Penarth Crime Rate

Penarth is one of the safest coastal towns in the region, featuring an overall crime rate of 55.0 per 1,000 people per year. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6, earning the town an impressive safety score of 87/100—well above the national average of 79. The safety trend in Penarth is highly positive, with a substantial 14.3% decrease in crime over the last year. Property crime is also notably low at 18.3 per 1,000, nearly half the UK average of 32.2. Based on data from January 2025 to December 2025, Penarth remains a desirable and secure location for residents and visitors alike. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of local crime patterns and safety advice.

Penarth's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which make up 36.7% of all recorded incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (12.6%) and public order offences (11.9%). These categories suggest that community conduct and personal safety are the primary areas of concern for local residents and police.

Property crime in Penarth is notably lower than the national average, with a rate of 18.3 per 1,000 people compared to the UK's 32.2. Within this category, criminal damage and arson (9.9%) and vehicle crime (6.5%) are the most frequent. Burglary occurs at a rate of 2.4 per 1,000, which is slightly higher than some neighbouring areas but still represents a small fraction (4.3%) of total crime. For homeowners in Penarth, the lower-than-average property crime rate is a strong indicator of the town's safety. However, the presence of vehicle crime and burglary means that maintaining effective home and vehicle security remains a practical necessity to deter the opportunistic offences that can occur even in safer coastal towns.

Penarth is experiencing a very positive safety trend, with a significant 14.3% decrease in total crime over the last year. This downward trajectory is a strong sign that the town is becoming even safer for its residents. Monthly data from 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated between 3.6 and 5.5 per 1,000 people. The highest rates were seen in May and August, while the lowest rate occurred in September.

The consistent reduction in crime throughout the year, particularly the drop seen in the latter half, suggests that local policing and community safety initiatives are having a lasting impact. For Penarth residents, this trend provides significant reassurance, as the town's already low crime rate continues to fall. This stability and improvement make Penarth one of the most secure areas in the Vale of Glamorgan, maintaining its reputation as a safe and peaceful place to live.

How To Keep Safe in Penarth

Violence and sexual offences are the most commonly reported crimes in Penarth, making up 36.7% of all incidents. While the overall risk is low, staying safe involves being mindful of your surroundings and looking out for your community.

When enjoying the seafront or town centre, particularly in the evening, stay in well-lit areas and be aware of those around you. If you are walking home late, try to do so with others or use a pre-booked taxi. Trusting your instincts and avoiding isolated spots after dark is always a wise precaution.

Given that theft and vehicle crime are notable property offences, always ensure your car is locked and that no valuables are left on display. Even in a safe town like Penarth, opportunistic thieves may target vehicles that appear easy to access.

Residents can contribute to the town's safety by joining local neighbourhood watch groups and reporting any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the police. Early reporting of minor issues can prevent them from escalating into more serious offences, helping to maintain Penarth's excellent safety record.

Crime in Penarth follows a clear daily cycle, with the highest volume of incidents occurring during the afternoon and evening. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) is particularly notable for theft and shoplifting, which account for 41% of crimes in this period. This coincides with peak activity in the town's commercial areas. Evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a rise in 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 50% of reports during this time.

During the late night and early morning (12am - 6am), overall crime volume is at its lowest, but vehicle crime becomes the dominant threat, representing 42% of all incidents. This suggests that vehicles parked overnight are the primary target for opportunistic offenders. Burglary also shows a significant presence during the afternoon (20%) and night (18%), indicating that intruders may target homes when they appear unoccupied during the day or while residents are asleep. Being aware of these specific timings allows Penarth residents to take more targeted security precautions.

Penarth's safety profile compares very favourably to its larger neighbours. Its crime rate of 55.0 per 1,000 is much lower than nearby Barry (99.3) and the city of Cardiff (117.0), highlighting Penarth's more residential and peaceful character. However, it does have a slightly higher rate than the smaller settlement of Dinas Powis (46.1) and the village of Wenvoe (0.0). For those looking for a balance between urban amenities and a high level of security, Penarth offers a compelling option. Its position as a safe haven near larger urban centres makes it a popular choice for families and professionals alike.

With a property crime rate of 18.3 per 1,000 in Penarth, homeowners have a significant advantage in maintaining a secure environment. However, the presence of vehicle crime and burglary—particularly during the afternoon and night—suggests that reactive security measures like traditional CCTV may not be enough. scOS offers a superior alternative by providing proactive, AI-driven protection that aims to prevent crime before it happens.

scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries 24/7. It can distinguish between regular family routines and genuine threats, such as someone loitering near your vehicle at 3 am. In Penarth, where vehicle crime accounts for 42% of night-time incidents, scOS’s autonomous responses—like activating floodlights or audible warnings—can stop a thief in their tracks. By choosing a professional-grade system that focuses on boundary detection and real-time intervention, you can ensure your Penarth home remains a safe sanctuary, deterring criminals before they even reach your door.