Port Talbot Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Port Talbot's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 7.8 per 1,000 residents, 14.7% above the UK average of 6.8. This figure places the area within the higher end of the national spectrum, consistent with its status as a built-up industrial town within Neath Port Talbot. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 48.3% of all reported incidents (110 cases), with a rate of 3.8 per 1,000 residents. This is 52% above the UK average for this category, a disparity that may be influenced by the area's social fabric, including factors such as economic pressures and the density of the built-up environment. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences each contributed 11% of the total, with public order offences at 0.9 per 1,000 (114% above the UK average). The seasonal context of January—post-holiday period, reduced retail footfall, and shorter days—likely contributed to the lower rates of shoplifting and public order crimes compared to busier months. However, the persistent gap in violent crime rates suggests a need for targeted interventions in the area, particularly during periods of heightened social tension. The data also shows that property crimes (57 cases) were significantly lower than violent crimes, a trend that may reflect the area's focus on industrial activity rather than high-value retail, which typically drives property-related offences.

The most striking change in January 2026 was a 400% surge in robbery, jumping from 1 to 5 cases. This leap, though based on a small absolute number, suggests a potential shift in criminal activity patterns, possibly linked to post-holiday economic pressures or targeted incidents. Simultaneously, drugs and vehicle crime both rose 133%, from 3 to 7 cases each, indicating a possible increase in illicit market activity or vehicle-related thefts during the colder months. Conversely, shoplifting fell 34.5% to 19 cases, aligning with seasonal trends of reduced retail footfall in January. Public order offences also declined 26.5%, possibly reflecting quieter evenings during the post-holiday period. Violent crimes, however, remained 52% above the UK average, with 3.8 per 1,000 residents. This persistent gap highlights the area's ongoing challenges with interpersonal violence, which may be exacerbated by the built-up environment and social dynamics in Port Talbot.

Port Talbot's crime rate in January 2026 rose 2.6% compared to December 2025, from 7.6 to 7.8 per 1,000 residents. This increase aligns with the area's built-up industrial character, where seasonal shifts often influence crime patterns. Locally, the average of 7 crimes reported daily (228 over 31 days) translates to a monthly exposure of 1 crime for every 129 residents. This figure highlights the density of population in the built-up area, where proximity to retail and industrial hubs may amplify interactions that lead to reported incidents. While the rate remains consistent with the area's historical profile, the 14.7% gap above the UK average underscores persistent challenges in managing crime in this region. The monthly context suggests that residents face a slightly higher risk than the national average, though the absolute numbers remain within the range of typical urban crime rates.