WD22 Intelligence Updated April 2026Source: South Wales Police Police

Crime in Cathays, Cardiff

Comprehensive safety analysis for Cathays, localized within Cardiff.

Total Crimes

583
trending_up +6.8% MoM

Annual Crime Rate

117.34per 1k
trending_up +0.5% 12m Trend

Safety Rating

High Risk

Total Population

21,819

12-Month Crime Trend

Monthly Totals

Safety Heatmap

Crime Categories

Violence & Sexual Offences155
Shoplifting132
Anti-social Behaviour81
Other Theft39
Public Order37
Vehicle Crime29
Criminal Damage & Arson27
Bicycle Theft17
Theft from Person17
Burglary14
Other Crime11
Drug Offences9
Robbery9
Weapons Possession6

Incident Distribution

Location ReferencePrimary IncidentsTotal
On or near Parking Area Map
Shoplifting: 34Violence and sexual offences: 16Possession of weapons: 1
51
On or near Supermarket Map
Anti-social behaviour: 17Shoplifting: 9Violence and sexual offences: 9
47
On or near Heol Eglwys Fair Map
Violence and sexual offences: 20Other theft: 4Public order: 3
32
On or near Shopping Area Map
Shoplifting: 21Vehicle crime: 3Criminal damage and arson: 2
26
On or near Parking Area Map
Anti-social behaviour: 13Vehicle crime: 4Other theft: 3
20
On or near The Hayes Map
Shoplifting: 14Other theft: 3
17
On or near Heol Tyr Brodyr Map
Violence and sexual offences: 8Burglary: 2Theft from the person: 2
15
On or near Nightclub Map
Violence and sexual offences: 14
14
On or near St John Street Map
Anti-social behaviour: 8Public order: 5
13
On or near Nightclub Map
Anti-social behaviour: 10
10

Expert Safety Insights

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City Ranking

Safety comparison within Cardiff district.

Local Rank

#25safest in Cardiff

National Safety

Top 10%Riskiest

City Average

96.45per 1k

Local Policing

Plasnewydd

South Wales Police

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announcement

Local Priorities

Anti-social Behaviour and homelessness - Plasnewydd

Issued: 23 Mar 2026

Status Update

Action needed to be taken

Actioned: 23 Jun 2026

Shoplifting and Retail Crime - Plasnewydd Ward

Issued: 23 Mar 2026

Status Update

Action need to be taken

Actioned: 23 Jun 2026

Clear Hold Build - City Road

Issued: 23 Mar 2026

Status Update

Action needed to be taken

Actioned: 23 Jun 2026

Clear Hold Build - Operation for City Road and the Winter Of Action for Albany and Wellfield Road

Issued: 12 Dec 2025

Status Update

1) Officers have identified suspicious activity at an address on Cathays Terrace. On forcing entry to the address, it was evident that the premises was being used to house a cannabis factory. 231 cannabis plants located, and a 32-year-old man has been arrested and charged for cultivation of cannabis. All 231 plants and factory equipment have been seized and sent for destruction.

2) Whilst out on patrol around hot spot areas, officers have sighted a outstanding stolen vehicle. 2 men have attempted to make off from the location before being detained. Searches recovered 22 wraps of heroin and 30 wraps of cocaine with an estimated street value of £1340-£1860. Both males have been arrested for autocrime offences and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

3) Following a stop search of a male in Cathays, 132g of cannabis and 40g of cannabis resin has been taken off the streets. The male was found in possession of 3 grip seal bags of cannabis and a mobile phone indicating drug supply. A search of his home address has recovered a further 36 individual deal size bags of cannabis and £525 cash. The 21-year-old has been arrested for possession with intent to supply (PWITS) Class B drugs.

4) Whilst on patrols in the area, a male was observed in hand-to-hand exchanges by officers. On detaining the male, 43 individual street deals of cannabis and £230 was recovered. The 21-year-old has been charged with possession with intent to supply (PWITS) class B drugs, concerned in the supply of class B drugs and possession of criminal property. He has been remanded in custody for sentencing on 05/03/2026.

5) Officers have sighted a male within a hot spot area for drug activity, riding an e-bike and wearing a face covering. Despite an attempt to make off and discard any incriminating evidence, the male was detained and e-bike seized. A search of an address, located a second male who also unsuccessfully tried to make off from officers. Within the address, a further e-bike was located along with 126g of cannabis and 12g of cocaine. Both males have been arrested and charged for being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis.

Actioned: 26 Feb 2026

Shoplifting & Retail crime - Thefts from stores

Issued: 17 Sep 2025

Status Update

The Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to prioritise shoplifting and theft from stores in Plasnewydd. Officers have been working closely with local businesses to make reporting easier and improve overall security, helping to maintain a plateau in thefts. Proactive patrols and targeted enforcement have led to significant arrests, including an individual apprehended in November for 17 offences, who is currently on remand. Such behaviour is not tolerated, and the team supports the use of Criminal Behaviour Orders where appropriate to prevent repeat offending. With the festive period approaching, continued vigilance will be key to preventing an increase in retail crime and protecting the local community.

Actioned: 12 Dec 2025

Engagement Events

JUN27

Shelley Gardens: PCSO Meet & Greet

other
schedule

11:30 AM — 12:30 PM

location_on

Plasnewydd Community Garden, 5 The Walk Cardiff

JUL11

Stall with leaflets and information on the corner of Albany Road and Wellfield Road

other
schedule

2:00 PM — 4:00 PM

location_on

Rainbow Bargain, Cardiff

AUG8

Cuppa with a copper at Coffee House Wellfield Road

other
schedule

1:00 PM — 3:00 PM

location_on

The Coffi House, 3 Wellfield Road Cardiff

SEP5

Cuppa with a copper at Coffi House Wellfield Road

other
schedule

1:00 PM — 3:00 PM

location_on

The Coffi House, 3 Wellfield Road Cardiff

OCT3

Wellfield Road/Albany Road pop up engagement stall

other
schedule

1:00 PM — 3:00 PM

location_on

Rainbow Bargain, Cardiff

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