Safety is a primary concern for many when choosing a place to live, work, or raise a family. It’s natural to want security in our homes and communities. As a leading UK security firm, we’re committed to providing clear, factual analysis of crime data across the country.
Our latest research focuses on Wales, examining criminal behavior throughout its diverse landscape – from bustling cities to quiet valleys. This report aims to highlight the main safety issues facing Welsh residents and what these might mean for those considering a move to or within Wales.
By offering this information, we hope to help you make informed decisions about your future plans, whether you’re looking to start a business, relocate, or simply understand the safety landscape of different Welsh areas.
An Overall View of Crime in Wales
Wales, though smaller than its neighbors England and Scotland, boasts a rich tapestry of community spirit, history, and fierce loyalty to its iconic flag, lyrical language, and remarkable heritage.
Known for its lush green hills, valleys, and rugged coastlines, Wales presents one of the UK’s most diverse landscapes. This natural beauty transitions into vibrant cities and popular holiday spots, offering tourist attractions and sporting venues that draw visitors from far and wide.
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Despite the undeniable appeal of Welsh cities like Cardiff, Swansea, and Wrexham, the specter of crime casts a shadow over the nation’s allure.
Crime Statistics
The overall crime rate in Wales stands at a concerning 85.4 crimes per 1,000 people, totaling 267,526 offences in the most recent year of data. A closer examination reveals several areas of concern:
- Violent crimes: 112,446 incidents
- Theft: 66,765 incidents
- Public order offences: 32,948 incidents
- Criminal damage: 29,364 incidents
These figures represent some of the highest statistics in recent years, painting a worrying picture of criminal activity across the country.
Focus on High-Risk Areas
While these numbers provide an overview of crime in Wales, certain towns and cities face more significant challenges in combating criminal behavior. The following sections will examine what makes these areas particularly hazardous and highlight key concerns for residents and visitors alike.
Understanding these crime patterns and their geographic distribution is crucial for those considering relocation, starting a business, or simply visiting Wales. This knowledge empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their safety and take appropriate precautions in higher-risk areas.
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The 25 Most Dangerous Areas of Wales (2024)
Our analysis has revealed the most dangerous regions in Wales, along with key crime statistics that offer insights into some of the country’s most well-known locations.
25. Risca (Rhisga)
Overall Crime Rate: 91.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
Risca, a major residential area near Caerphilly, has an overall crime rate of 91.6 crimes per 1,000 residents. Notable statistics include:
- Violent crime: 523 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 340 incidents
- Public order offences: 160 incidents
24. Tonyrefail
Overall Crime Rate: 92.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
This small village near the River Ely has a crime rate of 92.3 crimes per 1,000 residents. Key concerns include:
- Violent crime: 482 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 148 incidents
- Public order offences: 123 incidents
23. Ystrad Mynach
Overall Crime Rate: 94.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
Known for its sporting aspirations, Ystrad Mynach faces a crime rate of 94.4 crimes per 1,000 residents. Main issues are:
- Violent crime: 480 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 180 offences
- Public order crime: 146 offences
22. Blackwood (Y Coed Duon)
Overall Crime Rate: 95 Crimes Per 1000 People
This emerging tech hub has a crime rate of 95 crimes per 1,000 residents. Primary concerns include:
- Violent crime: 406 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 299 offences
- Shoplifting: 128 offences
21. Holyhead (Caergybi)
Overall Crime Rate: 95 Crimes Per 1000 People
Home to a busy ferry terminal, Holyhead’s crime rate is 95 crimes per 1,000 residents. Key issues are:
- Violent crime: 416 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 232 offences
- Criminal damage: 98 offences
20. Pyle (Y Pîl)
Overall Crime Rate: 97.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
This village near Kenfig Nature Reserve has a crime rate of 97.3 crimes per 1,000 residents. Main concerns include:
- Violent crimes: 555 incidents (41% of all offences)
- Antisocial behaviour: 181 incidents
- Public order offences: 170 incidents
19. Wrexham (Wrecsam)
Overall Crime Rate: 97.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
Recently in the global spotlight, Wrexham’s crime rate is 97.5 crimes per 1,000 residents. Key issues are:
- Violent crime: 5,928 offences
- Theft: 3,281 offences
- Criminal damage and arson: 1,666 offences
18. Caerphilly (Caerffili)
Overall Crime Rate: 98.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
This historic town faces a crime rate of 98.8 crimes per 1,000 residents. Main concerns include:
- Violent crime: 1,385 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 527 incidents
