Neath Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Neath during November 2023 reveals a distinct pattern dominated by violent crimes, which accounted for 45.8% of all incidents, significantly outpacing property-related offences. Violence and sexual offences, at 2.4 per 1,000 residents, were 7% below the UK average, a figure that may reflect the area’s community-focused policing initiatives or demographic characteristics that mitigate certain forms of violent crime. Public order offences, however, emerged as a notable concern, with a rate of 0.7 per 1,000 residents—32% higher than the UK average—suggesting challenges in managing disruptions in public spaces. This contrast between violent and property crime rates highlights a combination of local dynamics, where the presence of retail hubs and community events may drive public order issues while simultaneously reducing opportunities for theft or burglary. Seasonal factors, such as the lead-up to Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping, likely influenced the crime profile, with increased foot traffic in certain areas contributing to both public order incidents and a temporary spike in retail-related offences. The overall crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents, 29.3% below the UK average, underscores Neath’s position as a relatively safer urban area, though targeted interventions may still be necessary to address the overrepresentation of public order crimes.

November 2023 saw a 300% increase in 'other crime' incidents, rising from 2 to 8 cases, a shift that may reflect underreported or evolving criminal activity patterns. Burglary cases also doubled from 4 to 8, while bicycle theft rose by 100% to 1 incident, potentially linked to seasonal changes in outdoor activity or increased visibility during darker evenings. Conversely, several categories showed marked declines: vehicle crime fell by 55.6% (from 9 to 4), and drug-related incidents dropped by two-thirds (from 6 to 2). These fluctuations highlight a dynamic crime profile where specific categories may respond differently to local conditions. Public order offences, however, remained 32% above the UK average, suggesting a persistent challenge in managing disruptive behaviour in communal spaces. For residents, the sharp rise in 'other crime' underscores the importance of remaining vigilant in areas where such incidents are concentrated.

Neath's overall crime rate in November 2023 (5.3 per 1,000 residents) represents a 22.0% decline from the previous month’s rate of 6.7 per 1,000. This reduction aligns with a broader trend observed in similar urban areas during late autumn, where seasonal factors such as shorter evenings and reduced foot traffic in retail zones may contribute to lower crime rates. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 8 crimes per day over the 30-day period, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. When scaled to the population of 47,434, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for roughly every 190 residents, a statistic that provides a tangible sense of the risk profile for individuals living or working in Neath. This rate remains below the UK average, reinforcing the area’s position as a relatively safer locality within the national context. The interplay of demographic factors, such as a stable community presence and effective local policing strategies, likely plays a role in sustaining this lower-than-average exposure to crime.