Vale of Glamorgan Crime Rate

Vale of Glamorgan's crime rate of 70.1 per 1,000 residents is 22.9% below the UK average, making it one of the safest areas in Wales. Despite a sharp 243% YoY increase in robbery, the overall crime rate has decreased by 8.9% compared to the previous year. This contrast highlights the area's generally low crime environment, though targeted spikes in specific offences, such as public order issues, suggest localized challenges that warrant attention.

Vale of Glamorgan is a diverse region blending urban centres, coastal towns, and rural communities. Its mix of commuter suburbs, historic sites, and tourist attractions shapes its crime profile. For instance, Barry's higher crime rate (96.4 per 1,000) likely reflects its role as a seaside hub with transient populations, while Colwinston's exceptionally low rate (22.1 per 1,000) may stem from its quieter, more isolated character. Public order issues, 25% above the UK average, are likely exacerbated in areas with higher foot traffic, such as Penarth and Barry, where retail and leisure activities converge. The area's overall safety, 5 points above the UK average, suggests effective policing and community cohesion in many parts.

Vale of Glamorgan's most surprising crime statistic is the 25% elevation in public order offences compared to the UK average (7.9 vs 6.3 per 1,000). This may reflect the area's coastal towns, which attract tourists and transient populations, increasing opportunities for disorder. Anti-social behaviour, 41% below the UK average (8.7 vs 14.7 per 1,000), is likely suppressed by strong community engagement in areas like Boverton and Rural Vale of Glamorgan. Violence and sexual offences, though 17% below the UK average (26.7 vs 32.1 per 1,000), remain the most common crime type, possibly linked to the region's mix of urban and rural demographics. The sharp 243% YoY rise in robbery, despite remaining 56% below the UK average (0.5 vs 1.2 per 1,000), may indicate targeted spikes in specific areas, though local data does not specify the cause.

Crime in Vale of Glamorgan has decreased by 8.9% year-on-year, with a notable peak in May 2025 (6.6 per 1,000/month) and a low in February 2026 (4.5 per 1,000/month). This decline aligns with seasonal patterns, where longer evenings and tourism activity in summer months may temporarily elevate crime. The sharp 243% YoY increase in robbery is an outlier, though it remains 56% below the UK average. This spike may reflect targeted incidents or localized factors, such as increased retail activity during festive periods. Other crimes, like shoplifting and burglary, have decreased, suggesting effective policing and community initiatives are contributing to the overall downward trend.

Compared to nearby areas, Vale of Glamorgan is significantly safer than Cardiff (54% higher crime rate) and Merthyr Tydfil (56% higher crime rate). However, it is 25% less safe than Caerphilly, which has a crime rate of 56.1 per 1,000. The stark contrast between Colwinston (22.1 per 1,000) and Barry (96.4 per 1,000) within Vale of Glamorgan underscores how urban density and tourism can influence local crime rates.

In Vale of Glamorgan, where public order offences are 25% above the UK average (7.9 vs 6.3 per 1,000), proactive home security measures are key, scOS's AI-driven perimeter monitoring can detect suspicious activity near properties, such as loitering or unauthorised access, and trigger deterrents like lights and speakers in real time. DVLA vehicle verification is particularly relevant for areas like Barry, where vehicle crime is 3.0 per 1,000—though below the UK average, it still warrants attention. With 2 weeks of cloud recording, scOS provides evidence if incidents occur, helping to address the 243% YoY rise in robbery by deterring opportunistic offenders.

How To Keep Safe in Vale of Glamorgan

For residents in areas with higher public order crime, such as Barry and Penarth, securing vehicles with GPS tracking and using anti-theft devices can reduce risks. In areas where robbery has spiked, avoiding isolated walking routes after dark and using well-lit pathways is advisable. Homeowners in Colwinston, where crime is exceptionally low, may benefit from regular community watch participation to maintain the area's safety. For those in urban centres, ensuring homes have visible security features, such as motion sensors and cameras, can deter opportunistic offenders.