Neath Port Talbot Crime Rate

Neath Port Talbot Crime Overview

Neath Port Talbot presents a positive safety profile with an overall crime rate of 83.6 per 1,000 residents, which sits comfortably below the UK national average of 91.6. This performance is reflected in its safety score of 80/100. The area's crime trend is currently stable, showing a minor 2.0% increase over the last year, suggesting that safety levels are consistent. While certain categories like violence and sexual offences are more prevalent, property-related crimes remain significantly lower than the national average. This data indicates that Neath Port Talbot is a relatively secure environment for its population of over 143,000 people.

About Neath Port Talbot

Neath Port Talbot is a diverse local authority area in South Wales, characterized by a mix of industrial heritage, urban centres, and stunning natural landscapes. The region's crime statistics are influenced by its unique demographic and economic profile. The area includes major industrial hubs, such as the Port Talbot Steelworks, alongside busy commercial centres in Neath and Port Talbot town. These urban areas naturally experience higher footfall and more transient populations, which can contribute to higher rates of public order and anti-social behaviour incidents.

The district's transport links, including the M4 corridor and major rail lines, facilitate significant movement of people, which can impact crime patterns. Economic factors also play a role; while parts of the district are thriving, other areas face socio-economic challenges that can correlate with specific crime types like substance-related offences. However, much of Neath Port Talbot remains deeply residential and community-focused, with many valleys and coastal villages maintaining very low crime profiles. Understanding these geographical and economic variations is key to interpreting the overall safety score of 80/100.

Crime in Neath Port Talbot

In Neath Port Talbot, the crime landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 43.9% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.7% and public order offences at 11.7%. Together, these categories suggest that a significant portion of local police activity is focused on interpersonal issues and public conduct.

Property crime in the area is notably lower than the national average, with a rate of 19.2 per 1,000 residents compared to the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, criminal damage and arson (7.5%) and 'other theft' (4.9%) are the most frequent. Burglary is relatively rare, making up only 2.1% of total crimes with a rate of 1.8 per 1,000 people. For homeowners, this means that while the risk of a break-in is statistically low, the higher rates of criminal damage suggest that visible exterior security and property maintenance are important for maintaining a secure and deterring environment.

Crime Trends in Neath Port Talbot

The crime trend in Neath Port Talbot is currently stable, with a modest 2.0% increase in total offences recorded year-over-year. This indicates that the area is not seeing a significant surge in criminal activity, maintaining a consistent safety environment for its residents.

Monthly data from 2025 shows a peak in crime during the summer months, specifically June, which reached a rate of 8.0 per 1,000 residents. This was followed by a gradual decline towards the end of the year, with December recording the lowest rate at 5.9. This pattern of higher activity in the summer followed by a winter lull is common across the UK and often relates to longer daylight hours and increased public interaction. The stability of these figures over the 12-month period suggests that local law enforcement and community safety measures are effectively managing the area's security needs.

Local Context and Regional Comparison

When looking at the regional landscape of South Wales, Neath Port Talbot is surrounded by several local authorities. In this specific reporting period, nearby areas such as Bridgend, Swansea, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Vale of Glamorgan, and Caerphilly have reported exceptionally low crime figures. While Neath Port Talbot’s rate of 83.6 per 1,000 is higher than these neighbours in this dataset, it is important to note that it still remains safer than the UK average. The variation in these figures often reflects the different urban densities and industrial activities present across the South Wales valleys and coastal regions.

Proactive Security for Neath Port Talbot

With a property crime rate of 19.2 per 1,000 people, Neath Port Talbot residents benefit from a lower risk of theft and burglary than much of the UK. However, the prevalence of criminal damage and arson (7.5% of total crime) suggests that protecting the exterior of your property is a vital consideration. Traditional security cameras often act as reactive tools, providing footage only after damage or theft has occurred.

For those seeking a higher level of protection, scOS offers an AI-powered home security operating system designed to prevent crime. Instead of just recording, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor property boundaries and detect threats in real-time. The system can distinguish between a neighbour and a potential intruder, triggering autonomous responses like lighting or audio alerts to deter criminals before they act. In an area where property crime is low but present, adopting a proactive system ensures that your home remains a hardened target, discouraging opportunistic offenders and providing genuine peace of mind.

How To Keep Safe in Neath Port Talbot

Given that violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime types in the local authority, focusing on personal safety in both public and private spaces is recommended. Many of these incidents are linked to specific social contexts, but general awareness is always beneficial.

When out in urban centres like Neath or Port Talbot town, especially during the evening, remain aware of your surroundings and try to stay in well-lit areas. If you are using public transport or walking home, planning your route in advance can significantly reduce vulnerability.

Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue. Engaging with community safety partnerships and reporting persistent ASB in your neighbourhood can help local authorities allocate resources more effectively. For homeowners, maintaining the appearance of your property can deter low-level criminal damage; well-kept homes with visible security often discourage opportunistic anti-social behaviour.

Finally, while burglary rates are low, always ensure that windows and doors are locked when the property is unoccupied. Most property crimes in the region are opportunistic, and simple preventative measures are often the most effective.