Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen Crime Rate

Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen presents a favourable safety profile with an overall crime rate of 64.3 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6. The area has earned a safety score of 83/100, placing it above the national average of 79. This positive outlook is further supported by a decreasing crime trend, with total incidents falling by 10.0% year-over-year. While the local data highlights specific areas of focus, the general context is one of a secure and stable community. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, seasonal trends, and practical safety advice for those living in or visiting this part of Neath Port Talbot.

Crime in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen is primarily driven by violence and sexual offences, which account for 46 incidents, representing 56.8% of all recorded crime. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (14.8%) and public order offences (12.3%). Together, these three categories constitute the vast majority of local police activity.

Property-related crime, which includes burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, remains relatively low in this area. With a property crime rate of 9.5 per 1,000 people, residents experience significantly fewer such incidents compared to the UK average of 32.2. Specifically, burglary is rare, with only one recorded incident during the period. Criminal damage and arson make up 9.9% of total crime, while 'other theft' accounts for 3.7%. For homeowners, this suggests that while the area is generally secure against traditional property threats, maintaining standard security remains a sensible precaution to deter opportunistic activity.

The crime trend in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen is currently on a downward trajectory, with a 10.0% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. This reduction indicates a positive shift in local safety. Monthly data from 2025 reveals a fluctuating but generally stable pattern. The year began with a rate of 5.6 in January, dropping to a low of 2.4 in February. Activity peaked in July at 8.7 per 1,000 people, which is often typical for summer months when increased outdoor activity can lead to more reported incidents. The latter half of the year saw rates settle between 4.0 and 7.2. For residents, this overall decline is encouraging, suggesting that the area is becoming increasingly secure. Consistency in these lower figures over time will be key to maintaining the area's high safety score and further reducing the impact of the most common crime types.

How To Keep Safe in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crime types in the area. While often occurring between known individuals, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially during the evening hours when public order incidents are more likely.

1. Stay Aware in Public Spaces: When walking alone at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas. Ensure someone knows your expected arrival time.
2. Community Vigilance: Join or support local Neighbourhood Watch schemes. Reporting suspicious behaviour early can help local authorities manage anti-social behaviour before it escalates.
3. Home Perimeter Lighting: Install motion-activated lighting around your property. Well-lit entrances and driveways are significant deterrents for various types of crime and increase your personal safety when arriving home.
4. Personal Safety Apps: Consider using a personal safety app on your smartphone that can alert trusted contacts of your location if you feel unsafe.
5. Secure Your Entrances: Even though burglary is rare, ensure all doors and windows are locked, particularly at night. High-quality locks are a simple but effective first line of defence.

In Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, crime patterns show a distinct shift throughout the day. Morning and afternoon periods are more likely to see theft-related offences, which account for 35% to 40% of activity during these hours. This likely coincides with periods when residents are away from home and local businesses are active. As the day progresses into the evening and night, the composition of crime changes significantly. Between 6pm and 6am, 'Other' crimes—which include anti-social behaviour and public order offences—dominate, making up over 88% of reported incidents. This suggests that while property-related risks are higher during daylight, social-related disturbances are more prevalent after dark. Total crime volume typically peaks on weekend evenings, following national trends for social and nightlife activity. Notably, the area recorded zero burglaries or vehicle crimes during the night-time period, indicating that residential property remains secure overnight.

When comparing Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen to its immediate neighbours, the area sits within a relatively safe cluster. Its crime rate of 64.3 per 1,000 is very similar to Cwmllynfell and Ystradowen (63.8) and Brynamman (62.7), suggesting a consistent safety profile across these adjacent settlements. It is notably safer than Glanaman, which recorded a higher rate of 83.8 per 1,000. However, it does not reach the exceptionally low levels of Garnant, which reported zero crimes per 1,000 people. For residents or prospective buyers, Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen offers a balanced environment that is statistically more secure than many urban areas in the UK and comparable to its rural Welsh counterparts.

With a property crime rate of 9.5 per 1,000, Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen residents enjoy a lower risk of theft and burglary than much of the country. However, the low frequency of these crimes can often lead to a false sense of security. Traditional security measures, like standard CCTV, are often reactive, providing footage only after a crime has been committed. In an area where property crime is less common, the most effective strategy is proactive prevention.

AI-powered systems like scOS change the dynamic by identifying threats at the property boundary. Instead of just recording a trespasser, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to recognise unusual patterns and can trigger autonomous responses, such as lighting or audio warnings, before an entry is attempted. This proactive approach is particularly effective in residential areas, as it destroys the element of surprise that opportunistic burglars rely on. Investing in professional-grade, intelligent protection ensures that your home remains a deterrent, maintaining the area's high safety standards.