Penarth Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Penarth's crime rate in May 2024 stood at 4.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 41.7% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This significant disparity highlights the town's relative safety compared to the national context, a position reinforced by its crime profile. Violence and sexual offences dominated the monthly tally, accounting for 34.5% of all reported crimes, though this category remains 40% below the UK average. Public order offences followed at 13.4%, with shoplifting and anti-social behaviour contributing further to the mix. The seasonal context of May—marked by longer evenings, bank holidays, and increased outdoor socialising—likely influenced patterns of public order and violent crime, as these conditions can encourage social interactions that sometimes escalate. However, the overall low crime rate suggests effective community policing or other local factors that contribute to a safer environment. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage were both 66% and 19% below the UK average, respectively, indicating that Penarth may have distinct characteristics that deter such incidents. The town's built-up nature within the Vale of Glamorgan, combined with its proximity to coastal areas and potential for tourism, may shape crime dynamics differently than more industrial or rural regions. While the overall rate remains low, the rise in drug-related incidents and possession of weapons warrants attention, as these categories may reflect broader societal trends or localized pressures. The data underscores Penarth's position as an area with a lower crime burden, though targeted efforts to address emerging issues could further enhance its safety record.

May 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with drugs-related incidents doubling from one to two cases, a stark increase that may reflect seasonal or localized factors. Similarly, possession of weapons and theft from the person each rose by 100%, though these remain low in absolute terms. In contrast, burglary and bicycle theft both declined sharply, with burglary falling by 87.5% from eight to one incident—a drop that could be attributed to increased community awareness or improved security measures. The crime mix also shifted with violence and sexual offences accounting for 34.5% of all reported crimes, a proportion 40% below the UK average. This suggests a distinct profile in Penarth compared to the national landscape, where such offences are more prevalent. Residents may find the 100% reduction in burglary particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a marked improvement in property crime prevention in the area.

Penarth's crime rate in May 2024 dropped by 3.3% compared to April's 5.1 per 1,000, marking a slight decline in overall criminal activity. This reduction aligns with a broader trend observed in the area over recent months, though the pace of change remains modest. On a daily basis, the town recorded approximately five crimes per day, a figure that provides context for local residents assessing risk levels. Over the course of May, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 204 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low incidence of crime in Penarth compared to the UK average. When scaled to the town's population of 28,942, this statistic highlights the proportion of residents affected by crime each month, offering a tangible measure of safety. The decline in burglary and bicycle theft, coupled with the rise in drug-related incidents, suggests shifting patterns that may reflect seasonal or localized factors, though further analysis would be needed to confirm these trends definitively.