Is crime a serious problem in Cardiff?

Crime is a prominent theme in the Welsh press. But does this reflect the perceptions of Cardiff locals?

There have been many headlines in the Welsh press about various criminal acts occurring in Cardiff, ranging from thefts, both of pedestrians and of businesses, to acts of violent assault.

Are these incidents evidence that Cardiff has a particular problem with crime when compared to other UK cities? Are they examples of long-standing trends?

I took to the streets to ask whether people see crime as a serious concern in the city, and if so, whether or not this perception is created by experiences in their day-to-day lives or by negative coverage in the media.

Adam, 17, Student pilot

Honestly I’ve never seen crime really happen here. Cardiff seems like a safe place really. You always get the jokes about the Welsh in Cardiff but that’s OK. It’s more the valleys you hear about being particularly terrible. Every city has its problems.

Steven Hopkins, 25, self-employed cycle courrier

Hell of a lot of bike theft going on. I had a bike stolen about a year ago now. A few of my friends have had their bikes stolen recently. The police are about as much good as you would expect them to be when it comes to that.

Debbie James, 50, works in retail

I wouldn’t know to be honest. I think there’s crime everywhere, you just don’t always hear about it. I don’t read any Cardiff newspapers. I’m not local to the area.

Marie Price, 69, retired

I’ve never seen any trouble. (When asked about the presentation of crime in the media) Even my grandson said this morning a man was stabbed in Newport. So I suppose it’s happening in Cradiff. In my day, that never happened.  And I find the newspapers and the television only report bad things. We never hear about the good things.

Tom Doyle, 61, unemployed

Crime’s the same everywhere really. I don’t think it’s any worse than it has been. Just lack of policing makes it seem worse. I’ve recently had a shed broken into, and the excuse they gave me was pathetic. I know they’ve got a hard job and all. Getting harder for them. Cuts and all that. Government doesn’t seem too bothered. I know they have to prioritize, but they have to prioritize in the right direction.