Swansea Crime Rate

Swansea local authority, with a population of 251,304, maintains a safety profile that is slightly better than the UK national average. The area has an overall crime rate of 89.0 per 1,000 people, compared to the UK average of 91.6, earning it a safety score of 79/100. The crime trend is currently stable, with a minor 3.8% decrease year-over-year. Property crime in the region is notably lower than the national average, standing at 25.7 per 1,000 residents against the UK's 32.2. This indicates that while Swansea is a major urban and administrative centre, it remains a relatively secure area for its residents, with a consistent level of safety across its various communities.

Swansea is a major coastal city and local authority in Wales, characterized by a diverse mix of urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. As a regional hub, it features a bustling city centre, a significant university population, and a vibrant nightlife concentrated around areas like Wind Street. These factors, combined with major transport links and its status as a tourist destination for the Gower Peninsula, contribute to its crime profile. The transient nature of students and visitors, alongside high-density commercial activity, often correlates with higher reports of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Economically, Swansea has seen significant redevelopment, yet some urban pockets face challenges that can influence local crime rates. The administrative area also includes quieter residential suburbs and rural villages, which typically report much lower crime levels than the central urban core. Understanding Swansea's crime statistics requires acknowledging this balance between a high-activity regional centre and its more peaceful outlying communities.

In the Swansea local authority area, the most frequent crime categories are violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38.6% of all reports (34.4 per 1,000), anti-social behaviour at 13.3% (11.8 per 1,000), and public order offences at 10.8% (9.6 per 1,000). Shoplifting is also a significant factor, representing 8.9% of the total.

Property crime in Swansea is relatively low compared to national figures, with a rate of 25.7 per 1,000 people, well below the UK average of 32.2. This category is primarily driven by shoplifting and 'other theft'. Burglary and vehicle crime account for a much smaller portion of the total, at 2.0% and 3.9% respectively. For residents and homeowners across the district, this suggests that while personal safety and public conduct are the main statistical concerns, the risk of traditional property theft remains below the UK average. However, the concentration of these incidents in urban centres means that urban residents should maintain higher levels of vigilance than those in the rural parts of the authority.

Swansea's crime trend is stable, showing a minor 3.8% reduction over the last year. Monthly data for 2025 indicates that the crime rate per 1,000 remained relatively consistent, peaking at 8.2 in March and May. The lowest activity was recorded in September and December, both at 6.3 per 1,000. Most other months fluctuated between 6.9 and 8.1. This level of consistency suggests that crime in Swansea is predictable and not subject to significant spikes, reflecting a well-managed local environment where safety levels are maintained year-round for the population of over 250,000.

Within the regional context of South West Wales, Swansea serves as the primary urban and commercial centre. Its crime rate of 89.0 per 1,000 is reflective of its status as a high-activity hub. In comparison, surrounding local authority areas such as Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthenshire, and the Vale of Glamorgan often show lower recorded crime rates in rural and suburban patches. However, Swansea's figures are typical for a city of its size and importance. For those looking for the amenities of a major city while maintaining a safety level that aligns with the UK average, Swansea provides a balanced and secure environment.

With a property crime rate of 25.7 per 1,000 across the Swansea local authority, residents should be aware that while the risk is below the UK average, urban areas remain targets for opportunists. Traditional security systems, such as Ring or Nest, are largely reactive; they provide footage of a crime after it has already occurred. For homeowners in Swansea who want to actively prevent crime, scOS offers a proactive alternative. Using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time. It can distinguish between normal activity and a potential threat, activating autonomous responses like lights and audio alerts to deter intruders before they attempt a break-in. This professional-grade approach is designed to stop crime at the property line, which is far more effective than simply recording an incident after the fact.

How To Keep Safe in Swansea

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type across the Swansea local authority, particularly in high-density urban areas. Staying safe involves a combination of personal awareness and community engagement.

1. When in the city centre or high-activity areas at night, stay with friends and stick to well-lit, busy routes.
2. Be mindful of your personal belongings in crowded places, as shoplifting and 'other theft' are notable contributors to local crime stats.
3. If you live in a residential area, participate in a neighbourhood watch scheme to stay informed about local trends and suspicious activity.
4. Ensure your home's security is robust, especially if you live in more urbanized parts of the authority where property crime is more frequent.
5. Report any instances of anti-social behaviour or public disorder to the local police; early reporting helps prevent these issues from escalating.
6. For those in the student or nightlife districts, use personal safety apps and be aware of the location of safe spaces and transport hubs.