Neath Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Neath’s crime profile in February 2026 reveals a clear dominance of violent crime over property crime, a pattern that may reflect the area’s social and economic characteristics. With a crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents — 10.9% below the UK average — the area performs comparatively well in some categories but faces specific challenges in others. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 43.7% of all reported crimes, significantly higher than the UK average for this category. This stark contrast with property crimes, which made up only 27.4% of incidents, underscores a local imbalance that could be influenced by factors such as population demographics or the presence of high-traffic areas that foster interpersonal conflict. Seasonal context also plays a role: February’s low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may have contributed to a concentration of violent incidents indoors, particularly in social hubs or residential zones. Meanwhile, shoplifting and public order offences rose above UK averages, suggesting that retail environments and public spaces remain vulnerable to targeted criminal activity. These findings align with Neath’s status as a built-up area within Neath Port Talbot, where urban density and industrial heritage may intersect to create unique crime dynamics. The lower-than-average rates for burglary and vehicle crime, meanwhile, could be attributed to effective policing in these sectors or the area’s geographical layout, which may limit opportunities for such crimes. As February transitions into spring, the persistent focus on violent crime may warrant further attention from local authorities, particularly in addressing the root causes of interpersonal conflict and ensuring that community support systems are robust enough to mitigate escalation.

February 2026 saw a dramatic 240% increase in shoplifting, rising from 10 to 34 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in both robbery and burglary, highlights a significant shift in property crime trends. Violent crimes, however, remain a persistent concern, with violence and sexual offences comprising 43.7% of all incidents — 8% above the UK average. This imbalance suggests that violent crime continues to outpace property crime in Neath, a pattern that may be influenced by local factors such as population density or seasonal dynamics. Anti-social behaviour fell 34% below the UK average, potentially indicating effective community policing or reduced incidents during the winter lull. Residents might find the 240% spike in shoplifting particularly noteworthy, as it could signal increased retail theft during the pre-spring period, linked to fluctuating consumer behaviour or targeted criminal activity.

Neath’s crime rate remained stable at 5.7 per 1,000 residents in February 2026, matching the previous month’s figure. This consistency suggests no significant short-term shifts in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, 10 crimes were reported across 28 days, a figure that reflects the area’s routine patterns of activity and policing. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 176 residents, a monthly aggregate that contextualises the scale of exposure for local households. This rate is lower than the UK average, which stands at 6.4 per 1,000, but the distribution of crime types reveals distinct local dynamics. For instance, violent crimes in Neath exceed the UK average by 8%, while anti-social behaviour is 34% below the national benchmark. These discrepancies may reflect Neath’s unique social fabric, such as its proximity to industrial zones or the presence of community initiatives that mitigate certain types of disorder.