Neath Port Talbot Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

The most unexpected shift in January 2026 was the 107.7% increase in 'Other crime', a category that encompasses a wide range of non-specific offences, which rose from 13 to 27 incidents. This surge, while not directly tied to a single crime type, may reflect broader social or environmental factors influencing local behaviour. The overall crime rate for Neath Port Talbot stood at 6.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 7.6% below the UK average of 6.6 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 47.6% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 2.9 per 1,000, significantly above the UK average of 2.4 per 1,000. This suggests a particular challenge in managing violent crime, which may be influenced by local demographics or socio-economic conditions. Public order offences also featured prominently, contributing 11.6% of all crimes and exceeding the UK average by 71%. This could be linked to the area's character as a post-industrial town with a mix of urban and semi-rural settings, where community dynamics and local events might influence public order incidents. The seasonal context of January, with its post-holiday period and reduced retail footfall, likely contributed to lower rates of shoplifting and vehicle crime, which were both significantly below UK averages. However, the unexpected rise in 'Other crime' may indicate a need for further exploration into the specific nature of these offences and their underlying causes.

The most striking change in January 2026 was the 107.7% increase in 'Other crime', which rose from 13 to 27 incidents. This category, which includes a range of non-specific offences, saw a significant jump that may partly explain the overall crime rate dynamics. In contrast, burglary rates dropped by 56.5%, from 23 to 10 cases, a reduction that could be linked to seasonal factors such as reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours. Public order offences also decreased by 6.5%, from 107 to 100, though they remained 71% above the UK average. This highlights a combination of local conditions and national trends. Meanwhile, 'Other crime' being 25% above the UK average indicates a specific local challenge that warrants attention.

Neath Port Talbot's crime rate in January 2026 remained stable at 6.1 per 1,000 residents, a 1.9% increase from December's 5.9 per 1,000. This suggests a consistent pattern of crime activity across the two months. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 28 crimes per day, reflecting the local rhythm of reported incidents. Over the course of January, one crime was reported for every 165 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for the population of 143,249. This rate is lower than the UK average, which underscores the area's relatively safer profile compared to the national context. The stability in the crime rate, coupled with the specific breakdown of incidents, provides a nuanced view of local crime dynamics, particularly in relation to property and violent crime trends.