Barry (Vale of Glamorgan) Crime Rate

Public order crimes in Barry (Vale of Glamorgan) are 70% above the UK average, making this the most striking finding in the area's crime profile. With an overall crime rate of 96.4 per 1,000 residents, Barry sits 5.9% above the national average but maintains a safety score of 78/100. While property crime is slightly below the UK average, the sharp rise in robbery (+206% YoY) highlights areas for targeted safety improvements.

Barry (Vale of Glamorgan) is a coastal town with a mix of residential, retail, and leisure areas. Its proximity to the sea and role as a commuter hub likely contribute to crime patterns. Higher foot traffic in retail zones may explain elevated shoplifting rates, while public spaces could drive public order issues. The area's relatively high crime rate compared to nearby rural neighbours may reflect urban density and tourism activity.

Public order crimes are 70% above the UK average, the most striking anomaly in Barry's data. This likely stems from the town's coastal character, with public spaces attracting transient visitors who may contribute to disorder. Shoplifting (57% above UK average) aligns with Barry's retail presence, while anti-social behaviour remains 20% below the national rate, possibly due to effective local policing. The sharp rise in robbery (+206% YoY) remains unexplained by the data but may reflect opportunistic targeting of vulnerable individuals in high-traffic areas.

Barry's crime rate has decreased by -6.3% YoY, but robbery has surged by 206.3% (0.8 vs 0.25 per 1,000). Monthly trends show a seasonal pattern, with crime peaking in March (9.3 per 1,000) and troughing in February (6.3 per 1,000). The sharp rise in robbery remains unexplained but may reflect opportunistic targeting during the festive season. Other crimes like shoplifting (-20% YoY) and criminal damage (-19% YoY) have declined, suggesting effective local policing efforts.

How To Keep Safe in Barry (Vale of Glamorgan)

For shoplifting prevention, retail businesses should install anti-theft display cases and motion-sensor lighting in high-risk areas. To address public order issues, avoid unlit public spaces after 10pm and report suspicious activity to local authorities. Residents concerned about rising robbery rates should avoid carrying large sums of cash and use secure bags in crowded areas. For vehicle security, park in well-lit areas and use anti-theft devices for valuables.

Crime in Barry follows distinct daily rhythms. Theft peaks in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), correlating with retail activity and foot traffic. Vehicle crime spikes overnight (12am-6am), likely due to unsecured parking in residential areas. Public order incidents cluster in the evening (6pm-12am), potentially linked to nightlife activity. Burglary occurs most frequently at night (12am-6am), suggesting targeted intrusions in isolated properties.

Barry's crime rate (96.4 per 1,000) is 120% higher than Dinas Powis (43.8) and 171% higher than Rhoose (35.5). This contrast likely reflects Barry's urban density and tourism activity, whereas Rhoose's lower rate may stem from its more suburban character and smaller population.

For areas with public order crimes 70% above the UK average, scOS offers proactive boundary monitoring that detects threats before they reach property perimeters. Its AI-powered system distinguishes between regular vehicles and potential intruders, with automated lights and audio warnings deterring offenders. Given Barry's 70% exceedance in public order crimes, this technology could help mitigate risks in high-traffic areas by creating a perception of continuous surveillance.