Neath Port Talbot Crime Rate

About Neath Port Talbot

Neath Port Talbot presents a detailed picture of crime statistics, with an overall crime rate of 83.0 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000, suggesting a comparatively safer environment. The area's safety score stands at 80 out of 100, which is higher than the UK average of 78/100, further reinforcing its position as a safer locality. Property crime rates in Neath Port Talbot are also significantly lower at 19.2 per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. Over the past year, the crime trend in Neath Port Talbot has remained stable, with a marginal decrease of 0.3%, providing a consistent context for these figures.

What Influences Crime in Neath Port Talbot

Neath Port Talbot is a diverse local authority district in South Wales, characterised by a mix of urban centres like Neath and Port Talbot, suburban areas, and significant stretches of rural landscape. Its industrial heritage, particularly in Port Talbot with its steelworks, has shaped its economic and social fabric. The population of 143,249 residents experiences varied dynamics across these different settings. Major transport links, including the M4 motorway, run through the area, potentially influencing crime patterns by facilitating movement. While there are commercial centres and some nightlife, especially in the larger towns, the overall character often leans towards residential and industrial. Economic factors, including employment opportunities and local deprivation levels, can play a role in shaping crime statistics, contributing to the observed rates in different parts of the district.

Crime Breakdown in Neath Port Talbot

An analysis of crime types in Neath Port Talbot reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 42.9% of all crimes with 5,098 incidents, equating to 35.6 per 1,000 people. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most prevalent, with 1,905 incidents (16.0% of the total), at a rate of 13.3 per 1,000. Public order offences rank third, with 1,349 crimes, representing 11.3% of the total and a rate of 9.4 per 1,000 residents.

Focusing on property-related crime, which is crucial for residents and homeowners, Neath Port Talbot experiences a rate of 19.2 per 1,000 people, considerably lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses crimes such as burglary (1.7 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (6.2 per 1,000), vehicle crime (2.4 per 1,000), other theft (4.1 per 1,000), shoplifting (4.1 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.3 per 1,000), theft from the person (0.3 per 1,000), and robbery (0.1 per 1,000). While these figures are lower than national averages, they still highlight areas where residents might consider proactive security measures. Understanding these patterns allows individuals to better protect their properties and maintain a sense of security within the community.

Crime Trends in Neath Port Talbot

The crime trends in Neath Port Talbot show a stable pattern over the last year, with a minimal decrease of 0.3% year-over-year. This indicates that the overall crime situation has remained largely consistent. Examining the monthly trend data reveals some fluctuations. For instance, the crime rate per 1,000 residents saw a slight dip towards the end of 2024, reaching 6.0 in December, before gradually increasing in early 2025, peaking at 8.0 in June 2025. Following this, there was a reduction in July and August, with a further decrease to 6.2 in September 2025. These monthly variations suggest seasonal or localised factors at play, but the overall annual picture remains one of stability. For residents, a stable trend means that the general level of risk has not significantly altered, allowing for informed decisions regarding personal and property safety based on current conditions rather than rapidly changing threats.

Crime in Nearby Areas

When comparing Neath Port Talbot with its neighbouring local authority districts, a broader regional context emerges. Neath Port Talbot's overall crime rate of 83.0 per 1,000 and safety score of 80/100 position it favourably against many. Bridgend and Swansea, for instance, are larger population centres and typically present different crime landscapes. Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil, while also in South Wales, may exhibit their own unique challenges and crime patterns influenced by their specific demographics and economic conditions. The Vale of Glamorgan is often perceived as a more affluent and rural area, which can translate to lower crime rates, particularly for property crime. Similarly, Caerphilly, with its blend of urban and rural settings, will have its own distinct crime profile. Understanding these comparisons helps residents and prospective movers appreciate Neath Port Talbot's relative safety within the wider South Wales region.

Protecting Your Home in Neath Port Talbot

Given Neath Port Talbot's property crime rate of 19.2 per 1,000, which is lower than the UK average, residents still have good reason to consider robust home security. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV, often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred, acting reactively rather than preventatively. If you are seeking real protection, a proactive approach is crucial. AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS are designed to prevent crime before it happens by detecting threats at your property boundary. This multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, ensuring nothing is missed, and even verifies vehicle registrations to catch fake plates instantly. By learning your routines, scOS only alerts on genuine threats, avoiding false alarms. Such systems offer an autonomous response, activating lights and engaging speakers to destroy the element of surprise, often causing potential intruders to move on within the critical 60-second decision window. This professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, moving beyond simply recording crime to actively stopping it at your property line.