Dyffryn Cellwen Crime Rate

Dyffryn Cellwen presents an overall crime rate of 90.0 per 1,000 people, placing it very close to the UK average of 91.7. The area maintains a safety score of 78/100, which is just one point below the national average of 79. Recent data indicates that crime is on the rise, with a 25.0% year-over-year increase in total offences. This trend suggests that while Dyffryn Cellwen remains a relatively safe Welsh settlement, there is a growing need for awareness and proactive security measures. Property crime, specifically criminal damage, is a notable component of the local statistics, though burglary rates remain exceptionally low. This report provides a detailed breakdown of the crime types, trends, and safety insights for the Dyffryn Cellwen community.

Crime Breakdown in Dyffryn Cellwen

The crime landscape in Dyffryn Cellwen is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 44.8% of all reported crimes with 47 incidents. This is followed by criminal damage and arson, which is notably high for a settlement of this size, accounting for 22.9% of total crime (24 incidents). Anti-social behaviour and public order offences each represent 10.5% of the local total, with 11 incidents each.

Property crime in Dyffryn Cellwen, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, carries a rate of 25.7 per 1,000 people. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.3, the high incidence of criminal damage suggests that property-focused offences are a significant component of local statistics. Other theft (4 incidents), vehicle crime (1 incident), and burglary (1 incident) make up the remainder of property-related offences. For homeowners, the data indicates that while traditional break-ins are rare, the risk of vandalism or damage to property is more prevalent. This suggests that residents should focus their security efforts on protecting the exterior of their homes and vehicles against opportunistic damage as much as against entry.

Dyffryn Cellwen has experienced a notable increase in crime over the past year, with total offences rising by 25.0%. This upward trend is reflected in the monthly data, which shows several significant spikes. The most prominent peak occurred in June 2025, where the crime rate reached 18.0 per 1,000 people—double the monthly average. Other high-activity months included April (10.3) and September (9.4).

However, more recent data suggests a potential cooling off, with the rate dropping to 6.0 in October 2025 and significantly to just 0.9 in November 2025. While the year-over-year increase is a cause for concern, these lower figures at the end of the period may indicate that the trend is beginning to stabilise or reverse. Residents should remain aware that despite the overall annual increase, the area still maintains a safety score of 78/100, indicating that it remains a relatively secure community despite the recent fluctuations.

How To Keep Safe in Dyffryn Cellwen

The highest crime category in Dyffryn Cellwen is violence and sexual offences, followed closely by a significant rate of criminal damage. Personal safety and property protection are both important considerations for the local community.

To stay safe, residents should be mindful of their surroundings when walking in the area, particularly during the evening hours when "Other" crimes are most frequent. Sticking to well-lit paths and avoiding isolated areas can significantly reduce personal risk. It is also wise to let someone know your plans if you are out alone at night.

Regarding the high rate of criminal damage, ensure that the exterior of your home is well-maintained and adequately lit. Motion-activated lighting is an excellent deterrent for opportunistic vandalism. Keep vehicles in a garage if possible, or parked in a well-lit, visible area. Reporting any suspicious activity or minor acts of vandalism to the police via the 101 service helps law enforcement build a better picture of local issues and can prevent more serious incidents from occurring.

The timing of criminal activity in Dyffryn Cellwen shows a clear shift in crime types throughout the day. During the morning and afternoon, theft is more prominent, accounting for 23% and 27% of offences respectively. This suggests that opportunistic property crime is more likely to occur during daylight hours when there is more movement in the area. In contrast, the evening (6pm - 12am) and night (12am - 6am) periods are heavily dominated by "Other" crimes, which include public order, anti-social behaviour, and criminal damage, making up 87% and 82% of incidents in those windows. Vehicle crime also reaches its peak during the night hours (8%). Burglary risk remains consistent but low across the day, peaking slightly at 5% in the afternoon and night. These patterns indicate that while daytime requires vigilance against theft, the evening and night hours are when social-related offences and damage to property or vehicles are most likely to occur.

In the local context of Neath Port Talbot, Dyffryn Cellwen has a crime rate of 90.0 per 1,000, which is higher than several of its neighbours. It is significantly more active than the nearby settlements of Onllwyn and Coelbren, both of which reported 0.0 crimes. It also has a higher rate than Glyn-neath (76.7). However, Dyffryn Cellwen remains slightly safer than Seven Sisters, where the crime rate is 92.1. These comparisons suggest that while Dyffryn Cellwen is not a high-crime area by national standards, it is one of the more active settlements in its immediate rural and semi-rural vicinity, making local security a relevant consideration for residents.

With a property crime rate of 25.7 per 1,000 and a notable 22.9% of all crimes being criminal damage and arson, home security in Dyffryn Cellwen should focus on deterrence. Traditional security cameras are often reactive; they provide you with a video of an incident after it has occurred. In an area where vandalism and property damage are more common than break-ins, stopping the act before it starts is crucial.

Proactive protection systems like scOS change the dynamic of home security. Using AI to monitor your property's boundaries, scOS can detect suspicious activity and respond autonomously. By activating lights or audible alerts the moment someone enters your property, the system removes the anonymity that offenders rely on. This is particularly effective against criminal damage, where the "element of surprise" can cause an opportunistic offender to move on. For Dyffryn Cellwen residents, moving beyond simple recording to active AI-driven prevention is the most effective way to safeguard their homes and vehicles against the local crime trends.