Penarth Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2024, Penarth’s crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents placed it 33.8% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, a trend consistent with the area’s generally lower crime profile compared to national benchmarks. The balance between property and violent crime remained closely aligned, with 57 property crimes and 55 violent crimes reported—a near-equal split that contrasts with the UK’s broader trend of violent crime slightly outpacing property crime. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.4% of all reported crimes, a share that, while significant, remains 26% below the UK average. This divergence highlights Penarth’s unique crime dynamics, where factors such as the town’s coastal location and seasonal activity patterns may moderate the prevalence of violent crime. The presence of public order offences at 12.2% of total incidents—13% above the UK average—suggests that community interactions and local events contribute to a distinct subset of crime. Meanwhile, property crimes such as other theft (10.2%) and shoplifting (7.5%) remained consistently below UK averages, likely influenced by Penarth’s relatively compact built-up area and lower levels of commercial activity compared to larger urban centres. Seasonal context further complicates the picture, with April’s Easter period and spring weather likely affecting both crime types and reporting patterns. For instance, increased outdoor activity may have contributed to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and public order offences, while the temporary nature of Easter retail events could explain the drop in shoplifting. These factors collectively illustrate how local geography and timing shape crime trends, even within a broader national framework.

April 2024 saw sharp fluctuations in specific crime categories, with bicycle theft rising by 200% (from 1 to 3 incidents) and burglary increasing by 166.7% (from 3 to 8). These spikes may partly explain the slight shift in the property-violent crime balance, though the overall rate remains dominated by violent crime at 37.4% of total incidents. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 35.3% (from 17 to 11), potentially linked to Easter-related retail patterns or changes in consumer behaviour. Public order offences also declined by 28%.2% of total crimes—a figure 13% above the UK average. Violence and sexual offences in Penarth (1.9 per 1,000) remain 26% below the UK average, a contrast to the 43% above average for bicycle theft. These variations underscore the area’s unique crime profile, where local factors such as coastal tourism or seasonal activity may influence specific categories more than others. The surge in bicycle theft, for instance, could reflect increased cycling during warmer weather, while the drop in shoplifting may indicate altered spending habits during the Easter period.

Penarth’s crime rate in April 2024 stood at 5.1 per 1,000 residents, marking an 8.1% decline from March’s 5.5 per 1,000. This reduction aligns with broader seasonal patterns, as spring weather and Easter-related activity may have shifted crime dynamics. On a daily basis, an average of 5 crimes were reported across the area’s 28,942 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents within Penarth’s built-up character. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 197 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, while lower than the UK average, still reflects the tangible presence of crime in daily life. This statistic highlights the interplay between local demographics and crime frequency, with areas of high foot traffic or commercial activity likely contributing to the visibility of incidents. The population context further underscores that even relatively low rates can translate into noticeable occurrences for residents, particularly in densely populated or economically active zones.