Pontardawe Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile in Pontardawe for February 2026 reveals a distinct balance of crime types that reflects local dynamics. Violence and sexual offences dominate the landscape, accounting for 37.5% of all reported crimes, significantly below the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000 (31% below). This suggests a concentrated focus on interpersonal conflict or targeted incidents rather than broader societal issues. Public order offences, while less frequent than violent crimes, make up 16.7% of the total, a figure 71% above the UK average. This discrepancy may indicate specific challenges in managing community spaces or addressing disruptive behaviour in public areas. The presence of anti-social behaviour at 12.5% of total crimes, though 45% below the UK average, highlights a persistent issue in maintaining social cohesion. Seasonal context plays a role, with February's low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull likely contributing to reduced opportunities for property crimes, which made up only 25% of reported incidents. This contrasts with the UK's higher proportion of property crimes, suggesting a different local risk profile. The overall crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents places Pontardawe well below the national average, but the mix of crime types reveals a combination of community-specific factors and broader regional trends. The relatively low incidence of burglary and vehicle crime, both below UK averages, may reflect effective local security measures or the nature of the built-up area's infrastructure. However, the sharp rise in vehicle crime from zero to two incidents in February warrants closer examination of parking patterns or transportation hubs in the area.

February 2026 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with anti-social behaviour increasing by 100% compared to January, rising from zero to three incidents. This surge, though still below the UK average, may indicate emerging tensions in community interactions or temporary disruptions in local routines. Vehicle crime also doubled from zero to two incidents, a figure 14% above the UK average. This could be linked to specific events or changes in parking behaviour during the month. Conversely, violent crimes dropped sharply by 71.9%, from 32 to nine incidents, a reduction consistent with the overall trend of lower crime rates in Pontardawe compared to the UK. The category of criminal damage and arson fell by 83.3%, from six to one incident, reflecting seasonal factors or targeted interventions. Public order offences remained a persistent issue, with their rate 71% above the UK average, suggesting a need for focused community engagement strategies. The breakdown of crime types reveals a marked contrast with the UK profile: while property crimes typically dominate nationally, violent crimes in Pontardawe account for nearly 40% of all incidents. This divergence may be influenced by local demographics or the built-up area's specific characteristics, such as proximity to Neath Port Talbot's industrial zones. A resident would find the 34.4% reduction in overall crime rate compared to the UK average particularly relevant, as it indicates a safer local environment relative to national standards.

Pontardawe's crime rate in February 2026 of 4.2 per 1,000 residents represents a 55.5% decrease from the previous month's rate of 9.4 per 1,000, illustrating a significant downward trend. This reduction, though not unusual for winter months, aligns with the seasonal context of lower outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day in February, a figure that provides a tangible reference for residents assessing local safety. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 240 residents, a monthly exposure rate that suggests a relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban centres. This statistic, when contextualised within the built-up area's population of 5,760, indicates that most residents are unlikely to encounter crime directly. The population-scaled perspective further highlights that the crime rate is significantly lower than the UK average, with 34.4% fewer incidents per 1,000 residents. This comparative advantage may be attributed to local initiatives or the area's specific character as part of Neath Port Talbot's broader urban fabric. However, the stark contrast between Pontardawe's crime profile and the UK average—particularly the 71% higher rate of public order offences—suggests that certain local challenges require targeted attention. While the overall trend is positive, the persistence of specific categories like public order offences above national levels indicates that community-based strategies may need refinement to address these disparities effectively.