Pontardawe Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Pontardawe’s crime profile in May 2024 was defined by a striking imbalance between violent and property crimes, with 23 violent offences reported compared to just two property crimes. This dominance of violent crime—accounting for 57.5% of all incidents—suggests a local environment where interpersonal conflicts, public disorder, or other factors driving aggression may outweigh concerns about theft or burglary. The area’s overall crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents placed it 17.9% below the UK average of 8.4, a consistent trend that may reflect a combination of effective policing, community initiatives, or demographic characteristics. Violence and sexual offences (4.0 per 1,000) were 41% above the UK average, while public order offences (1.4 per 1,000) were 122% above, indicating a potential link to May’s seasonal dynamics. Longer evenings, bank holidays, and increased socialising in public spaces during this time of year may contribute to a rise in alcohol-fuelled disputes or anti-social behaviour. The relatively low property crime rate—particularly shoplifting (0.4 per 1,000) and burglary—may be influenced by Pontardawe’s built-up character within Neath Port Talbot, where retail and commercial activity is concentrated, leading to more visible policing or community vigilance. This contrast with the UK average for property crimes, where shoplifting is typically higher, underscores the need to consider local factors beyond national trends. The data also reveals a mixed picture for other categories: anti-social behaviour was 38% below the UK average, while drug-related offences were 9% below, suggesting that certain aspects of the area’s crime profile may align more closely with broader regional patterns. However, the sharp increase in public order offences—doubling from the previous month—raises questions about whether temporary factors, such as specific events or changes in policing focus, have influenced this shift. As the area navigates these fluctuations, understanding the interplay between seasonal rhythms, local demographics, and policing strategies will be key to maintaining the current trajectory of lower overall crime rates.

May 2024 saw a significant shift in crime patterns, with public order offences surging by 100% from four to eight incidents. This increase, coupled with a doubling of shoplifting and drug-related crimes, highlights a notable rise in non-violent but socially disruptive incidents. Despite this, violent crimes remained the dominant category, accounting for 57.5% of all reported crimes—4.0 per 1,000 residents, 41% above the UK average for violence and sexual offences. The stark contrast between property crimes (just 5% of total incidents) and violent crimes suggests a local environment where interpersonal conflicts or public disorder may play a larger role than theft or burglary. A decrease in anti-social behaviour (28.6% drop) and other crime (50% drop) offers a counterpoint. Residents might note the 100% increase in public order offences as a concern, particularly during May’s extended evenings and bank holidays, which could amplify outdoor socialising and related disputes.

Pontardawe's crime rate in May 2024 (6.9 per 1,000 residents) represents a 2.5% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.1 per 1,000. This slight decline aligns with the area’s broader trend of maintaining a crime rate consistently below the UK average, which stood at 8.4 per 1,000 in May. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 5,760 residents. When scaled to the monthly exposure, this translates to one reported crime for every 144 residents, a statistic that provides context for local residents assessing their personal risk. Compared to the UK average, Pontardawe’s overall crime rate remains 17.9% lower, a gap that has persisted despite fluctuations in specific crime categories. The relatively low daily crime count may suggest that the area’s built-up environment, combined with local policing efforts, contributes to a more stable crime profile compared to larger urban centres.