Port Talbot Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2024, Port Talbot recorded 262 crimes across its population of 29,332 residents, equating to a crime rate of 8.9 per 1,000 people—25.4% above the UK average of 7.1. This figure translates to approximately 262 crimes for every 29,000 residents, a stark reminder of the density of incidents in a built-up area. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 45% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (13%) and criminal damage and arson (11.5%). These patterns align with December’s seasonal context, where extended evenings, holiday gatherings, and the logistical challenges of Christmas shopping may contribute to higher rates of violent crime and property damage. The significant increase in criminal damage and arson—up by 130.8% from 13 to 30 incidents—could be tied to festive decorations, vandalism, or the stress of seasonal events. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour and public order offences remained elevated, reflecting the pressures of a densely populated urban environment. Despite the overall high rate, burglary (0.3 per 1,000) and other theft (0.3 per 1,000) were slightly below UK averages, due to local policing efforts or the nature of the area’s housing stock. The contrast between violent crimes and property crimes highlights the complex dynamics of crime in Port Talbot, where community interactions, economic factors, and seasonal rhythms likely play a role. As a built-up area with industrial and residential zones, Port Talbot’s crime profile reflects the challenges of balancing urban living with safety measures, particularly during periods of high social activity.

December 2024 saw sharp increases in criminal damage and arson, rising by 130.8% to 30 incidents—nearly triple the previous month’s count. This spike, coupled with a 75% rise in drug-related crimes, may reflect heightened social activity during the festive season. Burglary also increased by 25%, potentially linked to vacant homes during holiday absences. Conversely, possession of weapons dropped by 50%, and other crime fell by 44.4%, suggesting some areas of local policing may have had temporary success. Violence and sexual offences, at 4.0 per 1,000, remain 56% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour and criminal damage also exceed national figures. These patterns illustrate the uneven distribution of crime types, with property crimes like burglary slightly below UK levels but violent crimes significantly higher. A resident might find the 130.8% jump in criminal damage and arson particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a specific risk factor requiring attention.

Port Talbot’s December 2024 crime rate of 8.9 per 1,000 residents marks a 7.1% decline from the previous month’s 9.6 per 1,000. This reduction, though modest, aligns with seasonal patterns where holiday-related activity may temporarily lower some crime types. On a daily basis, the area experiences approximately eight crimes per day—a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 112 residents, highlighting the frequency of incidents in a relatively compact built-up area. When scaled to the population of 29,332, this monthly exposure underscores the proportion of the community affected, even if the overall rate remains above the UK average. The interplay between population density and crime concentration in Port Talbot suggests that targeted local initiatives may have contributed to the slight downward trend, though further analysis would be needed to confirm this.