Vale of Glamorgan Crime Rate

The Vale of Glamorgan is one of the safer regions in Wales, with a current crime rate of 72.3 per 1,000 residents. This figure is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7, and the area enjoys a high safety score of 83/100. Furthermore, the crime trend is moving in a positive direction, with a 7.2% decrease in total offences over the last year. For the 135,743 people living in the Vale, these statistics provide reassurance of a secure and stable environment. This report breaks down the local data to help residents understand the specific types of crime occurring in their area and how they compare to the rest of the country.

The Vale of Glamorgan is a diverse local authority in South Wales, stretching from the bustling coastal town of Barry to the affluent rural villages and market towns like Cowbridge. The area's profile is influenced by its proximity to Cardiff, serving as a major residential hub for the capital's workforce. This demographic mix includes a significant number of families and professionals, contributing to a stable and engaged community.

Key factors influencing the crime rate include the area's popularity as a tourist destination, particularly along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast and Barry Island, which can lead to seasonal fluctuations in footfall and associated anti-social behaviour. The district also hosts major employers and transport links, including Cardiff Airport. Economic stability is generally high, though pockets of urban density in the larger towns see more concentrated activity. These characteristics result in a crime rate that is lower than the UK average, with most incidents being concentrated in commercial centres rather than the quieter residential and rural belts.

In the Vale of Glamorgan, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crimes, making up 37.2% of all incidents. Anti-social behaviour (12.6%) and public order offences (10.6%) also feature prominently in the top three. Together, these categories highlight that social-related offences are more common than serious property crimes in the region.

When looking at property crime as a whole—which encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and various thefts—the rate is 23.8 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting is the most common property offence (10.1%), followed by other theft (5.1%) and vehicle crime (4.8%). For residents, the relatively low burglary rate of 2.0 per 1,000 is a positive indicator of home security. However, the combined volume of property-related offences means that homeowners should still take sensible precautions. The data suggests that while the Vale is statistically safe, opportunistic theft and vehicle-related incidents are the primary property risks for the local population.

The crime trend in the Vale of Glamorgan is currently very positive, with a 7.2% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. A look at the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a relatively stable pattern, with crime rates per 1,000 people mostly ranging between 5.3 and 6.6.

The highest rate was recorded in May 2025 at 6.6, while the lowest was in December 2024 at 5.3. The latter half of 2025 saw consistently moderate figures, ending the year with a rate of 5.8 in November. This steady performance, combined with the overall annual reduction, indicates that the Vale of Glamorgan is becoming even safer over time, providing a reassuring outlook for the local population.

The Vale of Glamorgan is situated in a competitive regional context in South Wales. When compared to nearby areas like Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Neath Port Talbot, and Merthyr Tydfil, the Vale's crime rate of 72.3 per 1,000 residents represents a secure and attractive option for residents. While some neighbouring areas have reported even lower crime rates in this specific data period, the Vale remains a standout for its high safety score and significant year-over-year decrease in crime, making it a highly desirable part of the region to live and work.

With a property crime rate of 23.8 per 1,000 people, residents in the Vale of Glamorgan should consider the effectiveness of their home security. Most traditional security systems are reactive, meaning they only start recording or alerting you once a crime is already in progress. In many cases, this results in high-quality footage of a burglary, but doesn't actually stop the incident from happening.

For those who want to prevent crime altogether, scOS offers a modern, AI-powered solution. By monitoring your property's perimeter, scOS can detect a potential intruder before they even reach your home. The system's proactive features, such as autonomous lighting and audio warnings, are designed to startle and deter criminals, often causing them to abandon their attempt. For homeowners in the Vale of Glamorgan, moving from reactive recording to the proactive protection of scOS means significantly reducing the risk of becoming a property crime statistic.

How To Keep Safe in Vale of Glamorgan

The most common crime type in the Vale of Glamorgan is violence and sexual offences. To maintain your personal safety, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking in more urban areas or late at night. Stick to well-lit paths and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas. If you are visiting popular tourist spots like Barry Island, keep your personal belongings secure and be mindful of large crowds.

Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, and residents can help tackle this by reporting any persistent problems to the local authorities. For homeowners, ensuring that your property is well-lit at night can discourage both ASB and criminal damage. Additionally, consider joining a local community safety group or Neighbourhood Watch to stay informed about any specific issues in your part of the Vale. Taking these proactive steps can help ensure that the area remains a safe place for everyone.