Ogmore-by-Sea Crime Rate

Ogmore-by-Sea's crime rate of 51.1 per 1,000 residents is 43.8% below the UK average, yet the area faces a stark anomaly: possession of weapons is 173% above the UK average (2.5 vs 0.9 per 1,000). This sharp contrast highlights the area's unique challenges. While property crime is low, the fastest-rising crime — criminal damage and arson — has surged by 550% year-on-year, indicating a need for focused intervention. The area's coastal character, seasonal tourism, and compact size create a complex crime profile that demands tailored analysis.

Ogmore-by-Sea is a coastal built-up area within the Vale of Glamorgan, characterised by its proximity to the sea and a mix of residential and light commercial zones. As a seaside resort, it attracts seasonal visitors and commuters, which may influence crime patterns. Its relatively small population and low property crime rate suggest a close-knit community, though the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson indicates potential vulnerabilities in public space management.

The most striking finding is the 173% above UK average rate for possession of weapons (2.5 per 1,000), far exceeding the national average of 0.9. This anomaly may stem from isolated incidents or localized factors such as youth demographics. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson (8.0 per 1,000, 21% above UK average) reflects a pattern often seen in areas with high foot traffic or public amenities where vandalism can occur. Property crime overall is 44% below the UK average, likely due to the area's compact size and community vigilance. The rapid rise in other theft (+250% YoY) may correlate with increased transient populations during peak tourist seasons, though it remains below the UK average.

Crime in Ogmore-by-Sea has surged by 137.1% year-on-year, with criminal damage and arson showing the most dramatic increase (+550% YoY). This spike may relate to seasonal factors, such as increased foot traffic during peak tourist months (September 2025 saw the highest monthly rate of 7.4 per 1,000). The sharp rise in other theft (+250% YoY) could correlate with transient populations during these periods, though it remains below the UK average. Burglary has also risen sharply (+500% YoY), linked to targeted opportunities in the area's compact residential zones. These trends highlight the need for targeted interventions in public spaces and community engagement to address emerging patterns.

How To Keep Safe in Ogmore-by-Sea

Residents should prioritise securing personal items in public spaces, especially during peak hours when anti-social behaviour is most frequent (afternoon). For the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson, reporting suspicious activity near public amenities or open spaces can help authorities address this trend. Given the 173% above-average rate of possession of weapons, avoiding confrontation in isolated areas and ensuring homes have visible deterrents (e.g. motion-activated lights) is advisable. Community engagement in local initiatives to monitor public spaces may help mitigate the rapid rise in vandalism.

Crime in Ogmore-by-Sea peaks in the evening and night, with burglary reaching 31% of all incidents between midnight and 6am. This aligns with the area's coastal character, where late-night activity in pubs and retail outlets may attract opportunistic offenders. Vehicle crime, though low overall, spikes at night (16% of incidents), possibly linked to unsecured parking in residential zones. Anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, is most frequent in the afternoon (42% of incidents), suggesting a correlation with daytime public spaces or local events.

Compared to Porthcawl, Ogmore-by-Sea's crime rate is 54% lower (51.1 vs 78.6 per 1,000). This difference may stem from Porthcawl's larger population and proximity to industrial areas, which often correlate with higher crime rates. Ogmore-by-Sea's compact size and coastal tourism likely contribute to its relatively lower overall crime rate, though the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson suggests localized vulnerabilities.

For households in Ogmore-by-Sea, where possession of weapons is 173% above the UK average, proactive security measures are critical, scOS's AI-powered perimeter monitoring can detect suspicious behaviour near property boundaries, triggering lights and speakers to deter potential threats. Its DVLA vehicle verification system flags stolen or cloned plates, addressing the 50% YoY rise in vehicle crime. The system's ability to distinguish regular visitors from potential intruders reduces false alarms while maintaining vigilance. Given the area's 173% above-average weapon possession, scOS's real-time deterrence features offer a meaningful upgrade to traditional passive systems.