Cardiff, the vibrant capital of Wales, is a city of contrasts. Known for its rich history and cultural diversity, it also faces challenges when it comes to security. That’s why we’re going to explore the question of is Cardiff safe?

The city’s broad mix of residential, commercial, and entertainment areas affects crime patterns in different ways. This has the potential to lead to varying levels of safety across its districts. In our article, we’ll explore the safety landscape of the city and explore the Cardiff crime rate.

Cardiff Crime Rates

In 2023

According to Crimerate, Cardiff is statistically the most dangerous city in South Glamorgan. Back in 2023, Cardiff had an overall crime rate of 118 crimes per 1,000 people. This is 20% higher than South Glamorgan’s crime rate of 99 per 1,000 people.

Cardiff’s worst crime in 2023 was violence and sexual offences. These types of crimes were committed over 13,556 times and had a crime rate of 40 crimes per 1,000 people.

While Cardiff’s least common crime in 2023 was robbery offences. These types of crimes were recorded only 233 times.

Is Cardiff Safe In 2024?

As of 2024, Cardiff’s safety could be considered a pressing concern. The city’s crime rate currently stands 41% higher than the average for Wales and 36% above the overall figure for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It could be argued then that Cardiff could be seen as one of the most dangerous areas in Wales.

This significant gap highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining public safety within the city. The elevated crime rates emphasise the importance of staying vigilant and informed when living in or visiting the city.

Cardiff Crime Rate Comparison

Cardiff currently ranks as the 23rd most dangerous city in the UK. But how does its crime rate measure up against other well-known cities like Liverpool and Birmingham? To provide a clearer picture, the following graph compares Cardiff’s crime with other parts of the UK.

When we ask is Cardiff safe then, it’s important to consider both ends of the spectrum. Although it’s evident that the city sees a fair amount of crime, it’s also far from being the most dangerous.

When visiting any city, including Cardiff, it’s crucial to prioritise safety. For practical advice on staying safe during your visit, check out our tips on how to stay safe in the city. Staying informed and vigilant can help ensure a secure and enjoyable experience in the city.

Is Cardiff Safe At Night?

Cardiff’s safety at night remains a concern, particularly for women. A recent BBC report highlighted that one in five women do not feel safe walking around Cardiff after dark.

This statistic underscores the challenges the city faces in ensuring nighttime safety for its residents and visitors. Factors contributing to these concerns include poorly lit areas, isolated streets, and the incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Is The City Safe For Students?

When asking is Cardiff safe for students, the answer is generally yes. The Welsh capital has a vibrant student population and several universities contributing to a lively academic atmosphere. However, like any urban area, it has its safety challenges.

Areas around university campuses are typically well-patrolled, but students should remain cautious, especially at night, and stay in well-lit, populated areas where possible. Student unions and local authorities often provide resources and support for student safety, including advice on safe routes home, emergency contacts, and awareness campaigns to help ensure a secure experience while studying in Cardiff.

Breaking Down Cardiff Crime Statistics

The capital of Wales is a diverse city with varying crime rates across its different areas. Factors like how many people live in an area, the types of businesses around, and local economic conditions all play a role in shaping crime patterns. To get a clear picture of the Cardiff crime rate, it’s helpful to look at stats for individual neighbourhoods:

Safest Areas

When it comes to answering the question of is Cardiff safe, the following are some of the areas with the lowest crime rates:

Radyr – this area currently has a crime count of 186 crimes and an average crime rate of 43 crimes per 1,000 people.

St Nicholas & Llancarfan – this area currently has a crime count of 221 crimes and an average crime rate of 86 crimes per 1,000 people.

Livsvane & Thornhill – this area currently has a crime count of 313 crimes and an average crime rate of 45 crimes per 1,000 people.

Rhiwbina – this area currently has a crime count of 300 crimes and an average crime rate of 37 crimes per 1,000 people.

Wenvoe – this area currently has a crime count of 362 crimes and an average crime rate of 127 crimes per 1,000 people.

Cyncoed – this area currently has a crime count of 370 crimes and an average crime rate of 42 crimes per 1,000 people.

So, How Can We Answer Is Cardiff Safe?

Like any major city, the Welsh capital faces its own set of safety challenges. The Cardiff crime rate has seen fluctuations, with some periods showing an increase in certain types of crimes, such as violent offenses and property crime.

For example, recent statistics highlight a higher overall crime rate compared to other cities in South Glamorgan. However, according to other data, Cardiff is less dangerous than some major urban centers like Leeds and Liverpool.

While Cardiff does have its safety issues, these should not overshadow the city’s rich cultural and historical appeal. With awareness and precaution, residents and visitors can enjoy all that Cardiff has to offer. From its vibrant cultural scene to its historic landmarks, people can continue to enjoy the city safely.

If you’re interested in learning more about safety in Wales, visit our blog. We explore topics such as crime in Swanse.

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