Swansea Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Swansea's crime rate in May 2024 stood at 8.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 2.4% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, making up 36.4% of all reported incidents—a figure significantly higher than the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000 for this category. This category alone was 9% above the UK average, reflecting a pattern consistent with Swansea's urban core, where high-density housing and nightlife areas may contribute to such rates. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences followed, though the latter was 59% above the UK average, likely tied to Swansea's coastal location and seasonal shifts in outdoor activity. The month of May, with its longer evenings and bank holidays, may have amplified socialising in public spaces, creating environments conducive to both public order issues and violent incidents. Shoplifting also featured prominently, with rates 56% above the UK average, linked to Swansea's retail hubs and tourist presence. These findings suggest a combination of local geography, seasonal rhythms, and community dynamics. The overall crime rate, while slightly above the UK average, shows a balanced distribution between property and violent crime, with property crimes accounting for 32.5% of the total and violent crimes for 36.4%, indicating no significant shift in the crime mix compared to previous months.

May 2024 saw sharp increases in burglary (+235%), theft from the person (+100%), and robbery (+66.7%), with burglary rising from 20 to 67 incidents. This surge in burglary may be linked to Swansea's mix of urban and semi-rural areas, where targeted properties during warmer evenings could be more vulnerable. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 23.3%, from 86 to 66 incidents, reflecting increased parking security measures in high-traffic zones. Public order offences were 59% above the UK average, a figure that may align with Swansea's coastal character and the increased outdoor activity associated with May's longer evenings. Shoplifting rates. from 264 to 242, remained 56% above the UK average, suggesting persistent challenges in retail areas. Anti-social behaviour, at 14.0% of all crimes, was 17% below the UK average, indicating effective community policing in Swansea's more densely populated areas. These figures highlight a mixed picture: while some categories show marked improvement, others reveal persistent vulnerabilities tied to the city's demographics and geography. For residents, the rise in burglary rates underscores the importance of securing homes, particularly in areas with transient populations or during periods of increased outdoor activity.

Swansea's crime rate in May 2024 rose by 13.3% compared to the previous month's rate of 7.6 per 1,000, translating to roughly 70 crimes per day over the 31-day period. This equates to one reported crime occurring for every 116 residents over the course of the month—a figure that, while not alarmingly high, suggests a consistent presence of crime in the area. When compared to the UK average, Swansea's rate remains within a narrow margin, though the localised spikes in violent and public order crimes indicate distinct challenges. The population context—251,304 residents—means that even relatively small increases in crime can have measurable impacts on community safety perceptions. For example, the 235% rise in burglary incidents, though numerically small in absolute terms, represents a significant shift in risk for households in affected areas. The daily crime count of 70 provides a tangible benchmark for residents: in a typical week, over 490 crimes would be reported, a number that may feel disproportionate given Swansea's size. This highlights the need for targeted interventions in specific hotspots, such as retail zones or residential areas with high burglary rates. The comparison also underscores that while Swansea's overall rate is only slightly above the UK average, the distribution of crime types reveals unique local challenges that require tailored approaches.