Penarth Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Penarth’s crime rate in February 2025 stood at 5.0 per 1,000 residents, a figure 25.4% below the UK average of 6.7 per 1,000. This places the area among the safer built-up areas in the Vale of Glamorgan, though the profile of crime remains distinct. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 39.0% of all incidents, the largest single category, followed by public order offences (10.3%) and vehicle crime (9.6%). These patterns align with Penarth’s character as a coastal town with a mix of residential and commercial zones, where retail and transport hubs may contribute to vehicle-related crimes and public order issues. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with limited outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may partly explain the relatively low overall rate compared to busier periods. However, the distribution of crime types suggests ongoing challenges, particularly in areas where public order and vehicle crime intersect. The UK comparison highlights Penarth’s effectiveness in managing violent crime, though its above-average rates for drug-related offences and public order issues indicate areas for further attention. The town’s proximity to Cardiff and its role as a commuter hub likely influence some patterns, but the absence of major industrial or university sites means local factors, such as community engagement and policing strategies, play a more direct role in shaping the crime profile.

The most dramatic month-on-month change was a 500% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from 2 to 12 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 300% rise in shoplifting (1 to 4) and a 133.3% increase in vehicle crime (6 to 14), signals a sharp shift in criminal activity. These spikes contrast with declines in criminal damage and arson (-45.0%) and other crime (-40.0%), suggesting uneven pressures on the area. Violent crimes remained the largest category (39.0% of total), though they were 15% below the UK average. Public order offences, however, were 14% above the UK rate, a discrepancy that may reflect local social dynamics. Residents may find the 500% drug crime increase particularly concerning, as it represents a stark departure from previous trends.

Penarth’s crime rate in February 2025 rose by 27.0% compared to January’s 4.0 per 1,000, reaching 5.0 per 1,000. This increase, though notable, remains 25.4% below the UK average of 6.7 per 1,000. Locally, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 198 residents, a figure that contextualises the rate within the population. Daily, the area recorded an average of five crimes per day, a consistent measure that helps residents gauge the frequency of incidents. While the rise in overall crime may suggest a shift in patterns, the breakdown reveals uneven changes across categories, with some types rising sharply and others declining. This contrast highlights the complexity of local crime dynamics, influenced by factors such as seasonal lulls and specific community activities.