Swansea Crime Rate

Swansea local authority area maintains a safety score of 79/100, which aligns perfectly with the UK national average. The overall crime rate for the area is 89.3 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is slightly lower than the UK average of 91.7. Recent data indicates that the crime trend is stable, with a minor -4.0% change year-over-year. While the city centre experiences higher levels of activity typical of an urban hub, the broader local authority area remains a secure and stable environment. With a property crime rate of 26.0 per 1,000, Swansea is safer than many comparable UK regions. The following report provides a detailed analysis of crime types, trends, and safety recommendations across the local authority area.

Swansea is a diverse coastal city and local authority area that serves as the administrative centre for south-west Wales. Its crime statistics are influenced by a mix of urban, suburban, and rural characteristics. The city centre is a major commercial hub with a significant retail presence, which contributes to higher rates of shoplifting and theft. Additionally, Swansea is home to a large student population attending its two universities, which can lead to a transient population and increased activity in residential areas.

The city's nightlife, particularly around the Wind Street and Uplands areas, is a major driver of public order and anti-social behaviour reports. As a transport hub with a central railway station and bus network, the area also experiences higher footfall, which can influence crime figures. Economic factors, including pockets of deprivation alongside more affluent suburban and coastal areas like Mumbles and the Gower, also play a role in the distribution of crime. These varied factors contribute to Swansea's overall safety profile, balancing the challenges of an urban centre with the relative peace of its rural and coastal surroundings.

In Swansea, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, accounting for 38.5% of all incidents with 8,634 reports. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 13.3% and public order offences at 10.8%. These categories are common in urban local authorities with significant nightlife and commercial centres.

Property-related crime—which includes burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—is a significant concern for residents and businesses, with a combined rate of 26.0 per 1,000 people. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.3, it represents a substantial volume of activity. Shoplifting is a major component of property crime, with 2,052 incidents (9.1% of total crime), reflecting the city's large retail sector. Burglary rates are relatively low at 1.8 per 1,000, but when combined with vehicle crime and other theft, property security remains a top priority. For homeowners, the data suggests that while violent crime is the most common report, the risk of opportunistic theft and criminal damage is a constant factor that requires robust security measures.

Swansea has maintained a stable safety profile over the past year. Total crime has decreased by 4.0% year-over-year, a minor but positive shift that indicates a consistent security environment. This stability is a good sign for residents, suggesting that crime levels are being effectively managed across the local authority.

Looking at the monthly data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025, the crime rate per 1,000 residents has shown some seasonal fluctuation. The lowest rates were recorded in December (6.6) and September (6.3), while the highest rates occurred in March, May, and June, all reaching 8.0 to 8.2 per 1,000. These peaks often coincide with periods of increased footfall and social activity during the spring and summer months. However, the rates remained relatively steady for most of the year, never exceeding 8.2. This consistent performance, combined with the slight annual decrease, confirms that Swansea is a stable and relatively safe area for its population.

When comparing Swansea to its neighbouring local authorities, it is important to note the regional context. Swansea's crime rate of 89.3 per 1,000 is higher than its immediate neighbours, including Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthenshire, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, and the Vale of Glamorgan, all of which reported significantly lower levels of activity during this period. This difference is largely due to Swansea's status as a major regional urban and commercial centre, which naturally draws higher footfall and associated criminal activity. However, for those considering the region, Swansea offers a balanced safety profile that remains better than the UK national average, providing urban amenities with a level of security that compares well with other major UK cities.

With a property crime rate of 26.0 per 1,000 residents, Swansea property owners should be aware of the risks posed by theft, shoplifting, and criminal damage. Traditional security systems, such as Ring or Nest cameras, are often reactive; they provide footage of a crime only after it has already occurred. In a city environment where opportunistic theft is common, reactive recording is simply not enough to protect your home or business.

Proactive protection is essential for Swansea residents who want to prevent crime before it happens. The scOS AI-powered security system is designed to stop threats at the property boundary. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your surroundings, scOS can detect an intruder the moment they step onto your land. Its autonomous response system then activates lights and speakers, destroying the element of surprise that criminals rely on. In an area where property crime accounts for a significant portion of total activity, the visible presence of a professional-grade AI system like scOS acts as a powerful deterrent, often convincing potential intruders to move on to a less protected target. Choose proactive protection to stop crime, not just record it.

How To Keep Safe in Swansea

The most common crime in the Swansea local authority area is violence and sexual offences. While many of these incidents are concentrated in high-footfall urban areas, all residents should practice good personal safety habits.

When visiting Swansea city centre or other busy areas, stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through unlit parks or isolated alleys. If you feel unsafe, move toward a populated area or a well-lit business.

Anti-social behaviour is a common issue. If you witness or are affected by ASB, report it to the local authorities to help them identify problem areas. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch group can also help communities work together to reduce these incidents and improve overall safety.

Swansea has a significant retail sector, and shoplifting is a major crime type. For business owners, robust security is essential. For residents, be mindful of your personal belongings in public spaces and never leave bags unattended in shops or cafes.

Given the property crime rate, ensure your home and vehicle are as secure as possible. Install high-quality locks on all doors and windows, and consider a visible security system. Motion-activated lighting is also an effective and low-cost deterrent for opportunistic thieves.