Pontarddulais Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Anti-social behaviour dominated Pontarddulais' crime profile in May 2024, accounting for 40.4% of all reported crimes. At 21 incidents, this category was 121% above the UK average of 1.4 per 1,000, marking a stark contrast to the area's overall crime rate of 8.0 per 1,000 — 4.8% below the UK average of 8.4. The spike in anti-social behaviour, which surged 133.3% from April's 9 incidents, aligns with May's extended evenings and increased outdoor socialising, a pattern consistent with seasonal trends in similar urban areas. Violence and sexual offences followed at 13 incidents (25.0% of total), but this category was 30% below the UK average. The area's crime mix shows a clear property-violent imbalance, with property crimes (15 incidents) slightly outpacing violent crimes (13 incidents). Shoplifting, at 7 incidents (13.5% of total), was 72% above the UK average, possibly reflecting the presence of retail outlets in the built-up area. The data suggests a seasonal shift in criminal activity, with anti-social behaviour and shoplifting peaking during May's longer daylight hours and bank holidays, while public order offences fell by 50% compared to April. This pattern may reflect temporary factors such as increased community events or adjustments in policing priorities during the month.

May 2024 saw a 133.3% surge in anti-social behaviour, rising from 9 to 21 incidents — the largest month-on-month increase in the area. This category's 121% above UK average rate (1.4 vs 3.2 per 1,000) highlights a localised issue that may relate to the built-up area's density and social dynamics. Shoplifting also doubled from 0 to 7 incidents, a 100% increase, positioning it 72% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This jump could indicate heightened retail activity or targeted criminal behaviour during May's extended shopping hours. In contrast, public order offences fell by 50% (from 4 to 2), and violence and sexual offences decreased by 27.8% (from 18 to 13), both below UK averages. The crime mix shifted significantly, with property crimes (15) outpacing violent crimes (13) for the first time this year. Bicycle theft was 150% above the UK average (0.1 vs 0.2 per 1,000). Residents may find the 50% drop in public order offences — which includes disorderly conduct and alcohol-related incidents — particularly relevant for community safety planning.

Pontarddulais' crime rate in May 2024 (8.0 per 1,000) marked a 20.9% increase from April's 6.6 per 1,000, reflecting a monthly upward trend. This places the area's overall crime rate 4.8% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, though the gap narrowed compared to previous months. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day in May — a figure that, while modest, highlights the persistent presence of criminal activity in a built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 125 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is slightly below the average for similar-sized urban areas. The population context reveals that with 6,515 residents, the area's crime profile must be understood within the framework of its density and infrastructure. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, the stark divergence in specific categories — particularly anti-social behaviour — underscores the need for targeted local interventions. The 20.9% increase from April, despite remaining below the UK average, suggests a temporary fluctuation that may be influenced by seasonal factors such as increased foot traffic during May's bank holidays and longer evenings.