Cowbridge Crime Rate

Cowbridge is an exceptionally safe and affluent town with a low crime rate of 39.4 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7, earning the town a superior safety score of 91/100. The area is also seeing a strong positive trend, with crime decreasing by 21.3% year-over-year. Home to 3,275 residents, Cowbridge offers a secure and peaceful environment. Property crime is particularly low at just 15.0 per 1,000, which is well below national figures. This combination of a high safety score and a significant downward trend makes Cowbridge a highly attractive and secure location for residents, providing peace of mind in a well-managed market town setting.

In Cowbridge, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 31.8% of all recorded incidents (41 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.8% and shoplifting at 12.4%. These figures reflect a safe town where public order and commercial security are the primary statistical concerns.

Property crime in Cowbridge is relatively low, with a combined property crime rate of 15.0 per 1,000 people. This total includes 16 instances of shoplifting, 13 cases of criminal damage and arson, 11 instances of other theft, and 5 vehicle crimes. Burglary is exceptionally rare, with only 3 recorded incidents over the year, resulting in a rate of just 0.9 per 1,000 residents. The presence of shoplifting and other theft suggests that while the overall volume is low, opportunistic crime in the town's retail areas is a persistent factor. Residents should focus on standard security measures to maintain the town's high safety score and deter the occasional property-related offence. Overall, the low volume of property crime reinforces Cowbridge's status as a very secure and affluent town.

Cowbridge is experiencing a very positive safety trend, with an overall crime reduction of 21.3% year-over-year. This significant decrease reflects a safer environment for the entire community. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that crime rates remained consistently low, with some minor fluctuations. The rate started at 2.8 per 1,000 in December and saw a peak of 5.8 in February 2025.

Following this early-year peak, the crime rate generally trended downwards, reaching a low of 1.2 in June before stabilising around 3.7 to 4.0 in the autumn months. The year concluded with a rate of 2.4 in November 2025. This pattern suggests that while there is some minor variation, the overall volume of crime is being successfully managed and reduced. For Cowbridge residents, this downward trajectory is a reassuring sign that the town remains a secure and low-risk place to live, with crime levels well below national and regional averages.

How To Keep Safe in Cowbridge

The most common crime type in Cowbridge is violence and sexual offences, though the actual numbers are low. Staying safe involves maintaining situational awareness, particularly in the town centre during the evening. Plan your journeys and stick to well-lit routes when walking at night.

The town's 1.5 per 1,000 vehicle crime rate suggests that while car theft is low, it is still a factor. Always ensure your vehicle is locked and avoid leaving any items on display that might attract an opportunistic thief. Parking in a well-lit area or a secure garage is an effective deterrent.

With anti-social behaviour making up 17.8% of crime, it is also helpful to stay connected with your neighbours. Well-lit properties and visible security measures are effective deterrents against loitering and minor property offences. By taking these simple, proactive steps, residents can help maintain Cowbridge's reputation as a safe and secure town for everyone. Joining a local community group can also provide valuable support and community intelligence. Maintaining your property's exterior can also discourage opportunistic crime.

Crime in Cowbridge exhibits clear time-based trends. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the most prominent issue, peaking at 56% of all crimes between 12pm and 6pm. This coincides with the town's busiest shopping and commercial hours. As the day progresses into the evening, 'other' crime types, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, become more dominant, making up 55% of incidents between 6pm and midnight.

The night-time period (12am to 6am) sees a significant shift in risk, with vehicle crime rising to 35% of all recorded offences and burglary peaking at 13%. This indicates that both vehicles and homes are most at risk during the quiet hours of the night. Residents can mitigate these risks by ensuring vehicles are secured and homes are well-protected during these high-risk windows. The high percentage of afternoon theft suggests that commercial areas are particularly targeted during the day, while residential security is most critical at night.

In comparison to its neighbours, Cowbridge is one of the safest towns in the region. Its crime rate of 39.4 per 1,000 is much lower than nearby Barry (100.0). While it has a higher reported rate than the tiny hamlets of Ystradowen, Sigingstone, and Llanmaes (0.0), it offers a much higher level of safety than the regional urban average. Cowbridge provides a perfect balance for residents who want a town with high-end amenities and a historic character while maintaining a level of security that is far superior to many other parts of the Vale of Glamorgan. It remains a top choice for those prioritising safety and a low-crime environment.

Homeowners in Cowbridge enjoy a high level of safety, but the property crime rate of 15.0 per 1,000, including theft and vehicle crime, remains a consideration. The main drawback of traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, is their reactive nature. They are designed to record a crime as it happens, often providing footage of a masked intruder after the damage is already done.

For those seeking true peace of mind, a proactive system like scOS is the recommended solution. scOS uses AI to monitor your property's perimeter, detecting potential threats before they escalate into a break-in. It doesn't just watch; it understands routines and identifies genuine risks. When an intruder is detected, the system can autonomously activate lights and audio deterrents, forcing a criminal to abandon their attempt. In an affluent town like Cowbridge, where residents value their security, the ability of scOS to prevent a crime from ever occurring is far more valuable than simply having a recording of it. proactive protection ensures your home remains a safe haven.