Pontardawe Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 5,760, the 46 reported crimes in October 2025 equate to 8.0 crimes per 1,000 residents, placing Pontardawe 3.9% above the UK average of 7.7. This built-up area within Neath Port Talbot shows a clear skew toward violent crime, with 22 incidents of violence and sexual offences accounting for 47.8% of all reported crimes. Anti-social behaviour and other theft follow, contributing 15.2% and 6.5% respectively. The seasonal context of October—darker evenings and Halloween—likely contributes to the elevated violent crime rate, as reduced visibility and increased social activity in public spaces may create conditions conducive to such incidents. Violent crime in Pontardawe is 43% above the UK average for this category, suggesting local factors such as community dynamics or economic conditions may be influencing this trend. The overall crime profile reflects a balance between persistent property crime (10 incidents) and a sharp spike in violent incidents, which may be linked to the area's character as a historically industrial town with evolving social needs. While property crime rates remain relatively low compared to the UK average, the dominance of violent crime highlights a pressing concern for local residents and authorities.

October 2025 saw significant month-on-month changes in specific crime categories, with other theft, shoplifting, and possession of weapons all doubling compared to September. This 100% increase in these categories may be tied to seasonal factors such as Halloween, which could have spurred opportunistic theft or weapon-related incidents. Meanwhile, public order offences fell by 50%, reflecting reduced outdoor activity or changes in local policing focus during the month. The breakdown of crime types reveals a stark contrast with the UK average: violent crime in Pontardawe is 43% above the national rate, while shoplifting is 37% below. This divergence underscores the area's unique challenges, with violent crime far outpacing other categories. For residents, the most immediate concern is the 22 incidents of violence and sexual offences, which represent nearly half of all reported crimes. The sharp rise in other theft (from 0 to 3) and possession of weapons (from 0 to 1) also indicates emerging patterns that warrant close monitoring. These figures, while not indicative of long-term trends, highlight the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas during October.

The crime rate in Pontardawe rose by 27.8% compared to September's rate of 6.3 per 1,000, reflecting a significant shift in local crime dynamics. Over the course of October, this translated to one reported crime for every 125 residents, a figure that contextualises the impact on the community. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day, a rate that, while not alarmingly high, is consistent with the area's built-up nature and historical industrial character. When scaled to the population, the 46 crimes represent a concentrated impact for a town of 5,760 residents, with violent crime affecting the local profile compared to the UK average. The previous month's rate of 6.3 per 1,000 provides a useful benchmark, illustrating the volatility of crime patterns in this area. While daily crime figures may appear manageable, the monthly aggregate highlights the cumulative effect on residents, particularly in the context of violent crime spikes. This comparison underscores the importance of localised policing strategies and community engagement initiatives to address the specific challenges facing Pontardawe.