Barry Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Barry (Vale of Glamorgan) recorded a crime rate of 6.3 per 1,000 residents in February 2026, placing it 1.6% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This slight but consistent improvement reflects a broader trend in recent months, likely influenced by seasonal factors and local initiatives. The area's crime profile remains dominated by violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 39.6% of all reported crimes—nearly double the UK average for this category. Shoplifting (14.2%) and public order offences (12.8%) followed as the next most common crimes, both significantly above the UK rates for their respective categories. These figures align with Barry’s character as a mixed-use urban area with a strong retail presence and a centralised high street, which naturally drives certain types of crime. The winter month of February typically sees reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, which may have contributed to lower overall crime levels compared to busier periods. However, the persistence of violent crime suggests ongoing challenges in community safety, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or social interaction. The data also reveals a notable divergence from UK averages in specific categories: anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are both below the national average, possibly reflecting effective local policing strategies or community engagement efforts. As the region transitions into spring, continued monitoring of these trends will be critical to understanding whether this improvement is sustained or temporary.

February 2026 saw a 12.0% decrease in Barry’s overall crime rate compared to the previous month, marking a significant downward shift. Among the most notable changes, theft from the person rose by 100% (from 0 to 1 incident), a rare but concerning spike that may signal increased vulnerability in public spaces. Conversely, drug-related offences fell by 52.9% (from 17 to 8), a drop that could be linked to targeted enforcement efforts or seasonal changes in illicit activity. Other theft also decreased by 30%, reflecting improved security measures in local businesses or residences. The crime mix in Barry remains heavily skewed towards violent crime, with violence and sexual offences accounting for almost 40% of all reports—8% above the UK average for this category. This disparity highlights the area’s unique challenges compared to the national profile, where property crimes often dominate. Shoplifting and public order offences, both significantly above UK averages, underscore the influence of Barry’s retail and social hubs on local crime patterns. For residents, the sharp rise in theft from the person serves as a clear reminder to remain vigilant in crowded or poorly lit areas, even during quieter months.

Barry’s crime rate in February 2026 (6.3 per 1,000) marked a 12.0% decline from the previous month’s rate of 7.1 per 1,000, reflecting a meaningful reduction in reported incidents. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 13 crimes per day over the 28-day period, a figure that contextualises the scale of activity in a localised timeframe. When viewed through a population lens, this translates to one reported crime occurring for every 159 residents over the course of the month—a relatively low exposure rate compared to other areas with similar population sizes. This monthly aggregate suggests that Barry’s residents are less likely to encounter crime than the UK average. The previous month’s higher rate may have been influenced by transient factors such as temporary events or weather conditions, which could have temporarily elevated crime levels. The current rate, however, aligns with a broader pattern of seasonal moderation, as February’s low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may have reduced opportunities for certain types of crime. For context, Barry’s population of 59,508 means that the 374 total crimes reported in February equate to a manageable burden on local policing resources. Residents may find reassurance in the month-on-month decline, though vigilance in areas with persistent crime trends—such as public order offences and shoplifting—remains essential.