Is Cardiff Safe?

Quick Facts

• Cardiff’s Crime Rate: 79 crimes per 1,000 people, 9% higher than the South Glamorgan average of 73 per 1,000.
• Most Common Crimes: Violence and sexual offences (12,432 offences in 2026), anti-social behaviour, and burglary.
• Anti-Social Behaviour (Jan 2026): 280 crimes reported. Cardiff ranked worst in South Glamorgan, at a rate of 0.64 per 1,000 people.
• Burglary (Jan 2026): 102 crimes reported. Cardiff ranked worst in South Glamorgan, at a rate of 0.23 per 1,000 people.
• Least Common Crime: Theft from the person, with 349 offences in 2026, a 15% decrease from 410 in 2025.
  
  

Source: CrimeRate

Is Cardiff Safe?

Cardiff is the vibrant capital of Wales, but a city of contrasts. While it holds the title of the most dangerous city in its region, staying alert and taking basic precautions allows both residents and visitors to enjoy it with confidence.

In 2026, Cardiff recorded 79 crimes per 1,000 people, 9% above the South Glamorgan average. Violence and sexual offences are the most common, with 12,432 cases reported. January 2026 was a tough month, with Cardiff topping South Glamorgan for anti-social behaviour and burglary.

That said, change is underway. With 13,000 additional police officers and PCSOs planned across Wales, the government is taking meaningful steps toward making Cardiff safer.

Is Cardiff a Safe Place to Live?

Cardiff is a dynamic city with much to offer, but, like any large urban area, safety can vary between neighbourhoods. Surburbs like Rhiwbina and Heath are known for their low crime rates and strong sense of community, making them popular for those seeking a safer environment.

In contrast, areas such as Adamsdown, Caerau, and Riverside experience much higher crime rates. By carefully choosing a neighbourhood and taking precautions, like securing property and staying aware, residents can enjoy a safe and fulfilling life in Manchester.

What Are the Most Common Crimes in Cardiff?

Cardiff faces a range of criminal activities, with some types occurring more frequently than others:

• Violence and Sexual Offences: The most common crime, with 12,432 offences recorded in 2026, a crime rate of 28 per 1,000 people.
• Anti-Social Behaviour: A significant concern, with 280 cases recorded in January 2026 alone, making Cardiff the worst city in South Glamorgan for this category.
• Shoplifting: With a crime rate of 14.1 per 1,000 people recorded in 2026.
• Public Order: With a crime rate of 11.9 per 1,000 people.
• Vehicle Crime: A notable concern, with a crime rate of 7.79 per 1,000 people.
• Criminal Damage and Arson: With a crime rate of 8.6 per 1,000 people in 2026.
  
  

Crime remains an ongoing challenge for Cardiff, though some categories are showing signs of improvement; violence and sexual offences fell by 2.3% compared to 2025, and theft from the person dropped by 15%.

Is Crime in Cardiff Increasing?

The picture in Cardiff is mixed; some crimes are falling, while others are rising sharply. According to the latest 2026 data, compared to the previous year, there has been:

• A 2.3% decrease in violence and sexual offences (down to 12,432 offences).
• A 15% drop in theft from the person (down to 349 offences).
• A 15.1% fall in shoplifting (totalling 8,700 cases).
• A 85% surge in robbery, making it the fastest-growing crime in Cardiff.
• A 4.3% decline in violent crime overall (35,500 cases).

While reductions in theft and shoplifting are encouraging, robbery has emerged as the fastest-growing crime, rising by 85% over the last twelve months, a concerning trend that demands attention. Possession of weapons offences are also trending upwards, with a 43% increase over the past three years. Improved policing remains key to reversing these trends, though the surge in robbery suggests there is still significant ground to cover.

What Are the Most Dangerous Areas in Cardiff?

