Neath Crime Rate

About Neath

Neath, a built-up area within Neath Port Talbot, presents a favourable crime profile with an overall crime rate of 72.1 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively safe environment for its 47,434 residents. The area boasts a strong safety score of 83 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 78/100. Property crime rates in Neath are also considerably lower than the national average, standing at 14.2 per 1,000 people compared to the UK's 33.2 per 1,000. Over the past year, the crime trend in Neath has remained stable, showing a 4.0% decrease year-over-year, which contributes to a reassuring picture of local safety.

Crime Breakdown in Neath

In Neath, the most prevalent crime type is Violence and sexual offences, accounting for 41.5% of all reported crimes with 1,419 incidents, at a rate of 29.9 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common, with 658 incidents, making up 19.2% of the total and a rate of 13.9 per 1,000. Public order offences rank third, with 406 crimes, representing 11.9% of the total and a rate of 8.6 per 1,000 people.

Property-related crime in Neath stands at a rate of 14.2 per 1,000 people, which is substantially lower than the UK average. This category includes burglary (1.2 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (4.9 per 1,000), vehicle crime (1.6 per 1,000), other theft (3.2 per 1,000), and shoplifting (2.7 per 1,000). Theft from the person (0.3 per 1,000), robbery (0.2 per 1,000), and bicycle theft (0.1 per 1,000) are less frequent. These figures suggest that while property crime exists, residents benefit from a lower risk compared to many other areas. Homeowners are advised to remain vigilant and consider appropriate security measures to safeguard their possessions.

Crime Trends in Neath

Neath has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with a noticeable decrease of 4.0% year-over-year. This downward trend is positive for the area, indicating an improvement in overall safety. Looking at the monthly crime rates, there was a steady decline towards the end of 2024, reaching 5.0 per 1,000 in December. However, early 2025 saw a gradual increase, with rates rising from 5.1 in January to a peak of 7.0 in June. Following this, the crime rate per 1,000 residents decreased again to 5.6 in September 2025. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime, but the overarching annual trend points to a more secure environment. For residents, this stable and decreasing trend provides reassurance that efforts to maintain safety in Neath are yielding positive results.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Neath

Crime patterns in Neath reveal distinct trends throughout the 24-hour cycle. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are prominent, accounting for 46% of crimes, likely due to increased commercial activity and people commuting. Vehicle crime also sees a notable presence at 12%. The afternoon period (12pm-6pm) continues to be dominated by theft, reaching 51%, often coinciding with peak shopping hours and increased public presence. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), theft decreases to 20%, while 'other' crime types, potentially including public order and anti-social behaviour, become the majority at 56%. This shift aligns with increased socialising and nighttime activities. During the night (12am-6am), there is a significant rise in vehicle crime at 32% and burglary at 15%, as properties are often unattended and streets are quieter, providing opportunities for such offences. Understanding these patterns allows residents to tailor their security measures to specific times of day.

Crime in Nearby Areas

Neath's crime statistics can be further understood by comparing them to nearby built-up areas within the Neath Port Talbot local authority. Neath, with its overall crime rate of 72.1 per 1,000 and safety score of 83/100, generally fares well. Nearby Tonna also exhibits a very low crime rate and a high safety score (33.6 per 1,000, 91/100), suggesting a consistently safe local environment. Cilfrew, another close area, would likely show similar characteristics. Baglan, while also within the same local authority, has an overall crime rate of 73.9 per 1,000 and a safety score of 82/100, which is comparable to Neath. Llandarcy, often a more residential or business park focused area, would also provide a useful point of comparison, typically reflecting different crime profiles. These comparisons offer residents a clearer understanding of Neath's relative safety within its immediate geographical context.

Protecting Your Home in Neath

With Neath's property crime rate at 14.2 per 1,000, which is significantly below the UK average, residents benefit from a relatively secure environment. However, proactive security remains paramount. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide footage of an incident after it has occurred, offering a reactive record rather than genuine prevention. For those seeking to truly prevent crime, an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers a robust alternative. This system proactively detects threats at your property boundary, stopping them before they escalate. With multi-camera intelligence, scOS watches all angles simultaneously, ensuring comprehensive coverage, and its ability to verify DVLA vehicle plates can instantly flag suspicious activity. By learning your family's routines, it intelligently differentiates real threats from everyday events, engaging speakers and activating lights to deter intruders within their crucial 60-second decision window. This professional-grade approach moves beyond mere monitoring, offering a powerful deterrent that makes potential burglars move on to easier targets.