Rural Neath Port Talbot Crime Rate

Rural Neath Port Talbot is a safe area with an overall crime rate of 65.4 per 1,000 residents, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6. The area holds a strong safety score of 83/100, reflecting its secure and residential nature. Crime trends have remained stable, with a minor 2.5% decrease year-over-year. Property crime is particularly low at 11.2 per 1,000 people, well below the national average of 32.2. This report provides a detailed analysis of local crime statistics, focusing on when and where incidents are most likely to occur, and offers practical security advice to help residents maintain the high safety standards of their rural community.

In Rural Neath Port Talbot, violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type, accounting for 47.9% of all reports (362 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 16.0% and public order offences at 13.0%. Together, these three categories represent over three-quarters of all recorded crime in the area.

Property crime, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences, occurs at a rate of 11.2 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, 'other theft' is the most common at 3.4%, while vehicle crime accounts for 3.2% (24 crimes) and burglary for 2.4% (18 crimes). Criminal damage and arson make up 7.5% of the total. For residents, the low property crime rate is reassuring, but the fact that vehicle crime and burglary are present highlights the need for continued vigilance. Interestingly, vehicle crime in this area peaks significantly at night, suggesting that car owners should be particularly careful about overnight security.

Rural Neath Port Talbot is currently experiencing a stable crime trend, with a slight 2.5% decrease in total incidents compared to the previous year. Monthly data for 2025 shows a relatively consistent pattern. The year began with a rate of 6.1 in January, with the lowest rate of 3.4 recorded in September. Activity peaked in December at 7.9 per 1,000, which is common as the festive period can see a rise in both social-related offences and opportunistic theft. For the most part, the monthly rate fluctuated between 4.5 and 6.6. This stability is a positive sign for the community, indicating that crime levels are predictable and that existing safety measures are effectively managing the area's security. Residents can feel confident in the overall safety of the region.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Neath Port Talbot

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in the area, followed by anti-social behaviour. To stay safe and protect your property in this rural setting, consider these practical tips based on local data.

1. Focus on Vehicle Security at Night: With 37% of night-time crime being vehicle-related, always park in a well-lit area or a locked garage. Use visible deterrents like steering wheel locks and ensure no valuables are left inside.
2. Secure Your Home in the Afternoon: Burglary is most common in the afternoon (17% of incidents) when you may be away. Ensure all doors and windows are locked, even if you are only out for a short time.
3. Install Motion-Sensor Lighting: A well-lit exterior is a major deterrent for both anti-social behaviour and opportunistic night-time theft. Focus on lighting driveways and all entry points to your home.
4. Be Mindful in Social Settings: Given the prevalence of violence and public order offences, stay aware of your surroundings in social areas, particularly during the evening.
5. Join a Rural Watch Scheme: Rural communities benefit greatly from neighbourly vigilance. Reporting suspicious vehicles or activity to the police or a local watch group can prevent crime before it occurs.

In Rural Neath Port Talbot, crime follows a clear temporal cycle. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the primary concern, accounting for 33% to 38% of all reported incidents. This is the period when properties are most likely to be unattended. As the evening progresses, 'Other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, become more prevalent, making up 59% of activity. However, the most critical shift occurs at night (12am-6am). During these hours, vehicle crime spikes to 37% of all incidents, the highest level of the day. This indicates that while social disturbances are an evening issue, vehicle owners are most at risk during the late-night and early-morning hours. Burglary also remains a steady risk throughout the afternoon and night. Crime intensity typically peaks on Friday and Saturday nights, consistent with national trends for rural and semi-rural areas.

Rural Neath Port Talbot (65.4 per 1,000) serves as a safe baseline for the wider local authority area. It is significantly safer than more urbanised settlements like Abergwynfi (93.8) and Dyffryn Cellwen (90.8). Its crime rate is very similar to other safe villages like Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen (64.3) and Cwmllynfell and Ystradowen (63.8). For those who prefer a rural setting, this area offers a high level of statistical safety that is consistent across the region, making it an attractive location for those seeking a secure and peaceful environment away from the higher crime rates of the UK's larger towns and cities.

In Rural Neath Port Talbot, the property crime rate is a low 11.2 per 1,000. However, the data reveals a specific concern: vehicle crime accounts for a staggering 37% of all incidents between 12am and 6am. Traditional security, such as standard CCTV or video doorbells, often only provides footage of your car being broken into or stolen. For real protection in a rural area where response times can be longer, a proactive approach is essential.

scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that prevents crime before it happens. With features like DVLA vehicle verification, scOS can instantly identify unknown or suspicious vehicles near your property. If a threat is detected at night, the system can autonomously engage with lights and audio, deterring thieves before they even approach your car or home. This proactive response is far more effective than DIY systems that only notify you after the fact. By stopping an incident at the property line, scOS ensures your home and vehicles remain secure, maintaining the area's excellent safety record.