Port Talbot Crime Rate

Port Talbot is a major industrial and commercial hub in Neath Port Talbot with an overall crime rate of 116.6 per 1,000 people. While this is higher than the UK average of 91.6, the town maintains a respectable safety score of 73/100. Importantly, data from Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 shows that crime is on a downward trajectory, with a significant 5.3% year-over-year decrease. The property crime rate stands at 33.5 per 1,000, which is slightly above the national average of 32.2. Despite the higher volume of reports—often linked to the town's busy urban centre—the burglary rate remains notably low at just 1.9 per 1,000. These figures suggest that while vigilance is necessary, Port Talbot is becoming safer. The following sections provide a detailed look at crime types, trends, and safety patterns.

Crime in Port Talbot

In Port Talbot, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types, accounting for 1,389 incidents or 40.6% of the total. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 12.8%, followed by public order offences at 11.9%. Notably, shoplifting is also a significant factor, representing 10.7% of all reports. These statistics reflect the challenges often faced by busy industrial and commercial urban centres.

Property crime in Port Talbot—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and arson—occurs at a rate of 33.5 per 1,000 people. This is slightly higher than the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, shoplifting and 'other theft' are the primary contributors. Burglary is relatively low, making up only 1.7% of total crime, while vehicle crime accounts for 2.8%. For residents, the data suggests that while the risk of serious home intrusion is low, opportunistic theft and retail-related crime are more prevalent. This high overall property crime rate indicates that proactive security measures for both businesses and homes are more necessary here than in quieter neighbouring areas.

Crime Trends in Port Talbot

Port Talbot is experiencing a positive trend in its safety profile, with total crime decreasing by 5.3% year-over-year. A detailed look at the 2025 monthly data shows that crime rates peaked in May at 12.1 per 1,000 and June at 11.7. These peaks are typical for urban areas during the warmer months when outdoor activity and footfall in commercial areas increase.

Following the summer peak, the crime rate showed a steady decline, reaching its lowest points in the winter months, with November at 8.0 and December at 7.6 per 1,000. This downward trend toward the end of the year is an encouraging sign for residents. The overall reduction in annual crime suggests that local policing and community-led safety initiatives are proving effective. For homeowners and businesses, this trend indicates that while Port Talbot remains a busy urban area, it is becoming a safer environment over time, with crime levels moving toward more manageable levels.

How To Keep Safe in Port Talbot

The most prevalent crime category in Port Talbot is violence and sexual offences (40.6%), often linked to the town's busy evening and social environments. Staying aware of your surroundings is the most effective way to stay safe.

When in the town centre or near the transport hubs at night, stay in well-lit, populated areas and try to travel with others. If you are using public transport or taxis, always use licensed and reputable services. Shoplifting and other theft are also high (over 15% combined), so keep personal belongings secure in crowded retail areas. Anti-social behaviour accounts for 12.8% of reports; reporting persistent issues to local authorities can help improve the overall safety of your neighbourhood. For vehicle owners, be particularly vigilant overnight, as vehicle crime accounts for 32% of night-time offences. Always ensure your car is locked and avoid leaving any items on display. Finally, while burglary is low, 13% of night-time crimes are home break-ins; ensure all doors and windows are locked before retiring for the night.

Crime Patterns in Port Talbot

Crime in Port Talbot shows a strong correlation with the town's commercial and social rhythms. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft-related offences account for 47% of all crime, rising to 52% in the afternoon (12pm-6pm) as retail activity peaks. This high volume of daytime theft is a defining characteristic of the town's crime profile.

In the evening (6pm-12am), the focus shifts significantly toward anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 59% of the reports in this period. The most distinct shift occurs during the night (12am-6am). While the total volume of crime may be lower, the nature of the offences becomes more property-focused; vehicle crime spikes to 32% of all night-time incidents, and burglary reaches its highest relative percentage at 13%. These patterns suggest that while daytime crime is largely retail-driven, the night-time hours pose a more direct threat to residential property and vehicles, highlighting the need for robust overnight security.

In comparison to its nearby areas, Port Talbot has the highest reported crime rate in the immediate region at 116.6 per 1,000 people. This is significantly higher than the residential villages of Cwmavon (60.9), Baglan (77.4), and Bryn (30.6), and also higher than Pontrhydyfen, which reported 0.0. This difference is largely due to Port Talbot's status as the region's primary industrial and retail centre, which attracts more people and associated activity. However, the town's improving trend (-5.3%) shows it is moving in the right direction. For those considering the area, Port Talbot offers an urban environment that is busier than its neighbours but shows clear signs of improving safety and very low burglary risks.

With a property crime rate of 33.5 per 1,000, Port Talbot residents and business owners face a slightly higher risk of theft-related offences than the national average. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV, are reactive—they simply record footage of a crime that has already occurred. In a busy urban environment like Port Talbot, a proactive approach to security is far more effective at preventing loss and damage.

The scOS security operating system utilizes advanced AI to stop crimes before they happen. By monitoring all camera feeds simultaneously, scOS can detect suspicious activity at your property boundary in real-time. If a threat is identified, the system can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating high-intensity lighting or audible warnings through speakers. This destroys the element of surprise that opportunistic thieves and vandals rely on. For homeowners, this means that even if vehicle crime or theft is more common in the wider area, your property remains a 'hard target.' Investing in proactive AI protection ensures that you are actively deterring crime, rather than just documenting it for an insurance claim later.