Port Talbot Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Port Talbot, 9.6 crimes were recorded in November 2024, placing the built-up area 26.3% above the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This figure translates to a tangible risk for residents, with one reported crime occurring for roughly every 104 individuals over the course of the month. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 40.8% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (15.3%) and shoplifting (14.2%). These patterns reflect the area’s character as a mixed-use urban centre with a combination of retail spaces, residential zones, and industrial infrastructure. The high rate of violent crime may be influenced by factors such as local demographics, socioeconomic conditions, and the density of public spaces. Anti-social behaviour, which is 35% above the UK average, could be linked to community dynamics in areas with higher concentrations of younger residents or limited public amenities. Shoplifting’s sharp increase to 1.4 per 1,000 residents (103% above the UK average) may be connected to the timing of November events, such as Black Friday sales, which often see increased foot traffic and potential opportunities for theft. The seasonal context of November—characterised by dark evenings, Bonfire Night, and the transition into the holiday season—likely contributes to fluctuations in crime patterns. While the overall rate remains elevated, the data also reveals some pockets of relative safety, such as the 30% lower rate of criminal damage and arson compared to the UK average. This contrast suggests that targeted efforts in specific crime categories could yield measurable improvements. The interplay between local factors, such as the presence of retail hubs and the timing of seasonal events, and broader trends in national crime statistics paints a complex picture of Port Talbot’s crime profile. Understanding these connections is essential for developing effective strategies to address the area’s challenges while building on areas of relative success.

November 2024 saw a notable 100% increase in theft from the person, rising from 0 to 2 incidents. This spike, though small in absolute terms, may reflect heightened activity during the post-Black Friday shopping period or increased visibility of valuables in public spaces. Conversely, other theft decreased by 50%, from 20 to 10 incidents, possibly linked to seasonal retail patterns or improved security measures in high-traffic areas. Violence and sexual offences remained significantly above the UK average, with a rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents (51% higher than the national average). This category accounted for 40.8% of all crimes in the area, underscoring a persistent challenge in addressing violent crime. Shoplifting also saw a sharp increase, with a rate of 1.4 per 1,000 residents (103% above the UK average), tied to the timing of seasonal sales events and increased foot traffic in retail zones. These patterns suggest that local retailers and community leaders may need to consider targeted interventions during peak shopping periods.

Port Talbot's crime rate in November 2024 fell by 4.1% compared to October 2024, decreasing from 10.0 to 9.6 per 1,000 residents. This slight decline contrasts with the area’s overall position above the UK average, which remains a persistent challenge for local authorities. On a daily basis, the built-up area recorded approximately 9 crimes per day in November, a figure that underscores the need for continuous community engagement and policing strategies. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure means that over the course of November, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 104 residents. This ratio, while lower than the daily rate, still highlights the frequency of incidents in a community of nearly 29,332 people. The reduction in crime compared to the previous month may be attributed to seasonal factors, such as shorter evenings and reduced foot traffic during the post-Black Friday period. The contrast between the monthly and daily figures also illustrates how crime rates can fluctuate based on time of year and local activity patterns.