Penarth Crime Rate

Penarth is one of the safest towns in the region, with a crime rate of 54.0 per 1,000 people. This is substantially lower than the UK average of 91.7, earning the town an excellent safety score of 87/100. The area is currently seeing a significant improvement in its security profile, with crime decreasing by 17.9% year-over-year. Known for its Victorian architecture and affluent residential streets, Penarth offers a peaceful environment for its 28,942 residents. While property crime does exist, the rate of 17.5 per 1,000 is well below national figures. This combination of a high safety score and a strong downward trend makes Penarth a highly attractive and secure location for families and professionals alike.

Penarth's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which make up 36.8% of all recorded incidents (574 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour (12.9%) and public order offences (12.0%). These categories are common in residential and commercial hubs but often do not directly impact the security of the home.

However, property crime remains a key focus for residents, with a property crime rate of 17.5 per 1,000 people. This encompasses 159 cases of criminal damage and arson, 93 vehicle crimes, and 72 burglaries. While Penarth is generally very safe, the presence of vehicle crime (3.2 per 1,000) and burglary (2.5 per 1,000) highlights that opportunistic theft is a persistent factor. Shoplifting (55) and other theft (91) also contribute to the town's statistics. For homeowners, the relatively low burglary rate is positive, but the combined total of property-related offences suggests that maintaining high-quality security standards is essential to preserve the town's safe character.

Penarth is experiencing a very positive safety trend, with an overall crime reduction of 17.9% 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 minor fluctuations. The rate started at 3.5 per 1,000 in December and saw a gradual increase in the spring, peaking at 5.5 in May and August.

However, these peaks were followed by sharp declines, with the rate dropping to 3.6 in September before stabilising at 4.1 in the final months of the year. This pattern suggests that while there is a slight seasonal increase in crime during the summer months—typical for a coastal town—the overall volume of crime is being successfully managed and reduced. For Penarth residents, this downward trajectory is a reassuring sign that the town remains a secure and low-risk place to live.

How To Keep Safe in Penarth

The most common crime type in Penarth is violence and sexual offences, though the actual numbers are low compared to regional averages. Staying safe involves maintaining situational awareness, particularly in the town's social hubs and along the seafront during the evening.

When walking at night, stick to well-lit paths and the main residential streets. The town's 3.2 per 1,000 vehicle crime rate suggests that while car theft is not rampant, it is a persistent issue. Always ensure your vehicle is locked, even when parked on your own driveway, and avoid leaving any items on display that might attract an opportunistic thief.

With anti-social behaviour accounting for 12.9% 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 Penarth's reputation as a safe and welcoming coastal town for everyone.

Crime in Penarth exhibits clear time-based trends. During the morning and afternoon, theft and shoplifting are the most prominent issues, peaking at 39% of all crimes between 12pm and 6pm. This coincides with the busiest times for the town's retail and commercial areas. As the day progresses into the evening, 'other' crime types, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, become more dominant, making up 52% of incidents between 6pm and midnight.

The night-time period (12am to 6am) sees a significant shift in risk, with vehicle crime rising to 40% of all recorded offences. This indicates that vehicles are most at risk during the early hours of the morning. Burglary risk is highest during the afternoon (20%) and night (19%), suggesting that thieves target homes when they are most likely to be unoccupied or when the cover of darkness is greatest. Residents can mitigate these risks by ensuring vehicles and homes are secured during these high-risk windows.

Penarth occupies a privileged position compared to its larger neighbours. Its crime rate of 54.0 per 1,000 is much lower than Cardiff (117.9) and Barry (100.0), making it a popular choice for those who work in the city but prefer a safer residential base. It is slightly higher than neighbouring Dinas Powis (45.7) and significantly higher than Wenvoe, which shows a rate of 0.0 in this dataset. However, in the context of urban South Wales, Penarth remains a standout performer for safety. It provides a more secure and tranquil alternative to the busier urban centres while maintaining excellent connectivity to the wider Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff.

Penarth homeowners enjoy a high level of safety, but with a property crime rate of 17.5 per 1,000, it is important not to become complacent. Vehicle crime and burglary, while relatively low, are still present. 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 a town like Penarth, where property values are high and residents value their privacy, 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.