Swansea Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

February 2025 marked a sharp spike in drug-related crimes in Swansea, a coastal urban area, with an overall crime rate of 8.6 per 1,000 residents — 28.4% above the UK average of 6.7 per 1,000. This figure reflects a notable imbalance in the crime profile, dominated by violence and sexual offences (36.8% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (11.6%), both of which significantly outpace national averages. The seasonal context of a winter month, characterised by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, may contribute to patterns observed in Swansea’s crime data. While drug-related crimes surged, other categories such as bicycle theft and burglary showed marked declines, suggesting shifting dynamics in criminal activity. The dominance of property crimes (449 incidents) over violent crimes (571 incidents) is noteworthy, though the latter’s share of total crimes (36.8%) remains high compared to UK averages. This divergence could be linked to Swansea’s urban density and proximity to major transport hubs, which may amplify certain types of criminal behaviour. The data also highlights a stark contrast in drug-related crime rates — 0.8 per 1,000 in Swansea compared to the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000 — a 220% disparity that underscores local challenges in addressing substance-related offences. These patterns, while influenced by seasonal factors, require targeted interventions to address the specific needs of Swansea’s population.

The most dramatic month-on-month change was a 206.1% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from 49 to 150 incidents. This surge, which brought Swansea’s drug crime rate to 0.8 per 1,000 — 220% above the UK average — suggests a significant escalation in illicit activity during the winter months. Concurrently, bicycle theft fell by 50.0% (from 10 to 5 incidents), a decline that may reflect reduced outdoor activity or seasonal variations in theft patterns. Vehicle crime also dropped by 30.8% (from 91 to 63 incidents), though this category still remained 8% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, which accounted for 11.6% of all crimes, showed a smaller but consistent increase of 3% above the UK average. These shifts in crime mix — with property crimes (449) slightly outnumbering violent crimes (571) — contrast with the UK’s broader trend of declining property crime rates. For residents, the 220% disparity in drug crime rates compared to the UK average highlights a critical local issue that may require enhanced community policing and support services. The 16 incidents of weapon possession — 67% above the UK average — further underscore Swansea’s unique challenges in addressing specific crime types.

Swansea’s crime rate in February 2025 rose by 3.4% compared to the previous month’s rate of 8.3 per 1,000, reflecting a modest but measurable upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 55 crimes per day — a figure that, while not alarmingly high, underscores the persistent nature of criminal activity in a built-up urban environment. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 116 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is 3.4% higher than the previous month but still comparable to other UK cities of similar size. When viewed against the UK average, Swansea’s 8.6 per 1,000 crime rate places it in a higher bracket, though this disparity is not evenly distributed across crime categories. For example, while drug-related crimes are 220% above the UK average, theft from the person is 100% below — a contrast that may reflect differences in policing strategies or local demographics. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Swansea’s crime profile is shaped by both its urban character and specific vulnerabilities, such as the disproportionate focus on drug-related offences. These comparisons highlight the need for targeted interventions that address Swansea’s unique challenges without overgeneralising from national trends.