Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen Crime Rate

Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen’s crime profile reveals a sharp increase in criminal damage and arson (+33% YoY), despite an overall 10% decline in crime. While property crime remains 72.7% below the UK average, public order incidents are 26% above the national benchmark. This contrast highlights the area’s stable community dynamics but underscores the need for targeted interventions to address rising vandalism.

Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen is a built-up area within Neath Port Talbot, blending residential, commercial, and industrial land uses. Its proximity to major commuter routes and industrial zones may contribute to property crime vulnerabilities during daytime hours. However, the area’s overall low crime rate and stable community dynamics suggest effective local policing and community engagement. The presence of commercial spaces could explain elevated public order incidents, while the relatively low burglary rates reflect strong home security practices.

The most notable anomaly in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen’s crime profile is the 26% elevation in public order crimes compared to the UK average (7.9 vs 6.3 per 1,000). This may stem from the area’s mix of residential and commercial spaces, where public gatherings or events could contribute to such incidents. Violence and sexual offences, though 16% above the UK average, have risen by 11.9% YoY—reflecting seasonal factors or increased social interactions during peak hours. The sharp 33% YoY increase in criminal damage and arson, despite remaining below the UK average, may indicate isolated incidents or targeted vandalism in less-monitored areas. Conversely, property crime rates are 72.7% below the UK average, likely due to effective community policing or deterrent measures, though the low rates of burglary and theft suggest a low-risk environment for residents.

Crime in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen has decreased by 10.0% YoY, with notable declines in anti-social behaviour (-40.0%) and Other crime (-50.0%). However, criminal damage and arson have surged by 33.3% YoY, suggesting targeted vandalism or isolated incidents. The overall trend reflects effective community policing but highlights the need to address rising property damage. Violence and sexual offences have increased by 11.9% YoY, possibly due to seasonal factors or heightened social interactions during peak hours.

How To Keep Safe in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen

Residents should focus on securing homes during daytime hours, when burglary rates peak (19% of incidents occur between 12pm–6pm). For public order issues, report suspicious activity promptly to local authorities. Given the 33% YoY rise in criminal damage, avoid leaving valuables unattended in less-monitored areas. Community engagement, such as participating in local Neighbourhood Watch schemes, can further strengthen safety.

Crime in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen follows distinct temporal patterns. Evening and night hours (18:00–06:00) see a surge in Other crime, peaking between 21:00 and 02:00—likely tied to unregulated public spaces or alcohol-related incidents. The absence of vehicle crime during these periods may reflect low traffic density or effective street lighting. Morning and afternoon hours (06:00–18:00) show higher rates of burglary and theft, possibly linked to daytime vulnerabilities such as unsecured properties or retail theft during peak shopping times. This pattern aligns with the area’s commercial activity and commuter traffic, which may create opportunities for opportunistic crimes.

Compared to nearby areas, Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen’s crime rate (64.3 per 1,000) is 1% lower than Brynamman (64.9) and 29% lower than Glanaman (83.3). Cwmllynfell and Ystradowen (66.5 per 1,000) have a 3% higher rate, likely due to differences in socioeconomic factors or policing strategies.

For Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen households, scOS’s proactive boundary detection and DVLA vehicle verification can address rising public order concerns. Its AI evaluates threats at property perimeters in real time, triggering lights and speakers to deter intruders. With public order crimes 26% above the UK average, scOS’s autonomous deterrence features—such as automated lighting—can help reduce incidents linked to unregulated public spaces.