While Cardiff is home to many safe and thriving neighbourhoods, some areas experience higher crime rates. Based on the latest 2026 crime statistics, here are the three most affected areas:

Cathays: With a crime rate of 323 crimes per 1,000 people, Cathays ranks as the most crime-affected area in Cardiff. Its dense nightlife, proximity to the city centre, and large student population contribute to frequent public order incidents, theft, and anti-social behaviour.

Butetown: Butetown has a crime rate of 260 crimes per 1,000 people. The area struggles with high rates of violent crime and property damage, making it one of Cardiff’s most challenging neighbourhoods for residents and businesses alike.

Adamsdown: With crime continuing to rise year-on-year, Adamsdown remains among Cardiff’s most affected areas. Violent offences and anti-social behaviour are the most commonly reported crimes in this neighbourhood.

Residents in these areas can improve their safety by taking practical measures, such as securing their homes, staying alert in busy public spaces, and considering professional security services when necessary.

What Are the Safest Areas in Cardiff?

Despite its challenges, Cardiff is home to several neighbourhoods known for their safety and strong community focus:

Lisvane & Thornhill: With a crime rate of just 29.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, Lisvane and Thornhill rank as the safest area in Cardiff, roughly 75% below the city average.

Radyr: Close behind with a crime rate of 32.9 per 1,000 residents, Radyr is popular for its excellent schools and strong transport links.

Rhiwbina: With a crime rate of 36.7 per 1,000 residents, Rhiwbina offers a strong community atmosphere, quiet streets, and very low levels of anti-social behaviour.

These neighbourhoods combine safety with a high quality of life, making them ideal for families, professionals, and students seeking a secure and community-oriented place to live.

How Does Cardiff Compare to Other UK Cities?

Cardiff (79 crimes per 1,000 people) actually sits below several major UK cities in 2026. For comparison, Liverpool records 106 crimes per 1,000 people and Birmingham records 105, both notably higher than Cardiff. For broader context:

• London: 112 crimes per 1,000 people
• National Average (England, Wales and Northern Ireland): 72 crimes per 1,000 people

When it comes to violent crime, Cardiff ranks 39th among UK cities. This places it lower than cities like Liverpool and Birmingham, though it’s still important to treat violent crime as a serious concern for both residents and visitors.

How Does Cardiff Compare Globally?

According to Numbeo’s safety index, Cardiff scores 60.3, now level with Bonn, Germany, which shares the same score. This places Cardiff in the mid-tier globally, making it safer than cities like Paris and Frankfurt, but less safe than Munich and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Unfortunately, crime increasing in the past 5 years is rated 60.27 by Numbeo, which is high. This reflects poorly on the city, and only adds more concerns about Cardiff being the most dangerous city in its region

How to Stay Safe in Cardiff: Practical Tips

Whether you’re a resident or a business owner, there are several proactive measures you can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime:

For Residents:

• Secure Your Home: Ensure high-quality locks, reinforced doors, and well-lit exteriors to enhance security.
• Utilise Technology: Install CCTV cameras and alarm systems, which can serve as effective deterrents.
• Protect Your Belongings: Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, whether at home or in your vehicle.

For Businesses:

Businesses in Cardiff, particularly in higher-risk areas, should consider professional security services. Some effective options include:

• Alarm Response and Keyholding Services: These provide peace of mind during off-hours, ensuring a swift response to security incidents.
• Mobile Patrols: Regular patrols can help deter potential offenders and maintain a visible security presence.
• On-Site Security Personnel: Having security staff on-site offers comprehensive protection, monitoring the premises and responding to incidents as they arise.

Conclusion:

Cardiff’s safety, like that of any other major city, varies depending on the neighbourhood and the precautions individuals take to protect themselves and their property. However, when looking at crime in Cardiff UK, the city’s crime rates remain higher than the national average, which can make Cardiff appear as one of the more challenging areas in its region.

It is important to note that many safety concerns can be reduced by choosing secure neighbourhoods to visit or move to and by following practical safety measures. This allows residents and visitors to continue enjoying the rich culture, diverse opportunities, and lively atmosphere that Cardiff has to offer.