Pontardawe Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

November 2023 presented a mixed picture for crime in Pontardawe, with the most striking anomaly being the sudden rise in theft from the person, which had previously been absent. The area’s overall crime rate of 6.4 per 1,000 residents placed it 14.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, a position that reflects a combination of effective local policing and the area’s relatively low population density. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 43.2% of all crimes, a figure that, while lower than the previous month, still exceeds the UK average by 8%. This suggests that while the area may be managing violent crime effectively, it continues to face challenges that are not entirely unique to its location. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences also featured prominently, with the latter being 89% above the UK average, a stark contrast that may be influenced by the area’s social dynamics and the impact of seasonal events such as Bonfire Night. The relatively low property crime rate—just 5 incidents compared to 16 violent crimes—highlights a shift in crime focus, linked to the time of year and the absence of large-scale retail events that typically drive shoplifting. This pattern is consistent with the broader trend of property crime decreasing as the year progresses into colder months, when outdoor activity is reduced. However, the sharp increase in theft from the person raises questions about specific incidents or targeted criminal behavior that warrant further attention.

November 2023 saw a sharp increase in theft from the person, which rose from zero to one incident—a 100% jump—marking one of the most unexpected movements in the month’s data. This spike, though small in absolute terms, may reflect heightened caution or specific incidents tied to seasonal activities such as Bonfire Night. Similarly, possession of weapons and vehicle crime both doubled from zero to two and one respectively, suggesting a possible shift in criminal focus or increased police detection. In contrast, public order offences fell by 25%, and other thefts decreased by 33.3%, potentially influenced by the end of the Black Friday shopping period. Violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 43.2% of all crimes, remained 8% above the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, a figure that underscores ongoing challenges in managing violent incidents. These trends highlight a combination of seasonal factors and local policing priorities, with some categories showing marked volatility while others stabilize.

Pontardawe's November 2023 crime rate of 6.4 per 1,000 residents marks a 7.5% decline from the previous month’s 6.9 per 1,000, reflecting a slight but consistent trend toward lower crime levels. This reduction aligns with broader seasonal patterns, as November’s shorter evenings and post-Black Friday retail activity may have reduced opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area saw an average of one reported crime per day over the month, a figure that translates to a manageable frequency for local residents. When viewed through the lens of population, the monthly exposure rate—1 crime per 156 residents—places the area in a relatively safer context compared to the UK average. While this statistic does not account for unreported crimes, it underscores the importance of community vigilance and police presence in maintaining local safety. The decrease is also notable against the backdrop of a typically busy November, which includes Bonfire Night and the start of the holiday season, suggesting that local efforts to manage public spaces may be yielding results.