- Public order offences: 441 incidents
17. Flint (Y Fflint)
Overall Crime Rate: 98.9 Crimes Per 1000 People
Located near Merseyside, Flint’s crime rate is 98.9 crimes per 1,000 residents. Key issues are:
- Violent crime: 445 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 259 offences
- Shoplifting: 166 offences
16. Denbigh (Dinbych)
Overall Crime Rate: 99.7 Crimes Per 1000 People
This popular market town has a crime rate of 99.7 crimes per 1,000 residents. Main concerns include:
- Violent crime: 320 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 214 incidents
- Criminal damage: 106 incidents
15. Maesteg
Overall Crime Rate: 103.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
Maesteg’s crime rate is 103.5 crimes per 1,000 residents. Key issues are:
- Violent crime: 681 offences
- Shoplifting: 285 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 255 offences
14. Barry, Vale of Glamorgan (Y Barri)
Overall Crime Rate: 104.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
This popular holiday resort has a crime rate of 104.8 crimes per 1,000 residents. Main concerns include:
- Violent crime: 3,365 incidents
- Theft: 2,532 incidents
- Public order offences: 1,118 incidents
13. Abergele
Overall Crime Rate: 105.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
This seaside resort has a crime rate of 105.8 crimes per 1,000 residents. Key issues are:
- Violent crime: 336 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 193 offences
- Criminal damage: 82 offences
12. Kinmel Bay (Bae Cinmel)
Overall Crime Rate: 108 Crimes Per 1000 People
This coastal village has a crime rate of 108 crimes per 1,000 residents. Main concerns include:
- Violent crime: 492 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 153 incidents
- Criminal damage: 85 incidents
11. Cardiff (Caerdydd)
Overall Crime Rate: 110.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
The Welsh capital has a crime rate of 110.3 crimes per 1,000 people. Key issues are:
- Theft: 15,337 offences
- Violent crime: 12,407 offences
- Public order crimes: 4,565 offences
10. Newport (Casnewydd)
Overall Crime Rate: 119.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
This large city has a crime rate of 119.6 crimes per 1,000 residents. Main concerns include:
- Violent crime: 7,070 incidents
- Theft: 5,329 incidents
- Public order offences: 2,562 incidents
9. Mold (Yr Wyddgrug)
Overall Crime Rate: 121.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
Known for its food festival, Mold has a crime rate of 121.2 crimes per 1,000 residents. Key issues are:
- Violent crime: 326 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 203 offences
- Shoplifting: 133 offences
8. Merthyr Tydfil (Merthyr Tudful)
Overall Crime Rate: 125.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
This former industrial centre has a crime rate of 125.1 crimes per 1,000 residents. Main concerns include:
- Violent crime: 1,158 offences
- Shoplifting: 768 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 624 offences
7. Ebbw Vale (Glynebwy)
Overall Crime Rate: 126.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
Ebbw Vale’s crime rate is 126.6 crimes per 1,000 residents. Key issues are:
- Violent crime: 910 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 379 incidents
- Public order offences: 244 incidents
6. Caernarfon (Caernarvon)
Overall Crime Rate: 128.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
This historic town has a crime rate of 128.2 crimes per 1,000 residents. Main concerns include:
- Violent crime: 435 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 268 offences
- Criminal damage: 104 offences
5. Colwyn Bay (Bae Colwyn)
Overall Crime Rate: 129 Crimes Per 1000 People
This coastal destination has a crime rate of 129 crimes per 1,000 residents. Key issues are:
- Violent crime: 1,347 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 716 incidents
- Shoplifting: 312 incidents
4. Bargoed (Bargod)
Overall Crime Rate: 131 Crimes Per 1000 People
Bargoed’s crime rate is 131 crimes per 1,000 residents. Main concerns include:
- Violent crime: 462 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 168 incidents
- Public order offences: 108 incidents
3. Abertillery (Abertyleri)
Overall Crime Rate: 136.9 Crimes Per 1000 People
Located in the Ebbw Fach valley, Abertillery has a crime rate of 136.9 crimes per 1,000 residents. Key issues are:
- Violent crime: 479 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 367 offences
- Public order crimes: 174 offences
2. Llandudno
Overall Crime Rate: 163.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
This famous seaside town has a crime rate of 163.1 crimes per 1,000 residents. Main concerns include:
- Violent crime: 1,160 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 742 incidents
- Shoplifting: 371 incidents
- Criminal damage: 260 incidents
1. Rhyl (Y Rhyl)
Overall Crime Rate: 192.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
Rhyl ranks as the most dangerous area in Wales with a crime rate of 192.4 crimes per 1,000 residents. Key issues are:
- Violent crime: 2,432 offences (47% of all crimes)
- Antisocial behaviour: 964 offences
- Criminal damage: 421 offences
- Shoplifting: 383 offences
This analysis provides a snapshot of crime rates across various Welsh locations, offering valuable information for residents and visitors alike.
