Autocrime – Gabalfa Ward

Issued 12 December 2025

Action taken is updated every three months.

Actioned 12 December 2025

Vehicle crime

Issued 17 September 2025

Autocrime continues to be a key priority in the Gabalfa Ward, and we are taking a proactive approach to tackling those responsible. Operation Salvage, which targets both autocrime and related acquisitive offences, has been particularly successful, with four individuals arrested this week alone for either committing autocrime or being caught in the process of attempting related offences. Alongside enforcement, the team has been engaging directly with residents, delivering crime-prevention letters and offering practical advice to reduce vulnerability. Recent offences have shown a clear pattern of offenders targeting insecure vehicles, and our prevention work aims to help residents take simple steps to protect their property. We will continue both targeted patrols and community engagement to reduce offending and increase confidence across the ward.

Actioned 12 December 2025

Shoplifting & Retail crime

Issued 17 September 2025

Shoplifting and retail crime remain persistent issues within the Gabalfa Ward, and the Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to prioritise proactive patrols and partnership work with local businesses. During November, officers across the Roath and Cathays sector made 42 arrests, several of which were linked to acquisitive crime offenders impacting Gabalfa. These arrests have helped disrupt repeat offenders, but we recognise that retail crime remains a continuous challenge. PCSOs and officers are working closely with store managers and security teams to improve reporting, share intelligence, and identify prolific individuals at an early stage. This approach ensures we can respond quickly, target the right offenders, and support retailers in creating a safer and more secure shopping environment for the community.

Actioned 12 December 2025

Anti-social Behaviour - Cathays High School

Issued 17 September 2025

Following the issues previously encountered around Cathays High School, local PCSOs have significantly increased their visibility and engagement in the area. They are maintaining regular contact with school staff and pupils, helping to address concerns promptly and build positive relationships. While some low-level ASB continues at school finishing times, this is being closely monitored, and the dedicated Schools Officer remains embedded within the school to support ongoing education and intervention. We will continue this engagement-focused approach to reduce disruption and promote a safer environment for pupils and the wider community.

Actioned 12 December 2025

Youth engagement and prevention

Issued 17 June 2025

The Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to prioritise proactive youth engagement across Gabalfa to prevent offending and divert young people from criminal activity. As part of the Summer Town Centre initiatives, officers have supported deployments of Cardiff Youth Services to provide structured activities and positive engagement opportunities. Police Youth Volunteers have also delivered sessions at the Scout Hall, complementing ongoing engagement at local youth clubs. In addition, the team works closely with Grass Roots Cardiff to provide provision, mentoring, and diversionary opportunities, aiming to reduce risk-taking behaviour and build stronger relationships between young people and the community.

Actioned 17 September 2025

Vehicle Crime

Issued 17 June 2025

Data indicates a steady rise in autocrime within Gabalfa. The Neighbourhood Policing Team is actively targeting known individuals recently released from custody, conducting intelligence-led operations to disrupt offending patterns. Plain clothes deployments have been used to patrol hotspot areas, with a focus on intercepting offenders and gathering evidence to support enforcement action. The approach combines proactive policing, engagement with local residents, and partnership working to reduce vehicle-related crime and reassure the community.

Actioned 17 September 2025

Cycle Theft

Issued 17 June 2025

The Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to address pedal cycle theft within Gabalfa, focusing on hotspots identified through recent intelligence and Safer Streets data. Targeted patrols and high-visibility engagement have been conducted around key locations such as Cardiff university Campus albeit there is a Cops Off Campus policy, the team have patrolled residential areas. Officers are actively engaging with the community to promote crime prevention measures, holding bike marking Events which include secure locking, registration with BikeRegister, and reporting suspicious behaviour. Investigations into recent thefts are ongoing, with offenders being identified where possible and appropriate enforcement action taken. The aim is to reduce theft incidents, increase community confidence, and protect vulnerable cyclists.

Actioned 17 September 2025