Cwmavon Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cwmavon's crime profile in May 2024 reveals a combination of stability and fluctuation, with an overall crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents — 27.4% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This position reflects the area's consistent underperformance relative to national benchmarks, though local factors likely contribute to this divergence. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 29% of all incidents, with nine cases reported — a figure that remains 37% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, at 22.6% of total crimes, and public order offences, while less frequent, stood out as 27% above the UK average. Seasonal dynamics appear to influence these patterns, particularly with the surge in shoplifting linked to May's longer evenings and increased retail activity. The built-up area's proximity to Neath Port Talbot's industrial zones may also shape crime trends, though the low overall rate suggests effective local policing or community engagement. Possession of weapons — a rare category in the UK — saw a 150% increase in Cwmavon, though the single incident reported in May is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions. These figures highlight the area's unique position within the UK crime profile, where stability coexists with occasional spikes in specific offence types.

The most dramatic month-on-month change occurred in shoplifting, which surged by 200% from one to three incidents — a jump that likely reflects seasonal factors such as longer evenings and increased foot traffic in retail areas. Violence and sexual offences, the most common category in April, fell by 50% to nine incidents, though this remains 37% below the UK average. Public order offences, at 0.8 per 1,000, were 27% above the UK average, suggesting a potential link to May's bank holidays and extended socialising hours. Possession of weapons rose by 100% to one incident, a category where Cwmavon's rate is 150% above the UK average, though the small sample size limits interpretation. These shifts highlight the volatile nature of crime trends, with retail-focused offences and public order issues standing out as areas requiring further attention.

Cwmavon's crime rate in May 2024 rose 3.4% from 5.9 to 6.1 per 1,000 residents, reflecting a slight upward trend. While this increase appears modest, it contrasts with the area's consistent position well below the UK average. Locally, this translates to roughly one reported crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while low, remains visible to residents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 164 residents — a statistic that contextualises the scale of incidents within the built-up area's population of 5,094. This monthly exposure is lower than the UK average, which typically sees higher rates in similar-sized urban areas. The shift in crime mix, particularly the rise in shoplifting and public order offences, may reflect seasonal patterns linked to longer evenings and increased outdoor activity from this data alone. The contrast between Cwmavon's crime profile and the UK average underscores the area's unique character, likely influenced by its proximity to Neath Port Talbot's industrial zones and the local community's engagement with policing initiatives.