Pontarddulais Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The most unexpected development in October 2023 was the 200% surge in 'other theft' crimes, a category that typically constitutes a small share of the area's crime profile. This spike, from 1 to 3 incidents, occurred alongside a 66.7% rise in vehicle crime, which reached 5 cases—0.8 per 1,000 residents, 54% above the UK average. These movements contrast with the 40% decline in anti-social behaviour, which fell to 6 incidents, and the 50% drop in public order offences, which now account for just 5% of total crimes. The overall crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents places Pontarddulais 23.8% below the UK average, a consistent trend that suggests the area's built-up character and proximity to Swansea's urban infrastructure may contribute to its relatively low rates. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 45% of all crimes, a figure that aligns with the area's historical patterns of higher violent crime compared to property crime. Seasonal factors appear to play a role, as darker evenings and the approach of Halloween may have influenced both the increase in 'other theft' and the stability of the overall rate. The UK average for violence and sexual offences (2.7 per 1,000) is just 4% above Pontarddulais' rate, indicating that local efforts to address violent crime may be effective, though the area still sees a higher proportion of such incidents than the national average.

The most striking movement in October was the 200% increase in 'other theft' crimes, rising from 1 to 3 incidents. This jump, though small in absolute terms, suggests potential shifts in criminal activity patterns, possibly linked to seasonal factors like Halloween or increased retail activity. Vehicle crime also rose sharply by 66.7%, reflecting a 25% increase in incidents compared to the prior month. This category's rate of 0.8 per 1,000 residents placed it 54% above the UK average, a stark contrast to the 30% deficit seen in anti-social behaviour, which fell by 40% to 6 incidents. The breakdown shows a shift in crime mix, with violent crimes (45% of total) outpacing property crimes (55%), a reversal of the usual trend in the area. Residents may find the 200% rise in 'other theft' particularly concerning, as it marks the most significant single-month change in the dataset.

Pontarddulais maintained a stable crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents in October 2023, matching the rate recorded in the previous month. This consistency suggests no abrupt shifts in local conditions, though the monthly exposure figure—1 crime per 163 residents—provides a tangible sense of risk for residents. Daily crime context shows an average of 1.3 crimes reported each day, a figure that aligns with the area's low overall rate compared to the UK average. The population-scaled perspective reveals that over the course of the month, each resident faced a 0.06% chance of being directly involved in a reported crime, a statistic that contextualises the rate in human terms. While the daily figure may seem high in absolute terms, the monthly aggregate highlights the rarity of incidents relative to the area's population. This stability contrasts with broader UK trends, where Pontarddulais' rate remains 23.8% below the national average, reinforcing its status as a relatively safer built-up area within Swansea.