Swansea Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Swansea during January 2026 reveals a stark contrast between violent and property-related offences, with the former dominating the landscape. Violence and sexual offences accounted for nearly 40% of all reported crimes, a figure significantly higher than the UK average of 2.4 per 1,000. This dominance of violent crime may be influenced by the area’s urban density and the social dynamics of its larger communities. Public order offences, making up 10.6% of total crimes, were 71% above the UK average, pointing to potential issues in managing crowds or addressing local grievances in public spaces. Shoplifting, though lower than public order offences, still contributed 10.1% of crimes and was 27% above the UK average, a trend often seen in areas with high retail presence. Seasonal factors likely played a role in these patterns: January’s post-holiday period, shorter daylight hours, and reduced footfall in commercial areas may have altered the nature of criminal activity. While property crimes such as burglary and vehicle crime were lower than the UK average—burglary was 64% below and vehicle crime 46% below—this may reflect effective policing or the physical layout of the area, which could reduce opportunities for such offences. The data also highlights a marked increase in anti-social behaviour, though this category was 34% below the UK average, suggesting a nuanced picture where certain types of disorder are more prevalent locally. This mix of crime types offers insight into the challenges faced by Swansea’s residents and the need for targeted interventions that address both violent and public order issues while capitalising on the lower rates of property crime.

January 2026 saw a striking increase in possession of weapons, rising by 91.7% compared to the previous month, with 23 incidents reported. This surge, though not uncommon in urban centres, raises questions about local factors contributing to such a sharp rise. Concurrently, drugs-related crimes rose by 36.1%, moving from 61 to 83 cases, a trend that may reflect seasonal shifts in illicit activity. Public order offences also climbed by 22.5%, reaching 174 cases, significantly above the UK average of 0.4 per 1,000. This spike, coupled with a 10.6% share of total crimes, suggests heightened tensions in public spaces. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 63.6%, from 11 to 4 cases, a decline that may be linked to reduced outdoor activity during shorter winter days. Vehicle crime also dropped by 25.4%, aligning with the seasonal context of lower retail footfall. These shifts highlight a combination of local conditions and broader national trends.

Swansea’s crime rate in January 2026 rose by 4.1% compared to December 2025, moving from 6.3 to 6.5 per 1,000 residents. This upward trend, though modest, reflects a shift in crime patterns during the post-holiday period. Daily crime figures show 53 reported crimes per day, a rate that, while consistent with historical norms, underscores the need for vigilance during the month. Over the course of January, one crime was reported for every 153 residents, a monthly exposure figure that aligns with Swansea’s broader demographic profile. This ratio, when considered alongside the local population of 251,304, illustrates the scale of risk faced by individuals. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, the mix of crimes—particularly the sharp increase in public order offences—suggests localized pressures that may not be fully captured by national statistics. The comparison highlights the importance of contextualising Swansea’s data within its unique social and geographic framework.