Neath Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Neath's crime profile, contributing 45% of all reported crimes in January 2026. This category, at 2.6 per 1,000 residents, sits 4% above the UK average for the same category, highlighting a persistent challenge in the area. The overall crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents places Neath 16.2% below the UK average of 6.8, a consistent trend reflective of the area's socio-economic dynamics. While property crimes account for 19% of total incidents, the prominence of violent crime underscores the need for targeted interventions. Seasonal factors likely play a role, as January’s shorter days and post-holiday lull in retail activity may reduce opportunities for shoplifting but could exacerbate interpersonal tensions. Public order offences, at 12.6% of total crimes, remain higher than the UK average, suggesting challenges in managing community spaces during colder months. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than the UK average, still accounts for 12.6% of incidents, indicating a need for ongoing community engagement strategies. The relatively low rates of burglary and vehicle crime—64% and 73% below UK averages respectively—may reflect Neath's urban layout and increased policing presence in high-risk areas. These patterns align with Neath’s character as a built-up area within Neath Port Talbot, where industrial heritage and community density shape crime trends differently than more rural or coastal regions.

January 2026 saw an 11.6% decrease in violence and sexual offences, from 138 to 122 incidents, marking a notable shift in the area's most prevalent crime category. This decline may be linked to seasonal factors, as shorter daylight hours and reduced social activity during the post-holiday period could contribute to lower opportunities for such crimes. Conversely, Other crime surged by 140%, with incidents rising from 5 to 12, a stark increase that warrants scrutiny. This category, which includes unclassified incidents, is 87% above the UK average, suggesting potential gaps in reporting or categorisation. Vehicle crime also rose sharply, doubling from 3 to 6 incidents—a 100% increase—despite being 73% below the UK average. This anomaly may reflect changes in local traffic patterns or vehicle storage practices during colder months. Meanwhile, burglary fell by 25%, from 4 to 3 incidents, continuing a long-term downward trend that aligns with Neath’s relatively low burglary rates compared to the UK. Public order offences, at 34 incidents, are 67% above the UK average, indicating a need for focused efforts in managing public spaces. These fluctuations highlight the combination of local conditions and seasonal rhythms in shaping Neath’s crime profile.

Neath’s crime rate in January 2026 (5.7 per 1,000) represents a 10.0% increase from the previous month’s rate of 5.2, a rise that may reflect the natural ebb and flow of crime patterns as the year progresses. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 9 crimes per day in January, a figure that contextualises the monthly total in relatable terms for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 175 residents, a monthly exposure rate that provides insight into the frequency of incidents within the community. When compared to the UK average, Neath’s overall rate remains significantly lower, but the breakdown reveals nuanced differences. For instance, while violent crime rates are slightly above the UK average, property-related crimes are lower, a contrast that may be influenced by Neath’s urban infrastructure and policing priorities. The population context further illustrates these trends: with 47,434 residents, the 271 total crimes equate to a manageable burden relative to the size of the area. However, the sharp rise in Other crime and the sustained elevation in public order offences suggest areas for targeted improvement, particularly in addressing unclassified incidents and managing community spaces effectively.