Barry (Vale of Glamorgan) Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Barry’s crime profile in December 2023 reveals a delicate balance between property and violent crime, with property offences (185) narrowly surpassing violent crimes (178). This equilibrium contrasts with the UK average, where Barry’s overall crime rate of 7.9 per 1,000 residents was 9.7% higher than the national figure of 7.2. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (38% of total incidents), shoplifting (16.9%), and public order issues (11.1%). These patterns align with the area’s seasonal rhythm, as December’s Christmas shopping peak, extended evenings, and holiday-related absences likely contributed to higher incidents of retail theft and public disorder. The sharp contrast between Barry’s shoplifting rate (1.3 per 1,000) and the UK average (0.5 per 1,000) suggests that the built-up area’s retail presence—possibly including high streets or commercial hubs—may be a significant factor. While violent crime rates were 15% above the UK average, the absence of a major spike in burglary or vehicle crime (both below UK levels) indicates that the area’s crime dynamics are not uniformly elevated. This nuanced picture may reflect a combination of local characteristics, such as the presence of mixed-use spaces that foster both retail activity and social interaction, as well as the impact of seasonal factors like reduced foot traffic in certain areas and increased congregation in others. The data also highlights the role of community-specific vulnerabilities, such as the notable 165% excess in shoplifting, which could be tied to targeted retail areas or transient populations during the holiday season. These findings underscore the need for tailored crime prevention strategies that address both the spatial and temporal dimensions of local crime patterns.

December 2023 saw sharp increases in drug-related offences, with a 133.3% rise from 3 to 7 incidents, and robbery cases doubling from 3 to 6. These jumps, though small in absolute terms, reflect emerging trends that may be linked to seasonal factors such as increased socialising and holiday-related activity. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 26%, likely influenced by holiday-related changes in public activity and community engagement. The balance between property and violent crime remained tightly contested, with property crimes (185) narrowly outpacing violent crimes (178), though both categories showed distinct UK comparisons: violent crimes were 15% above the UK average, while shoplifting was 165% above. This contrast highlights the area’s vulnerability to specific types of crime, particularly those tied to retail environments. For residents, the 165% excess in shoplifting compared to the UK average offers a clear insight into where crime prevention efforts might be most needed.

Barry's crime rate in December 2023 stood at 7.9 per 1,000 residents, a 2.4% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.1. This slight decline suggests a stabilising trend in local crime dynamics. above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 15 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the built-up area’s population of 59,508. Over the course of December, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 127 residents, a monthly exposure that highlights the ongoing presence of crime in the community. While this statistic is not directly comparable to UK-wide figures, it provides a local perspective on how often residents encounter crime. The population context further underscores that even modest changes in crime rates can have tangible impacts on daily life, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Barry.