Ely Cardiff

Ely Cardiff Safety: Comprehensive Crime Report and Community Insights 2025

Comprehensive Ely Cardiff safety analysis 2025: crime statistics, community initiatives, and practical tips for residents and visitors in this Cardiff suburb.

Sherif Butt

Sherif Butt

— 9 min read
Street view of Ely Cardiff neighbourhood showing residential area with community policing presence
Ely, Cardiff: A residential community working towards improved safety through active community engagement and policing initiatives

Considering a move to Ely in Cardiff or planning a visit? Understanding Ely Cardiff safety is crucial for making informed decisions about living or spending time in this vibrant neighbourhood. Ely, a community with a rich history and close-knit spirit, has faced challenges related to crime and public safety. This article provides an in-depth, data-driven overview of Ely's crime landscape, community safety initiatives, and local perspectives to help you assess whether Ely is a safe place to live or visit.

We will explore detailed crime statistics, types of crimes prevalent in Ely such as criminal damage, arson, violent crime, and sexual offences, and compare Ely's safety with other Cardiff areas. You'll also find practical safety tips, insights from the Ely safer neighbourhood team, and testimonials from residents. By the end, you'll have a balanced, comprehensive understanding of Ely's safety profile and actionable steps to stay secure.

Table of Contents

Overview of Crime Rates in Ely, Cardiff

Recent data shows that Ely experiences approximately 150 reported crimes monthly, with a total of around 1,800 crimes annually. The most common offences include violence and sexual offences, public order offences, criminal damage, and vehicle crime. According to the latest reports, Ely's overall crime rate is lower than Cardiff's city average in several categories:

  • Violent crime is about 26% lower than Cardiff average.
  • Property crimes including burglary and vehicle crime are 41% lower than Cardiff average.
  • Public order offences are 19% lower than the city average.

For example, Ely Road (CF5 2JF postcode) shows a crime rate index of 0.30 compared to Cardiff's average of 1.0, indicating significantly lower crime levels in this specific area [Source: Streetscan].

I have to say, when I first looked at these numbers a few months back, I was honestly surprised—though I guess I shouldn't have been, given how often the media focuses on the dramatic stuff rather than the day-to-day reality. The 26% reduction in violent crime is particularly encouraging, especially when you consider that just two years ago, people were writing Ely off completely.

In 2023, Ely saw a slight increase in public order offences linked to specific incidents such as the Ely riots Cardiff following a tragic crash involving teenagers. However, community policing efforts and social programs have contributed to a downward trend in violent crime and arson reports compared to previous years [Source: BBC News].

Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat this—the riots were a massive setback for the community's reputation. But what's fascinating is how quickly things started improving afterward. It's almost like the incident forced everyone—police, residents, local council—to actually sit down and address the underlying issues rather than just hoping they'd go away.

Types of Crimes in Ely: Detailed Analysis

Criminal Damage and Arson in Ely

Criminal damage and arson remain concerns in Ely, though recent statistics indicate a reduction. In the past year, there were 17 reported cases of criminal damage and arson near Ely Road, with many cases under investigation or resolved through community interventions. These crimes often involve vandalism of public property and occasional vehicle arson [Source: Streetscan].

What's interesting about the arson cases—and I realize this might sound weird to focus on—is that they're actually quite different from what you might expect. We're not talking about massive blazes or anything, mostly it's been car fires and the occasional bin fire. Still not great, obviously, but it's worth putting it in perspective.

Violent Crime and Sexual Offences

Violent crime, including assaults and sexual offences, accounts for a significant portion of Ely's crime reports. In 2024, there were 37 recorded violent and sexual offences in the Ely Road area. While these numbers are concerning, they are lower than Cardiff's average rates. The Ely safer neighbourhood team actively works to address these issues through targeted patrols and community engagement.

I'll be honest—37 cases still feels like too many. But when you break it down (and I spent way too much time doing this), a lot of these are domestic incidents rather than random street violence. That doesn't make them less serious, but it does change the risk profile for visitors or new residents.

Vehicle Crime and Public Order Offences

Vehicle crime, including theft and damage, is one of the more prevalent crimes in Ely, with 44 reported incidents in the last 12 months near Ely Road. Public order offences, such as disorderly conduct and anti-social behaviour, numbered 20 in the same period. These crimes often spike during community disturbances or large public events [Source: Tony's Locksmith].

Vehicle crime is definitely the thing that gets to me most about these stats. Maybe it's because I've had my car broken into before (though that was in a supposedly "safe" area), but 44 incidents feels significant for a relatively small area. Most of these seem to be opportunistic rather than organized, which is... well, not exactly comforting, but at least suggests basic security measures might actually help.

Comparison of Ely Crime Rates to Cardiff and National Averages

How Does Ely Compare to Other Cardiff Areas?

Compared to other Cardiff neighbourhoods, Ely's crime rate is moderate. Areas like Cathays and Riverside report higher crime volumes, particularly in violence and sexual offences. Ely's crime levels are generally below Cardiff's city centre and some other high-density areas, reflecting a safer environment in many respects [Source: Wales Online].

Actually, this comparison really changed my perspective when I first saw it. I used to think of Ely as one of the "problem areas" in Cardiff, but when you look at the actual numbers, it's doing better than places like Cathays, which has all those students and gets a completely different reputation. Goes to show how much perception matters versus reality.

National Crime Rate Context

When compared to national averages, Ely performs better in several crime categories. For example, violent crime and public order offences in Ely are significantly lower than the UK average, making it relatively safer than many urban areas across the country [Source: Streetscan].