The Key Crime Trends For Wales
Crime patterns in Wales are constantly changing. Recent years have shown fluctuations across various offence types, with some crimes becoming significantly more common than others. Here’s an overview of the main trends observed when comparing 2023 data to 2022 figures:
Rising Crime Rates
- Shoplifting: The most substantial increase was in shoplifting, with 23,287 offences recorded in 2023 compared to 16,725 in 2022 – a 39% rise. South Wales alone saw a 51% increase, possibly linked to the recent cost of living challenges.
- Weapon Possession: This crime type increased by 11%, from 1,833 offences in 2022 to 2,031 in 2023.
- Vehicle Offences: A 5% increase was noted, with 11,212 offences in 2023 up from 10,712 in 2022.
- Bicycle Theft: This crime saw a 4% rise, with 2,683 offences in 2023 compared to 2,572 in 2022.
Decreasing Crime Rates
Despite these increases, there’s positive news:
- Overall Crime: Wales experienced a 2% decrease in overall crime (267,526 offences in 2023, down from 273,634 in 2022). This outperformed England’s 1% decrease.
- Public Order Offences: A significant 15% drop was observed, from 38,777 incidents in 2022 to 32,948 in 2023.
- Drug Offences: These fell by 9%, from 8,089 in 2022 to 7,631 in 2023.
- Criminal Damage: A 7% decrease was recorded, with 29,364 incidents in 2023 down from 31,687 in 2022.
- Robbery: This crime type also fell by 7%, from 1,034 incidents in 2022 to 957 in 2023.
These statistics provide a snapshot of crime trends in Wales, showing both areas of concern and improvement in public safety across the country.
Weapon Crime Statistics For Wales
Weapon offences continue to be a significant topic of concern and discussion, often dominating news headlines. Recent trends show a mixed picture, with some positive developments overshadowed by ongoing issues.
In Wales, the statistics for 2023 present a complex situation:
Knife Crime
- Offences involving knives increased by 7% compared to 2022
- This translates to an additional 110 offences
- Total knife offences in 2023: 1,626
- Total knife offences in 2022: 1,516
Firearm Offences
- Gun crimes decreased by 3% compared to the previous year
- This represents a reduction of 4 offences
- Total firearm offences in 2023: 149
- Total firearm offences in 2022: 153
While the rise in knife-related crimes is concerning, the slight decrease in firearm offences offers a glimmer of hope. This reduction, though small, could indicate positive changes, possibly due to increased police presence or stricter regulations.
These statistics highlight the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and communities in Wales. They also underscore the need for continued efforts to address weapon-related crimes and improve public safety across the country.
Our Data Sources and Methodology
In our crime reports, we strive for fairness, transparency, and objectivity. To ensure clarity, we use the following data sources and methods:
Data Sources
- Police UK website: We obtain the latest crime statistics from all Welsh police forces through this platform.
- Office of National Statistics: We use population data directly from this official source.
Methodology
We present the statistics as a ratio of crimes per 1,000 residents in each area. This approach offers several benefits:
- It simplifies the presentation of our key findings.
- It accounts for variables such as area size and population.
By using this method, we aim to provide a clear and accurate representation of crime rates across different regions in Wales.
