Port Talbot Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 marked a continuation of elevated crime trends in Port Talbot, with an overall crime rate of 8.6 per 1,000 residents—34.4% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. The month's data reveals a stark imbalance in crime distribution, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 42.7% of all reported incidents. This category alone is 59% above the UK average, reflecting a troubling pattern in the built-up area of Neath Port Talbot. Shoplifting (10.7% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (10.3%) follow as the next most prevalent categories, though the latter is slightly below the UK average for this type. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with limited outdoor activity—may partly explain the concentration of crimes in indoor spaces and public areas. However, the sharp increase in violent crime compared to the UK average suggests deeper local factors, such as socioeconomic pressures or community dynamics, that warrant further analysis. The data also highlights the persistence of property-related crimes, though burglary rates remain 20% below the UK average, possibly due to local security measures or demographic characteristics. As the month transitions into spring, the low outdoor activity during winter may have contributed to a pre-spring lull in certain crime types, though this appears to have been offset by rising violence and disorder incidents. The overall picture illustrates a combination of seasonal patterns and persistent local challenges in maintaining public safety.

The month-on-month analysis reveals stark contrasts in crime trends, with several categories showing dramatic shifts. Other crime increased by 200% (from 2 to 6 incidents), reflecting a sudden spike in unclassified or emerging criminal activities. Burglary also rose by 200%, though this remains 20% below the UK average, suggesting targeted vulnerabilities in specific properties or areas. In contrast, vehicle crime fell sharply by 71.4% (from 7 to 2 incidents), likely linked to reduced outdoor activity during winter and fewer opportunities for such crimes. Robbery and drugs-related offences also declined by 40% and 28.6% respectively, though the latter still remains 13% below the UK average. The violent crime category, which dominates the local landscape, is 59% above the UK average, with 108 incidents reported—3.7 per 1,000 residents. This is particularly concerning given the UK's generally lower rate of 2.3 per 1,000 for the same category. Meanwhile, shoplifting and criminal damage are both 55% and 74% above the UK average, respectively, indicating specific pressures on retail and property sectors in Port Talbot. The breakdown shows a marked divergence from national trends, with anti-social behaviour being the only category slightly below the UK average. Residents may find the 200% surge in 'other crime' particularly noteworthy, as it could signal new challenges in policing or unaddressed issues within the community.

Comparing February 2026 to January 2026, the crime rate in Port Talbot rose by 11.1%, from 7.8 to 8.6 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest in percentage terms, translates to 253 total crimes over 28 days—roughly 9 crimes per day. On a monthly basis, this means one reported crime occurred for every 116 residents, a figure that, while not alarmingly high, underscores the persistent presence of criminal activity in the area. The daily crime count provides a tangible measure for residents: approximately 9 incidents each day, which may include a mix of violent and property-related crimes. When viewed through the lens of population, the 8.6 per 1,000 rate means that, on average, every resident faces a 0.86% chance of being directly involved in a crime over the course of the year. This statistic, while abstract, helps contextualise the local experience within the broader UK framework. The previous month's rate of 7.8 per 1,000 offers a point of reference, showing that the upward trend is not isolated to February but part of a recent pattern. The comparison also highlights the area's divergence from national averages, particularly in violent crime and shoplifting, which are significantly higher than UK norms. These figures, when paired with local factors such as industrial decline or social challenges, may help explain why Port Talbot's crime profile differs from many other UK regions.