This is where the data gets really interesting, actually. I mean, we're talking about a neighbourhood that's been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, but statistically it's performing better than loads of places you'd never think twice about visiting. Makes you wonder how many other areas are dealing with similar perception problems.

Police and Community Safety Initiatives in Ely

Role of the Ely Safer Neighbourhood Team

The Ely safer neighbourhood team plays a pivotal role in maintaining safety. Their efforts include regular patrols, community meetings, and crime prevention programs. Inspector Sarah Davies, a local policing expert, states, "Our focus is on building trust with residents and proactively addressing the root causes of crime" (South Wales Police, 2025).

I've actually been to one of their community meetings—purely out of curiosity, I should mention—and was genuinely impressed by how approachable the team was. Not what I expected from a police presentation, to be honest. They seemed to really get that building relationships was more important than just showing up after something's already happened.

Community Programs and Partnerships

Local organisations such as the Dusty Forge community centre provide youth engagement and skills training to reduce crime risk factors. These initiatives have been credited with lowering anti-social behaviour and fostering a sense of community pride. Community leader John Morgan notes, "Ely is more than its headlines; it's a neighbourhood working hard to improve every day."

The Dusty Forge is actually a really cool setup—I had no idea it existed until I started researching this properly. They're doing everything from job training to after-school programs. It's exactly the kind of thing that makes a real difference but never makes the news because, well, "local community centre helps kids learn skills" isn't exactly clickbait material.

Recent Police Actions and Crime Reduction

Following the 2023 riots, South Wales Police increased presence and introduced targeted crime prevention measures. These actions have contributed to a decline in public order offences and improved community relations [Source: BBC News].

Public Perceptions and Resident Testimonials

Resident Experiences

Many Ely residents acknowledge safety concerns but emphasize the community's resilience. Local resident Emma Hughes shares, "While crime exists, I feel safe walking around most days. The community looks out for each other."

Emma's comment really resonates with what I've heard from other people I've spoken to. There's this interesting balance where residents aren't naive about the challenges, but they're also not living in fear. It's quite different from the picture you'd get if you only read news headlines.

Addressing Stigma and Misconceptions

Ely's reputation has been affected by past events, but current data and community efforts paint a more positive picture. Experts caution against judging the area solely on crime headlines, encouraging prospective movers to consider the full context.

This is probably the most frustrating part of writing about Ely—trying to balance honesty about genuine issues with the reality that the area gets disproportionate negative coverage. I mean, when was the last time you saw a positive story about Ely in the mainstream media? Exactly.

Practical Safety Tips for Residents and Visitors

Whether you live in or are visiting Ely, here are actionable steps to enhance your safety:

  1. Stay informed: Regularly check Ely local crime news and updates from South Wales Police.
  2. Engage with community groups: Join local forums or attend meetings with the Ely safer neighbourhood team.
  3. Secure your property: Use quality locks and consider security systems to deter criminal damage and burglary.
  4. Be vigilant in public spaces: Avoid poorly lit or isolated areas, especially at night.
  5. Report suspicious activity: Contact local police promptly to help prevent crime escalation.

Okay, I know this sounds like basic common sense stuff, but point 3 about securing your property is really crucial given those vehicle crime numbers. I've learned the hard way that "it won't happen to me" thinking doesn't actually prevent car break-ins.

Areas to Avoid and Safety Considerations

While Ely is generally safer than some Cardiff areas, certain pockets may have higher crime levels, particularly during late hours or after specific incidents. It is advisable to:

  • Avoid isolated streets with limited lighting.
  • Be cautious around known hotspots for vehicle crime and public order offences.
  • Consult the Ely crime map for up-to-date information on local crime clusters.

These precautions align with general urban safety practices and help mitigate risks.

I feel a bit awkward being specific about areas to avoid, partly because I don't want to contribute to stigmatizing particular streets. But also because crime patterns can shift quite quickly—what's a hotspot this month might be completely fine next month.

FAQ: Your Questions About Ely Cardiff Safety Answered

Is Ely a safe place?

Ely has a moderate crime rate with ongoing improvements in community safety. While some crimes occur, the area is safer than many parts of Cardiff and continues to benefit from active policing and community programs.

What is the safest part of Cardiff?

Areas such as Lisvane and Radyr report the lowest crime rates in Cardiff, with fewer violent crimes and public order offences compared to more urban districts.

What is the safest place to live in Wales?

Safety varies widely, but rural and suburban areas like Monmouthshire and parts of Powys often have lower crime rates than urban centres.

Is Ely, Cardiff a town?

No, Ely is a suburb or district within the city of Cardiff, located on its western edge. It is a residential community with its own local identity but is administratively part of Cardiff.

Conclusion: Understanding Ely Cardiff Safety for Informed Decisions

In summary, Ely Cardiff safety reflects a neighbourhood with challenges typical of urban areas but also with strong community resilience and active policing. Crime rates in Ely are generally below Cardiff averages, especially in violent crime and public order offences. Community initiatives and the Ely safer neighbourhood team contribute significantly to improving safety and quality of life.

If you are considering moving to or visiting Ely, staying informed, engaging with local resources, and following practical safety tips will help you feel secure. Ely is more than its crime statistics — it is a community working towards a safer future.

Look, I started this research thinking I'd find confirmation that Ely was as rough as its reputation suggests. Instead, I found a community that's dealing with real challenges but also making genuine progress. That doesn't mean you should throw caution to the wind, but it does mean the full picture is more nuanced than the headlines would have you believe.

Take Action: For the latest crime updates and safety resources, visit the South Wales Police Ely page and connect with local community groups to stay proactive about your safety.

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