Vale of Glamorgan Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile in the Vale of Glamorgan during December 2023, accounting for nearly 40% of all reported crimes. This category, at 2.3 per 1,000 residents, was 12% below the UK average, reflecting a pattern consistent with the area’s broader trend of lower violent crime rates. The overall crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 residents places the Vale of Glamorgan 18.1% below the UK average of 7.2, a gap that underscores the effectiveness of local policing strategies and community engagement initiatives. Shoplifting emerged as a notable outlier, with 1.0 per 1,000 residents — 104% above the UK average — likely driven by the Christmas shopping peak and increased foot traffic in retail centres. The seasonal context of December, with its dark evenings and holiday-related activity, may have contributed to fluctuations in certain crime types. For instance, the 38.7% share of violence and sexual offences aligns with the area’s character as a mixed-use district with a balance of urban and semi-rural zones, where public spaces and nightlife areas may influence crime patterns. Public order offences, at 0.6 per 1,000, were also 25% above the UK average, linked to the festive season’s increased social gatherings and alcohol consumption. The relatively low rates of burglary (0.2 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (0.3 per 1,000) suggest that the area’s property crime profile is significantly below national levels, due to effective community safety measures and lower population density in some areas. These findings illustrate a local authority district where violent crime remains the primary concern, but targeted interventions in retail sectors and public spaces could further reduce the disproportionate impact of shoplifting and public order offences.

December 2023 marked a significant 133.3% increase in robbery cases, rising from 3 to 7, while bicycle theft nearly doubled from 1 to 2. These sharp rises contrast with notable declines in anti-social behaviour (-38.8%) and drugs-related offences (-30%), which may reflect seasonal changes in public activity and holiday-related social dynamics. Violence and sexual offences remained the dominant category, contributing 38.7% of total crimes, but this rate was 12% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. Conversely, shoplifting surged 104% above the UK average, with 1.0 per 1,000 residents, highlighting a localised challenge in retail areas. The drop in anti-social behaviour to 60 incidents (from 98 in November) may indicate a reduced need for community support services during the festive season, though the rise in robbery underscores the need for targeted policing in high-risk areas.

December 2023 saw the Vale of Glamorgan’s crime rate drop by 8.2% compared to November, falling from 6.4 to 5.9 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the 18.1% gap between the area’s rate and the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. On a daily basis, 26 crimes were reported across the 31 days of the month, a figure that reflects the area’s relatively low crime profile. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 171 residents, a statistic that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. This rate is consistent with the area’s broader trend of lower-than-average violent crime and property crime rates. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while crime is present, its frequency is less pronounced than in many other parts of the UK. The drop in anti-social behaviour by 38.8% and drugs-related offences by 30% further supports the notion of a seasonal slowdown, possibly influenced by the holiday period and reduced public activity in certain areas.