Pontardawe Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

November 2024 saw an unexpected surge in other theft, a category that rose by 300% compared to October, becoming the third most common crime type in Pontardawe. This sharp increase, while still relatively low in absolute terms, contrasts with the overall crime rate of 4.5 per 1,000 residents, which remains 40.8% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. The area's crime profile was dominated by violence and sexual offences (34.6% of total incidents) and anti-social behaviour (23.1%), both of which fell significantly below UK averages. Seasonal factors likely influenced these patterns, with the darker evenings of November potentially increasing opportunities for anti-social behaviour while also reducing visibility for potential offenders. The contrast between the 300% rise in other theft and the 87.5% drop in public order offences highlights the combination of local dynamics, from retail activity during Black Friday to community-focused policing around Bonfire Night. Violence and sexual offences, though still the most common category, decreased by 52.6% from October, a shift that may reflect seasonal patterns of reduced outdoor activity and increased indoor gatherings. The overall crime rate, while low, suggests a built-up area with characteristics distinct from larger urban centres, where property crime typically dominates. Pontardawe's position within Neath Port Talbot, a region with a mix of industrial heritage and modern retail spaces, likely contributes to its unique crime profile. The relatively low burglary rate (0.2 per 1,000) and public order offences (0.2 per 1,000) further underscore the area's distinctiveness compared to more densely populated urban areas. This month's data offers a snapshot of how local context—ranging from seasonal events to the physical layout of the built-up area—shapes crime patterns in ways that diverge from national averages.

The most striking shift in November 2024 was the 300% increase in other theft, rising from 1 to 4 incidents. This leap, though still relatively low in absolute terms, suggests a potential seasonal spike linked to Black Friday shopping activity or increased opportunities in retail areas. Simultaneously, anti-social behaviour doubled from 3 to 6 incidents, a trend that may reflect the impact of darker evenings and local events like Bonfire Night. Conversely, public order offences plummeted by 87.5%, dropping from 8 to 1, a sharp decline that could indicate improved community engagement or heightened police presence during key events. Violence and sexual offences also fell significantly, decreasing by 52.6% from 19 to 9, a reduction that may be partly explained by the seasonal transition into colder months, which often correlates with lower outdoor activity. The area's other theft rate (0.7 per 1,000) exceeds the UK average (0.6 per 1,000) by 27%, highlighting a specific vulnerability that warrants further attention.

Pontardawe's crime rate in November 2024 (4.5 per 1,000 residents) reflects a 36.7% decrease from the previous month's rate of 7.1 per 1,000. This marks a substantial shift in the local crime picture, with the area now experiencing significantly lower monthly exposure to crime compared to October. On a daily basis, the 26 reported crimes over 30 days equate to roughly one crime per day, a figure that provides a tangible sense of the pace at which incidents occur in this built-up area. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime occurring for approximately every 222 residents. This statistic, while low, offers a clear benchmark for residents to contextualise their personal risk. The drop from the previous month's rate aligns with seasonal patterns, as November's darker evenings and post-Black Friday shopping activity may have influenced both crime patterns and police visibility.