Pontardawe Crime Rate

Pontardawe’s crime profile reveals a sharp 200% year-on-year increase in possession of weapons, despite its overall crime rate remaining 14.7% below the UK average. This anomaly highlights a potential shift in local dynamics, while property crime remains low. The area’s public order issues, 65% above the national average, suggest a need for targeted community engagement.

Pontardawe is a built-up area within Neath Port Talbot, characterized by a mix of residential and commercial zones. Its proximity to Swansea and commuter links to Cardiff may contribute to transient populations and varied socioeconomic profiles. The area’s relatively low property crime rate suggests strong community cohesion and effective local policing, though public order issues may reflect the dynamics of its public spaces and social interactions.

The most surprising finding in Pontardawe’s crime profile is the 65% above-average rate for public order offences, with 10.4 crimes per 1,000 residents compared to the UK average of 6.3. This likely stems from the area’s public spaces, such as high-traffic retail centres or community hubs, where disputes or disruptive behaviour may escalate. Anti-social behaviour, however, is 46% below the UK average (8.0 vs 14.7 per 1,000), possibly due to proactive local initiatives or a more engaged community. Violence and sexual offences, though 20% above the UK average (38.4 vs 32.1 per 1,000), remain stable, which may be attributed to targeted policing efforts or the area’s demographic composition. The sharp 200% YoY increase in possession of weapons is concerning, though still below the UK average (0.5 vs 0.9 per 1,000). This spike may correlate with seasonal factors, such as increased social gatherings in the colder months or shifts in local enforcement priorities.

Crime in Pontardawe has remained stable (0.7% YoY), but possession of weapons has surged by 200% compared to the previous year, with 3 crimes recorded (0.5 per 1,000). This sharp increase may be linked to seasonal factors, such as colder weather driving more indoor gatherings or shifts in local enforcement patterns. Other crime has risen by 87.5% YoY, though it remains 30% above the UK average. Meanwhile, vehicle crime has dropped by 56.3% YoY, likely due to improved community awareness or reduced opportunities for theft. Burglary has increased by 60% YoY, but remains 58% below the UK average, suggesting targeted efforts have mitigated broader risks.

How To Keep Safe in Pontardawe

To address public order concerns, consider avoiding isolated public spaces during late evening hours when incidents peak. Secure personal belongings in crowded areas, as theft from the person is 90% below the UK average but remains a risk. For vehicle crime, ensure cars are locked and not left unattended in residential zones, though the rate is 73% below the national average. Community engagement, such as participating in local initiatives, may further reduce anti-social behaviour, which is 46% below the UK average.

Crime in Pontardawe follows distinct patterns throughout the day and week. Theft peaks in the afternoon (53% of incidents between 12pm–6pm), likely linked to retail activity and foot traffic. Vehicle crime surges at night (22% of incidents between 12am–6am), possibly due to unoccupied vehicles in residential areas during late hours. Burglary is most common in the evening (11% of incidents between 6pm–12am), aligning with periods when households are less likely to be present. Public order issues, however, dominate in the evening (60% of incidents between 6pm–12am), reflecting the area’s social dynamics and potentially higher concentrations of transient populations during nighttime hours.

Compared to nearby areas, Pontardawe’s crime rate of 77.6 per 1,000 is 43% higher than Alltwen (54.1 per 1,000) and 134% higher than Rhos (33.1 per 1,000). It is only 2% higher than Clydach (Swansea) (76.3 per 1,000), reflecting regional disparities in socioeconomic factors and policing strategies.

For Pontardawe households, where public order issues are 65% above the UK average, scOS offers proactive boundary detection and real-time deterrence. Its AI monitors public spaces and evaluates behaviour against context, such as time of day and known visitors, to trigger lights and speakers autonomously. This feature is particularly relevant in areas with elevated public order incidents, where early intervention can disrupt potential conflicts. DVLA vehicle verification also helps flag stolen or cloned plates, addressing the 73% below-average vehicle crime rate with additional layers of security.