Crime in Swansea district: statistics, rates and trends
21,537 crimes were recorded in Swansea district in the 12 months to July 2026, 85.7 per 1,000 residents. That is close to the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and down 6% on the year before.
Table of Contents
- Crime in Swansea district at a glance
- Crime trends in Swansea district
- Types of crime in Swansea district
- Swansea district compared with nearby districts
- Areas within Swansea district
- Streets with the most crime in Swansea district
- What happened after crimes were reported in Swansea district
- Population and deprivation in Swansea district
- Questions about crime in Swansea district
- About this data
21,537 crimes were recorded in Swansea district in the 12 months to July 2026, 85.7 per 1,000 residents. That is close to the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and down 6% on the year before. The most common offence was violence and sexual offences, with 8,523 reports (40% of the total).
Of the 308 districts covered by this site, Swansea district has the 156th highest crime rate.
| Measure | Swansea district | Wales | England and Wales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crimes, the 12 months to July 2026 | 21,537 | 304,944 | 5,665,700 |
| Crimes per 1,000 residents | 85.7 | 95.7 | 96.4 |
| Change on previous 12 months | -6% | +0% | -1% |
| Population | 251,304 | 3,186,581 | 58,797,018 |
Recorded crime in Swansea district was highest in the year to July 2020 (26,282 crimes) and lowest in the year to July 2026 (21,537). Over the whole period it fell 17%, against a fall of 4% across England and Wales. Rates use today's population for every year, so they show the direction of change rather than exact historic rates.
| Period | Crimes | Per 1,000 | England and Wales per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year to July 2026 | 21,537 | 85.7 | 96.4 |
| Year to July 2025 | 22,947 | 91.3 | 97.1 |
| Year to July 2024 | 24,075 | 95.8 | 97.7 |
| Year to July 2023 | 22,788 | 90.7 | 5.2 |
| Year to July 2022 | 21,999 | 87.5 | 101.3 |
| Year to July 2021 | 25,928 | 103.2 | 102.1 |
| Year to July 2020 | 26,282 | 104.6 | 101.9 |
| Year to July 2019 | 25,727 | 102.4 | 101.5 |
| Year to July 2018 | 25,824 | 102.8 | 100.6 |
Month by month
| Month | Crimes |
|---|---|
| July 2026 | 2,033 |
| June 2026 | 1,966 |
| May 2026 | 1,938 |
| April 2026 | 1,810 |
| March 2026 | 1,878 |
| February 2026 | 1,582 |
| January 2026 | 1,640 |
| December 2025 | 1,575 |
| November 2025 | 1,721 |
| October 2025 | 1,946 |
| September 2025 | 1,585 |
| August 2025 | 1,863 |
The table shows every category of crime recorded in Swansea district over the 12 months to July 2026. The index compares the local rate with England and Wales: 1.00 is the national rate, 2.00 is double it. Rates were well above the national level for public order.
The largest increases were in robbery (+47%) and possession of weapons (+27%). The largest falls were in bicycle theft (-25%) and anti-social behaviour (-21%).
| Crime type | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Index (E&W = 1.00) | Change on year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violence and sexual offences | 8,523 | 33.9 | 0.99 | +1% |
| Anti-social behaviour | 2,461 | 9.8 | 0.64 | -21% |
| Public order | 2,451 | 9.8 | 1.47 | -1% |
| Shoplifting | 2,081 | 8.3 | 1.00 | -12% |
| Criminal damage and arson | 1,627 | 6.5 | 0.95 | -7% |
| Other theft | 1,067 | 4.2 | 0.66 | -15% |
| Drugs | 869 | 3.5 | 1.06 | -9% |
| Vehicle crime | 820 | 3.3 | 0.66 | -18% |
| Other crime | 569 | 2.3 | 1.07 | -3% |
| Burglary | 442 | 1.8 | 0.50 | -7% |
| Possession of weapons | 247 | 1.0 | 1.01 | +27% |
| Robbery | 129 | 0.5 | 0.38 | +47% |
| Theft from the person | 128 | 0.5 | 0.30 | -1% |
| Bicycle theft | 123 | 0.5 | 0.59 | -25% |
Violence and sexual offences in Swansea district
Violence and sexual offences covers offences against the person, from common assault to homicide, and sexual offences. Swansea district recorded 8,523 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (33.9 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 34.2, and up 1% on the year before. It made up 39.6% of all crime in the area.
