthly climb, the overall annual trend remains strongly negative compared to the previous 12-month period. For residents, this sustained annual decrease indicates that long-term safety is improving, even if short-term seasonal fluctuations are currently visible in the data.

When comparing Torfaen to its neighbours, it has a higher crime density than rural Monmouthshire (63.9). Comparative data for other immediate neighbours like Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, and Newport is currently unavailable in this set, but Torfaen's decreasing trend of 15.2% suggests it is improving its safety standing within the South East Wales region. For residents and investors, Torfaen offers a more urbanised environment than Monmouthshire, which naturally results in different crime patterns and priorities.

With property crime in Torfaen at 28.1 per 1,000, protecting your home or business requires a proactive approach. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV, often only provide evidence after a crime has been committed. In Torfaen's urban hubs, where shoplifting and criminal damage are more prevalent, the goal should be prevention. scOS offers an AI-driven security operating system that monitors your property boundaries in real-time. By identifying potential threats before a break-in or act of vandalism occurs, the system can trigger autonomous responses like light activation or audible alerts. This level of multi-camera intelligence ensures that your property is not just recording a crime, but actively deterring it. For Torfaen residents, where burglary and vehicle crime are relatively low but still present, scOS provides the professional-grade deterrence necessary to keep your property secure and take advantage of the area's improving safety trends.

How To Keep Safe in Torfaen

Violence and sexual offences represent the most frequent crime type in Torfaen, common in many urbanised areas. To stay safe, we recommend staying aware of your surroundings in town centres, particularly during evening hours and near transport hubs. Avoid walking alone in unlit areas and use well-populated routes. Since anti-social behaviour is the second highest category, residents should report persistent issues to local authorities to help focus policing efforts. For property owners, given the prevalence of shoplifting and 'other theft' in commercial zones, ensuring that business premises and homes are clearly secured with visible deterrents is essential. Simple measures like marking your property and ensuring that valuables are not visible from the street can significantly reduce opportunistic theft. For the highest level of protection, consider a proactive AI security system that can detect and deter threats at your property line.