In a meeting with Penarth Town Council, Inspector Sohail Anwar of South Wales Police last night presented the town's latest crime statistics.

September saw an increase in reported crimes, rising to 95 incidents from 69 in August.

The largest increase was in the combined St Augustine's and Plymouth wards, where a total of 60 crimes were reported (up from 43 in August).

The statistics show a notable spike in reports of criminal damage, with 10 incidents being reported in St Augustine's and Plymouth alone.

Inspector Anwar commented that they are mostly "domestic-related".

"One relates to damage to a vehicle, one to a case of arson at Headlands School, and another to a vehicle being damaged while we were arresting a person.

"There is no real pattern and nothing to suggest we have a criminal damage issue in the particular ward."

Responding to Cllr Ian Buckley's concern about the report of rape in the St Augustine's and Plymouth wards, Inspector Anwar commented:

"As far as I am aware there have been no reports of stranger rapes. Most rape cases involve people who know each other."

When asked for information regarding COVID regulation non-compliance, Inspector Anwar said he had no access to specific data but that there have been "very few" of such incidents in the Penarth area.

Inspector Anwar also commended residents for their conduct on Halloween and Bonfire Night.

"Both nights went without note really. We had loads of officers working and it went really well. We had none of the issues we usually have around this busy period."

This contradicts a South Wales Police statement given to Nub News last week which reported that officers were "abused" when they attempted to disperse "roughly 100" people who were setting off fireworks on Plassey Square.

In September, 60 were reported in St Augustine and Plymouth.

16 crimes were reported in Stanwell (up from 11 in August).

19 were reported in Cornerswell (up from 15).