Pontardawe Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violent crime dominated Pontardawe’s crime profile in June 2023, accounting for 46.2% of all reported incidents. At 6.8 crimes per 1,000 residents, the area’s overall rate was 20% below the UK average of 8.5, a discrepancy that may partly reflect the town’s relatively small population and limited commercial density compared to larger urban centres. The most striking outlier was the 'Other crime' category, which stood at 167% above the UK average (0.4 vs 0.1 per 1,000). This could indicate underreporting of specific offences or localized factors affecting categorization. Violence and sexual offences (3.1 per 1,000) were 6% above the UK average, a figure consistent with the area’s proximity to Neath Port Talbot’s industrial zones, where transient populations may contribute to higher rates of targeted incidents. Anti-social behaviour (1.2 per 1,000) was 19% below the UK average, reflecting the town’s community-focused policing efforts or the absence of large-scale nightlife venues that often drive such offences. Seasonal patterns may also play a role: as June marks the start of summer, increased outdoor activity and tourism in nearby coastal areas could shift crime patterns away from Pontardawe itself, though the town’s own retail and residential hubs remain active throughout the year.

June 2023 saw a 100% increase in 'Other crime' compared to May, with two incidents reported — a jump from zero to two. This category, which includes offences like fraud and cybercrime, was 167% above the UK average, suggesting either a surge in unreported incidents or a misclassification of certain crimes. Meanwhile, 'Other theft' rose by 33.3% (three to four incidents), potentially linked to summer shopping activity or increased foot traffic in local stores. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 60% (five to two incidents), due to the warmer weather reducing opportunities for arson or targeted vandalism. Anti-social behaviour decreased by 30% (10 to seven incidents), a trend that may reflect the easing of lockdown-related tensions or more effective community engagement initiatives. Public order offences also dropped by 33.3% (six to four), likely tied to the absence of large-scale events in June. The violence and sexual offences category, though 6% above the UK average, showed no significant month-on-month change, indicating a stable but elevated risk in this area compared to national benchmarks.

Pontardawe’s crime rate in June 2023 (6.8 per 1,000) marked a 15.3% decrease from May’s 8.0 per 1,000, a drop that may be attributed to the town’s seasonal rhythms or the timing of local events. On a daily basis, the area saw roughly one reported crime per day over the month — a figure that, while low, underscores the importance of vigilance in densely populated residential zones. Over the course of June, one reported crime occurred for every 148 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average but should not be interpreted as a guarantee of safety. With a population of 5,760, the area’s small size means that even minor fluctuations in crime numbers can have a visible impact on residents. The decline from May may also reflect the natural ebb and flow of crime during summer months, when increased daylight and community activity can deter certain types of offences. However, the persistent gap between Pontardawe’s 'Other crime' rate and the UK average highlights the need for targeted interventions in this specific category, which remains high compared to national trends.