Penarth Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Penarth’s crime rate in December 2024 stood at 3.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 50.7% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This stark contrast underscores the area’s position as a relatively safe built-up area within Vale of Glamorgan, where the density of services and community networks may contribute to lower crime levels. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (36 cases, 36% of total), followed closely by anti-social behaviour (13 cases, 13%) and public order offences (13 cases, 13%). These figures align with the seasonal context of December, a time marked by Christmas shopping, extended evening hours, and the temporary absence of residents due to holidays. While violence and sexual offences remained 53% below the UK average, public order offences were 11% above the national rate, a discrepancy that may reflect the area’s mix of residential and commercial spaces. The low crime rate, despite the festive season’s potential to heighten activity, suggests effective local policing or community engagement strategies. However, the seasonal context also raises questions about how temporary factors—such as increased foot traffic in retail areas or the closure of homes during holidays—might influence crime trends. For example, the relatively low rate of burglary (4 cases, 0.1 per 1,000) could be attributed to the area’s compact layout and the presence of communal spaces that deter isolated incidents. Meanwhile, the sharp increase in 'other crime' (from 1 to 7 cases) may indicate a need for further scrutiny, though its small absolute number means it remains a minor concern. Overall, Penarth’s crime profile in December illustrates a balance between the predictable effects of seasonality and the enduring influence of local geography and demographics.

December saw significant shifts in crime patterns, with other crime surging by 600% (from 1 to 7 cases) and public order offences rising by 85.7% (from 7 to 13). These increases, though notable, remain well below the UK average for both categories. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 50%, dropping from 4 to 2 cases, a decline that may reflect reduced traffic during the holiday season or heightened awareness among drivers. Anti-social behaviour also decreased by 27.8% (from 18 to 13), suggesting a possible impact of seasonal activities or community initiatives. Violence and sexual offences, the most common category, remained 53% below the UK average (1.2 vs 2.6 per 1,000), a contrast to public order offences, which were 11% above the UK rate. Residents might find the 600% rise in other crime particularly noteworthy, though this category’s low base figure means the absolute number remains small. These fluctuations highlight the combination of local rhythms and national trends.

Penarth’s crime rate in December 2024 rose slightly by 2.1% compared to the previous month, moving from 3.4 to 3.5 per 1,000 residents. This small upward trend contrasts with the overall 50.7% deficit relative to the UK average, underscoring the area’s consistently lower crime profile. Locally, 100 crimes were recorded over 31 days, translating to approximately 3 crimes per day. This daily figure, while modest, reflects the area’s unique dynamics, where seasonal factors like the Christmas shopping peak and holiday-related absences may temporarily influence activity. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for roughly every 289 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average. This statistic provides a tangible sense of scale for residents, illustrating that the likelihood of encountering crime remains significantly below national levels. The population context further highlights Penarth’s position as a relatively safe built-up area, where the density of services and community engagement may contribute to lower reported incidents despite the seasonal fluctuations.