Gorseinon Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

December 2023 revealed an unexpected surge in burglary, a crime type that typically declines during the winter months when homes are occupied or secured. This 100% increase—from one to two incidents—contrasts sharply with the broader trend of declining crime in Gorseinon, a built-up area within Swansea. The overall crime rate of 4.4 per 1,000 residents placed the area 38.9% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000, a gap that may reflect the town’s relatively compact, community-focused character. Violence and sexual offences, the most prevalent category (36.5% of total crimes), remained 39% below the UK average (1.6 vs 2.6 per 1,000), a pattern consistent with areas where community policing and social cohesion contribute to lower violent crime. However, the spike in burglary raises questions about seasonal factors, such as the increased likelihood of empty homes during the holiday period or reduced patrols in certain areas. Public order offences (0.6 per 1,000) exceeded the UK average by 25%, suggesting that the area’s high streets or nightlife hubs may experience persistent disruptions. The seasonal context of December—dark evenings, Christmas shopping, and the closure of some businesses—likely influenced crime patterns, with retail theft and anti-social behaviour typically peaking during this time. Yet the 56.3% drop in anti-social behaviour from 16 to 7 cases suggests that local efforts, such as improved lighting or community engagement, may have mitigated some risks. This interplay of rising and falling crime types underscores the complexity of maintaining safety in a town with both urban and residential elements. The overall low crime rate, combined with the unexpected burglary increase, highlights the need for targeted strategies that balance routine prevention with seasonal preparedness.

December 2023 saw three sharp increases in specific crime types, most burglary, which doubled from one to two incidents—a 100% rise. Other theft also surged by 100%, jumping from three to six cases, while possession of weapons, previously unreported, appeared for the first time. These increases contrast with declines in anti-social behaviour (56.3% drop from 16 to 7) and shoplifting (25% decrease from 8 to 6). The violence and sexual offences category remained below the UK average (1.6 vs 2.6 per 1,000), though public order offences (0.6 per 1,000) exceeded the UK average by 25%. For residents, the rise in burglary may signal heightened vulnerability during the holiday period, when homes are often unoccupied or poorly lit. This contrasts with the overall trend of decreasing crime, suggesting targeted interventions could address specific vulnerabilities.

Gorseinon's December 2023 crime rate of 4.4 per 1,000 residents marked a 13.7% decline from the previous month’s 5.0 per 1,000. This reduction, though modest, aligns with the seasonal lull in certain crime types as December’s long evenings and holiday closures likely curbed opportunities for some offences. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 2 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that appears relatively low compared to national averages when scaled to local demographics. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 230 residents, a monthly exposure rate that may reflect the area’s compact built-up nature and potential for community cohesion to mitigate incidents. The population context further underscores the significance of these figures: with 14,479 residents, the absolute number of crimes (63) remains small, though the distribution across categories reveals distinct patterns. This scale suggests that local initiatives or environmental factors—such as lighting in public spaces or community engagement—may play a role in maintaining this lower-than-UK-average rate.