Cowbridge Crime Rate

Cowbridge Crime Overview

Cowbridge is distinguished by its exceptional safety record, featuring an overall crime rate of 39.7 per 1,000 residents. This is less than half the UK average of 91.6, highlighting the town as one of the most secure urban settlements in the region. This low crime rate is complemented by an impressive safety score of 91/100, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 79/100. Furthermore, Cowbridge is seeing a strong positive trend, with a 17.7% year-over-year decrease in total crime. This combination of a low crime rate, a high safety score, and a downward trend makes it one of the most desirable and secure locations in the Vale of Glamorgan. Residents can enjoy a peaceful environment where the risk of most crime types is substantially below national norms.

Crime Breakdown in Cowbridge

Cowbridge is an exceptionally safe urban settlement where the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, accounting for 34.6% of all reports at a rate of 13.7 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue (16.1%), followed by shoplifting at 10.8%. These figures are very low in absolute terms, reflecting the area's affluent and stable character.

Property crime in Cowbridge—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and arson—occurs at a rate of 14.4 per 1,000 residents per year. This is less than half the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, shoplifting and other theft are the most frequent, both occurring at a rate of roughly 4.3 and 3.4 per 1,000 respectively. Burglary is remarkably rare, with a rate of just 1.2 per 1,000 (3.1% of total crime), while vehicle crime is also low at 1.5 per 1,000. For homeowners, this indicates a very high level of security. The primary property-related concerns are opportunistic theft and shoplifting in the town centre, suggesting that Cowbridge remains one of the most secure and desirable locations in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Crime Trends in Cowbridge

The crime trend in Cowbridge is very positive, with a significant year-over-year decrease of 17.7%. This indicates that the area's already low crime levels are falling further, making it an increasingly safe community. Monthly data from 2025 shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated between a low of 1.2 in June and a peak of 5.8 in February.

The data reveals that the early part of the year saw slightly higher activity, which then declined significantly during the summer months. This pattern suggests that the town does not suffer from chronic crime issues and that the overall trend is toward improved safety. For residents, this downward movement is a strong indicator of a secure environment where local crime prevention efforts are having a measurable impact. The consistent monthly figures provide peace of mind that safety is a stable feature of life in Cowbridge.

How To Keep Safe in Cowbridge

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Cowbridge, accounting for 34.6% of all reported incidents. In an affluent and safe area, these figures are often low in absolute numbers, but personal safety remains a priority.

To stay safe, residents should stick to well-lit paths when walking through the town during evening hours. While the community is generally very safe, staying aware of your surroundings and avoiding secluded areas after dark is a sensible precaution. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, so reporting any nuisance activity to local authorities can help maintain the high safety standards of the area. For property owners, the burglary rate is 1.2 per 1,000, so ensuring that all windows and doors are securely locked—even when you are at home—is essential. Vehicle crime is the main risk during the night, so parking in a garage or well-lit driveway is recommended. Finally, joining a local Neighbourhood Watch group can be a great way to stay informed and help keep the community secure by looking out for one another.

Cowbridge Time-Based Crime Patterns

Crime in Cowbridge follows a distinct daily cycle, with activity peaking during the afternoon. Between 12pm and 6pm, theft-related offences account for 51% of crimes, and burglary reaches 15%. This suggests that properties and retail areas are most active and vulnerable during the middle of the day.

In contrast, the night-time period (12am to 6am) sees a lower overall volume of crime but a significant focus on vehicle crime, which represents 34% of all night-time incidents. This is the highest percentage for vehicle crime at any time of day. Burglary also remains a notable risk at night, accounting for 17% of incidents in those hours. Morning hours (6am to 12pm) are relatively calm, with theft being the most common minor concern at 47%. Evening hours (6pm to 12am) see a rise in 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which make up 54% of activity. Understanding these patterns can help residents better secure their homes and vehicles during high-risk windows.

Nearby Area Comparison

Within the local region, Cowbridge is a safety leader. Its crime rate of 39.7 per 1,000 is much lower than many nearby urban centres. While smaller villages like Ystradowen, Sigingstone, and Llanmaes report a 0.0 crime rate, Cowbridge provides a similar level of high security while maintaining the amenities of a larger town. It has a slightly higher crime rate than Colwinston (23.1), but Cowbridge remains a premier choice for those seeking safety and local services, outperforming most of its immediate neighbours in terms of overall safety metrics.

Proactive Security in Cowbridge

With a property crime rate of only 14.4 per 1,000 residents, Cowbridge is statistically very secure. However, theft and vehicle crime still represent a portion of the local activity, with vehicle crime peaking at 34% during the night. Traditional security systems, like Ring or Nest, are often reactive, only alerting you after someone has already stepped onto your porch or touched your vehicle.

The scOS operating system provides a proactive alternative by using AI to detect threats at your property's boundary. Instead of just recording a crime, scOS identifies suspicious activity in real-time and can autonomously activate deterrents like high-intensity lights and audio warnings. This immediate response is designed to stop a crime before it even begins. For Cowbridge residents, scOS’s ability to learn daily routines and distinguish between a delivery and a potential intruder offers a sophisticated level of protection. By focusing on prevention rather than just evidence collection, scOS ensures that your home remains as safe as the local statistics suggest.