Penarth Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a town of 28,942 residents, 168 crimes reported in September 2024 translates to 5.8 crimes per 1,000 people—a figure 24.7% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This rate places Penarth among the safer built-up areas in Wales. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 31% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.3%) and vehicle crime (11.9%). These figures align with Penarth’s character as a coastal town with a mix of residential areas and tourist attractions, where seasonal transitions may influence crime dynamics. September, a month of back-to-school routines and university freshers’ week, likely contributes to the prominence of violence and anti-social behaviour, as younger populations converge in public spaces. The relatively low rate of shoplifting (4.2% of total crimes) compared to the UK average (71% below) suggests that Penarth’s retail areas may be smaller or more closely monitored than national averages. Meanwhile, vehicle crime remains a notable concern, with Penarth’s rate (0.7 per 1,000) 56% above the UK average, reflecting the presence of commuter parking zones or car parks near the town’s coastal pathways. These patterns illustrate how local geography and demographics interact with broader national trends, creating a crime profile that is both distinct and contextually grounded.

September 2024 saw significant shifts in crime trends for Penarth. Bicycle theft surged by 100% compared to August, rising from 2 to 4 incidents—a jump that may reflect increased cycling activity as students return to university or commuters adjust to changing weather. Conversely, shoplifting dropped by 53.3% (from 15 to 7 cases), potentially linked to the end of the summer tourist season and reduced foot traffic in retail areas. Public order offences also fell sharply by 53.1%, from 32 to 15, which could indicate a return to routine after the August holiday period. Violence and sexual offences, though remaining the most common crime type, were 31% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), suggesting that local policing strategies or community engagement efforts may be effective in curbing such incidents. Vehicle crime in Penarth (0.7 per 1,000) was 56% higher than the UK average, a disparity that may be explained by the town’s proximity to major transport routes or its role as a stopover for regional travel. Meanwhile, possession of weapons saw a 100% increase (from 1 to 2 cases), a small but concerning uptick that warrants further local scrutiny. These fluctuations highlight how seasonal rhythms and local factors can shape crime patterns, even within a relatively stable overall rate.

Penarth’s crime rate in September 2024 (5.8 per 1,000) marked a 5.2% decrease from August’s 6.1 per 1,000, reflecting a gradual decline over the past two months. On a daily basis, the town experienced approximately 6 crimes per day, a figure that may feel more tangible to residents than aggregate monthly rates. Over the course of September, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 172 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many comparable UK areas. When scaled to Penarth’s population of 28,942, this means that each resident had a 0.058% chance of being directly involved in a crime during the month—a statistic that underscores the town’s overall safety. However, the comparison to the UK average reveals areas for deeper analysis: while Penarth’s violent crime rate is 31% below the national average, its vehicle crime rate is 56% higher, a discrepancy that may be tied to specific infrastructure features or traffic patterns. These figures, when contextualized against the town’s demographics and geography, offer residents a clearer picture of where local crime prevention efforts might be most effective.