Crime and Safety

Back To My Plan

A Community That Outperforms Expectations

When it comes to crime, Rhondda and Ogmore is doing far better than many might expect. Out of all the UK’s constituencies, we rank 224th for overall crime rates – putting us in the safer half of the country. Given the economic challenges our area has faced over the years, this is a testament to the strength of our community, where people look out for one another and help make our towns safer places to live.

Safer Than Expected

The statistics show that our constituency performs well in key areas. Anti-social behaviour, theft, drug-related crime, and vehicle crime are all relatively low compared to other parts of the UK. This is no small achievement – it reflects the community-driven ethos of our residents, where neighbours still keep an eye out for each other, and respect for local people and places remains strong.

That said, there are challenges we must address. Public order offences, as well as violent and sexual crimes, are higher than the national average, and some areas experience more crime than others. In Ogmore, Nant-y-moel and Ogmore Vale stand out for their impressively low crime rates, with figures below the national average across the board. In Rhondda, however, Llwynypia, Pentre, and Porth see higher levels of crime, particularly violent and sexual offences, with Llwynypia and Pentre having the most concerning figures.

One of the biggest concerns in our area is domestic violence, which makes up a significant proportion of serious crimes. Unlike other offences, this is harder to tackle proactively, as it often happens behind closed doors. There are also concerning patterns, such as increases in domestic violence reports around Welsh rugby and football matches – highlighting a cultural challenge that requires deeper, long-term change.

Cuts That Still Leave a Mark

Visible policing makes a difference. But after years of cuts, officer numbers are still recovering. In 2010, South Wales Police had 3,259 officers. That number dropped to 2,862 by 2016 due to austerity-driven cuts. Numbers have since risen, but the damage is still felt – especially in rural and valley communities, where police presence is key to confidence and prevention.

We need to keep pushing for the resources that help keep people safe and support those who need it most – because when we get that backing, Rhondda and Ogmore excels. Tonypandy Fire Station is recognised nationally for its excellence in wildfire response. In March 2025 alone, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service responded to over 100 wildfire incidents. Based in the heart of the Rhondda Fawr, where grassland and forest fires are a regular challenge, Tonypandy’s highly skilled crews play a vital role in protecting the local community.

Power of Community

Despite these challenges, the overall picture is a positive one. Our communities have lower crime levels than many areas with similar economic conditions, and we continue to prove that strong community bonds make a real difference. With continued support for victims, proactive local services, and a shared commitment to safety, we can build on this success and make Rhondda and Ogmore even safer for everyone.

What Needs to Change

  • Continued investment in frontline policing and community safety
  • Stronger support for victims, especially of domestic abuse
  • Early intervention services to prevent crime before it happens
  • A shared commitment to keeping our streets, homes, and public spaces safe

My Targets for Safer Streets

  • Halve violence against women and girls in Rhondda and Ogmore over the next decade.
  • Support and maintain our community-ethos and support for neighbours.
  • Make our high-streets even safer with more neighbourhood police.

Action from the Labour Government

  • Crack down on crime and antisocial behaviour by introducing RESPECT orders, specific offences for assaulting retail workers and spiking, and taking tougher action on drugs and phone theft.
  • Halve knife crime, ending the practice of empty warnings and instead triggering rapid intervention and tough consequences.
  • Specialise rape and sexual offences teams in every police force, fast-track rape cases in specialist courts.
  • Ban sex offenders from changing their names and introduce a new legal duty to report child sexual abuse.
  • Introduce domestic abuse experts in every 999 control room, so victims can talk directly to a specialist.

My Local Action Plan

  • Engage with neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs in Wales.
  • Support and champion male mental health groups to reduce male violence.
  • Convene quarterly meetings with our local police team to closely monitor criminal activity in Rhondda and Ogmore.
  • Improve police coverage in Rhondda and Ogmore during large events in Cardiff
  • Run an Ending Domestic Violence Campaign