Pontardawe Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Pontardawe, 7.1 crimes were reported in September 2023, placing the area 11.3% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This rate translates to roughly one crime for every 140 residents over the course of the month. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for nearly half (48.8%) of all incidents, followed by public order offences (19.5%) and anti-social behaviour (9.8%). These patterns align with the seasonal context of September, when back-to-school routines and university freshers' week may heighten social interactions in communal spaces. While the overall crime rate remains lower than the UK average, the proportion of violence and sexual offences in Pontardawe exceeds the national figure by 28%, suggesting local factors may influence this category. Public order offences also significantly outpace UK averages, linked to increased foot traffic in town centres during the autumn term. Conversely, anti-social behaviour and other thefts are below UK levels, with anti-social behaviour reporting a 48% deficit. The lower rates of property crimes compared to the UK average may reflect the area's characteristics as a built-up district within Neath Port Talbot, where community policing efforts or local initiatives could contribute to this trend. However, the sharp increase in shoplifting (200%) and burglary (100%) indicates specific vulnerabilities that require further analysis. These findings highlight the combination of seasonal rhythms, local demographics, and crime patterns, offering insights into how residents might perceive and navigate their daily risk environment.

September 2023 saw sharp increases in shoplifting (+200%), burglary (+100%), and public order offences (+60%) compared to August. This spike in shoplifting, which jumped from one to three incidents, may be linked to the start of the academic term and increased foot traffic in retail areas. Burglary, though still rare, doubled from zero to one incident, raising questions about targeted vulnerabilities in residential properties. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 60% (from 10 to 4), and other thefts dropped by 40% (from 5 to 3), suggesting potential success in local interventions or seasonal shifts in activity. The crime mix in Pontardawe remains heavily skewed towards violent and sexual offences (48.8% of total crimes), which are 28% above the UK average. This disparity contrasts with the lower rates of property crimes, where anti-social behaviour is 48% below the national average. For residents, the 200% rise in shoplifting serves as a concrete reminder to remain vigilant in local stores during the autumn term. The shift in crime mix highlights the need for targeted approaches to address violence and public order issues, even as other categories show improvement.

Pontardawe's crime rate in September 2023 (7.1 per 1,000) marked a 6.8% decrease from August's 7.6 per 1,000, reflecting a slight but measurable improvement in overall safety. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day over the 30-day period, a figure that may resonate with residents familiar with local rhythms. When scaled to the population of 5,760, this translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 140 residents over the course of the month—a monthly exposure rate that provides a tangible measure of risk for individuals. This rate is lower than the UK average, which suggests that local factors may contribute to a safer environment in Pontardawe compared to other parts of the country. However, the disparity in crime types—such as the 28% higher rate of violence and sexual offences compared to the UK—indicates that while the overall rate is lower, specific categories remain areas of concern. The 1-in-140 resident monthly exposure rate, when contextualised against the area's built-up character within Neath Port Talbot, may reflect a combination of community engagement strategies and the relatively small population size, which can make crime prevention efforts more targeted and effective.