Port Talbot Crime Rate

Port Talbot is a significant urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 117.9 per 1,000 people, which is notably higher than the UK average of 91.7. This results in a safety score of 72/100, trailing the national average of 79/100. Despite these higher figures, the crime trend in Port Talbot is currently stable, showing a year-over-year decrease of 4.2% for the period from December 2024 to November 2025. This downward trend is a positive indicator for the area, suggesting that while crime levels are elevated compared to national benchmarks, they are not currently escalating. Residents should remain aware of the local crime landscape, which is typical for a busy urban and industrial hub of this size.

In Port Talbot, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 41.0% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 12.8% and public order offences at 11.2%. For residents and business owners, property-related crime is a significant factor, with a combined rate of 34.1 per 1,000 people. This includes a notable shoplifting rate of 12.3 per 1,000 (10.4% of total crime) and criminal damage and arson at 8.9 per 1,000 (7.5%). Burglary is less common, making up 1.9% of the total crime volume with a rate of 2.2 per 1,000. Vehicle crime accounts for 2.9% of reports. The relatively high property crime rate, particularly shoplifting and criminal damage, suggests that both residential and commercial security are important for mitigating opportunistic theft and vandalism in the urban settlement.

The crime trend in Port Talbot is currently stable, having decreased by 4.2% year-over-year. A detailed look at the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals some notable fluctuations. The period began with a crime rate of 8.9 in December 2024, rising to a peak of 12.1 in May 2025. Following this peak, the rate remained relatively high through June (11.7) before gradually declining to 8.0 by November 2025. This downward trend in the latter half of the year is a positive sign for the community. The spring peak may be attributed to increased outdoor activity and footfall in the town. For residents, the overall decrease of 4.2% suggests that local crime prevention efforts are having a positive impact, leading to a more stable safety environment compared to the previous twelve-month period.

How To Keep Safe in Port Talbot

As violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Port Talbot, personal safety in public spaces is a key consideration. Residents should remain vigilant when walking in the town centre, particularly during the evening and night-time hours. Staying in well-lit areas and using busy pedestrian routes is always advisable. If you are out late, try to travel with others and plan your journey home in advance.

Property-related crime, including shoplifting and criminal damage, is also significant in the area. For homeowners, ensuring that your property is well-secured with high-quality locks and visible security measures can help deter opportunistic theft. Shoplifting is a major issue for local businesses, so staying aware of your surroundings in retail areas is important. Additionally, with vehicle crime peaking during the night, always ensure your car is locked and that no valuables are left inside, especially if parking on the street. Engaging with local community safety initiatives can also provide residents with up-to-date information on specific local trends and safety advice.

In Port Talbot, crime patterns show a clear correlation with the time of day. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) is the busiest period for theft-related offences, which account for 51% of the crime during those hours. This aligns with peak retail and commercial activity in the town. As the day transitions into the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes, which include public order and anti-social behaviour, become more prominent, making up 57% of incidents. The night-time hours (12am-6am) see a significant shift towards vehicle crime, which accounts for 35% of reports during this period, alongside a peak in burglary at 13%. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are relatively quieter but still see a high percentage of theft (46%). These patterns suggest that property and vehicle security are most critical overnight, while personal awareness and retail security are paramount during the daylight and evening hours.

In comparison to its more suburban or rural neighbours, Port Talbot has a higher crime rate, reflecting its status as a major urban and industrial centre. Its rate of 117.9 per 1,000 is significantly higher than that of Cwmavon (61.1), Baglan (75.9), and Bryn (29.2). Pontrhydyfen shows a recorded rate of 0.0 in this dataset. These differences highlight the concentration of criminal activity in the larger settlement, where higher population density and commercial activity are concentrated. For those considering the region, Port Talbot offers the amenities of a large town but with a correspondingly higher statistical crime profile than the quieter surrounding villages.

Property protection in Port Talbot requires a proactive strategy, especially given the property crime rate of 34.1 per 1,000. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV cameras, often provide a false sense of security because they only record events as they happen. By the time you receive a notification, a break-in may already be in progress. scOS offers a superior alternative by focusing on prevention rather than just recording. Using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundary in real-time. It can distinguish between normal activity and potential threats, such as someone loitering near your vehicle or attempting to access your home. When a threat is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses like activating security lights or audio alerts, deterring the intruder before they can act. This proactive approach is particularly effective in urban areas like Port Talbot, where the presence of an intelligent, professional-grade security system can convince opportunistic criminals to move on to an easier target.