Rural Vale of Glamorgan Crime Rate

The Rural Vale of Glamorgan is a notably safe region, with a crime rate of 56.2 per 1,000 people. This is substantially lower than the UK average of 91.7, contributing to a high safety score of 88/100. The area is also seeing a positive improvement in security, with crime decreasing by 12.1% year-over-year. Home to 12,998 residents, this rural district offers a tranquil and low-risk environment. While property crime exists at a rate of 25.4 per 1,000, it is largely driven by shoplifting in specific commercial areas rather than residential offences. For those seeking a secure, quiet lifestyle away from the busier urban hubs, the Rural Vale of Glamorgan provides an excellent balance of safety and scenic surroundings.

The crime profile for the Rural Vale of Glamorgan is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 28.4% of total incidents (208 crimes). Unusually for a rural area, shoplifting is the second most common crime type, making up 19.7% of reports (144 crimes), followed by criminal damage and arson at 10.7% (78 crimes). These figures suggest that while the area is generally quiet, commercial points and local infrastructure do face specific challenges.

Property crime is a significant consideration for residents, with a property crime rate of 25.4 per 1,000 people. This total includes the high volume of shoplifting, as well as 49 instances of other theft, 29 vehicle crimes, and 24 burglaries. For homeowners, the burglary rate is relatively low at 1.9 per 1,000, but the combined impact of property-related offences, including 78 cases of criminal damage, indicates that security remains important. The dispersed nature of rural properties can sometimes make them targets for opportunistic theft, meaning that robust perimeter protection and proactive security measures are essential for maintaining safety in these less populated areas.

The Rural Vale of Glamorgan is experiencing a positive safety trend, with an overall crime reduction of 12.1% year-over-year. This decrease reflects a safer environment for the entire community. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that crime rates remained relatively low throughout the year. The rate started at 5.5 per 1,000 in December and fluctuated slightly, reaching a peak of 5.5 again in May.

Following this mid-year peak, the crime rate generally trended downwards, reaching a low of 4.1 in October before ending the period at 5.1 in November 2025. This pattern suggests that while there is some minor seasonal variation—potentially linked to increased summer activity in the rural areas—the overall volume of crime is being effectively managed. For residents, this downward trajectory is a reassuring sign that the Rural Vale remains a secure and low-risk place to live, with crime levels well below national and regional averages.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Vale of Glamorgan

While the Rural Vale of Glamorgan is very safe, violence and sexual offences remain the most reported crime type. Staying safe in a rural environment involves basic precautions, such as sticking to well-lit areas when walking at night and being mindful of your surroundings in less populated spots.

The area's 2.2 per 1,000 vehicle crime rate suggests that while car theft is low, it is still a factor. To protect your vehicle, always ensure it is locked and avoid leaving valuables inside, particularly when parked in isolated areas or near popular walking trails. For those with rural properties, ensuring that outbuildings and equipment are securely locked is also a key safety measure.

With shoplifting and anti-social behaviour making up a significant portion of local crime, residents can help by staying vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the local authorities. Maintaining clear property boundaries and using motion-activated lighting can also discourage opportunistic theft. By taking these simple, proactive steps, you can help maintain the high safety standards of the Rural Vale of Glamorgan community.

Crime in the Rural Vale of Glamorgan follows a pattern linked to daily activity. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the most significant concern, peaking at 44% of all crimes between 12pm and 6pm. This suggests that opportunistic theft is more common when retail areas are open and people are on the move. As the day transitions into the evening, 'other' crime types, including anti-social behaviour, become more dominant, making up 59% of incidents between 6pm and midnight.

The night-time period (12am to 6am) sees a shift in risk, with vehicle crime becoming more prominent, accounting for 35% of all recorded offences during these hours. This indicates that vehicles parked in more isolated rural spots or quiet streets are most vulnerable overnight. Burglary risk is highest at night (17%) and in the afternoon (16%), suggesting that thieves target properties when they are either unoccupied or under the cover of darkness. Residents can mitigate these risks by ensuring vehicles and outbuildings are secured during these high-risk windows.

When compared to the surrounding urban centres, the Rural Vale of Glamorgan (56.2 per 1,000) is significantly safer than Barry (100.0) and St Athan (64.9). It offers a similar safety profile to Penarth (54.0) but is slightly busier than smaller residential villages like Rhoose (37.2) and Dinas Powis (45.7). For residents, the Rural Vale provides a more secure alternative to the major towns in the region, while still being accessible to their amenities. It remains a top choice for those prioritising a low-crime, peaceful environment within the South Wales region, offering a high safety score that surpasses the national average.

Homeowners in the Rural Vale of Glamorgan benefit from a high safety score, but the property crime rate of 25.4 per 1,000 highlights the need for effective security. Rural properties can be particularly vulnerable due to their isolated nature and multiple access points. Traditional security systems like standard CCTV or doorbell cameras are reactive; they record a crime after it has occurred, which is often too late to prevent loss or damage.

For true protection, a proactive system like scOS is the ideal choice for rural homes. scOS uses AI to monitor your entire property perimeter, identifying potential threats long before they reach your house. It distinguishes between wildlife, family members, and genuine intruders, ensuring you only receive relevant alerts. When a threat is detected, the system can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and audio, making it clear to a criminal that they have been spotted. In a rural setting where police response times may be longer, the ability of scOS to prevent a crime from happening is an invaluable asset for any homeowner. proactive security ensures your home remains a safe sanctuary.