Anti-social behaviour in Swansea district
Anti-social behaviour covers personal, environmental and nuisance anti-social behaviour. Swansea district recorded 2,461 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (9.8 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 15.3, and down 21% on the year before. It made up 11.4% of all crime in the area.
Public order in Swansea district
Public order covers offences that cause fear, alarm or distress. Swansea district recorded 2,451 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (9.8 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 6.6, and down 1% on the year before. It made up 11.4% of all crime in the area.
Shoplifting in Swansea district
Shoplifting covers theft from shops or stalls. Swansea district recorded 2,081 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (8.3 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 8.3, and down 12% on the year before. It made up 9.7% of all crime in the area.
Criminal damage and arson in Swansea district
Criminal damage and arson covers deliberate damage to property, including setting fire to it. Swansea district recorded 1,627 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (6.5 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 6.8, and down 7% on the year before. It made up 7.6% of all crime in the area.
Other theft in Swansea district
Other theft covers theft not covered by another category, such as theft by an employee or of unattended items. Swansea district recorded 1,067 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (4.2 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.4, and down 15% on the year before. It made up 5.0% of all crime in the area.
Drugs in Swansea district
Drugs covers possession, supply and production of controlled drugs. Swansea district recorded 869 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (3.5 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 3.3, and down 9% on the year before. It made up 4.0% of all crime in the area.
Vehicle crime in Swansea district
Vehicle crime covers theft of or from a vehicle, and interfering with a vehicle. Swansea district recorded 820 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (3.3 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 4.9, and down 18% on the year before. It made up 3.8% of all crime in the area.
Other crime in Swansea district
Other crime covers offences not covered by another category, such as forgery and perjury. Swansea district recorded 569 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (2.3 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 2.1, and down 3% on the year before. It made up 2.6% of all crime in the area.
Burglary in Swansea district
Burglary covers entering a home or other building as a trespasser to steal, or with intent to steal. Swansea district recorded 442 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.8 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 3.5, and down 7% on the year before. It made up 2.1% of all crime in the area.
Possession of weapons in Swansea district
Possession of weapons covers carrying or possessing a weapon such as a firearm or knife. Swansea district recorded 247 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.0 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 1.0, and up 27% on the year before. It made up 1.1% of all crime in the area.
Robbery in Swansea district
Robbery covers theft using force or the threat of force. Swansea district recorded 129 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.5 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.4, and up 47% on the year before. It made up 0.6% of all crime in the area.
Theft from the person in Swansea district
Theft from the person covers theft of property carried on the person, such as pickpocketing, without force. Swansea district recorded 128 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.5 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.7, and almost unchanged on the year before. It made up 0.6% of all crime in the area.
Bicycle theft in Swansea district
Bicycle theft covers the taking of a bicycle without the owner's consent. Swansea district recorded 123 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.5 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 0.8, and down 25% on the year before. It made up 0.6% of all crime in the area.
Crime rates in the districts closest to Swansea district, for the 12 months to July 2026. The last column shows each area's rate relative to Swansea district.
| District | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Rate vs Swansea district |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neath Port Talbot | 11,633 | 81.2 | -5% |
| Carmarthenshire | 16,454 | 86.2 | +1% |
| Bridgend | 12,344 | 83.7 | -2% |
| Rhondda Cynon Taf | 20,613 | 84.9 | -1% |
| Merthyr Tydfil | 6,367 | 108.0 | +26% |
| Vale of Glamorgan | 9,784 | 72.1 | -16% |
| Caerphilly | 18,746 | 106.0 | +24% |
| Blaenau Gwent | 9,956 | 146.7 | +71% |
48 areas within Swansea district, ordered by crime rate over the 12 months to July 2026. Castle had the highest rate (337.6 per 1,000) and Southgate the lowest (14.6). Busy town and city centres often show high rates because many of the people there do not live there.
| Area | Type | Population | Crimes | Per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castle | Neighbourhood | 14,842 | 5,010 | 337.6 |
| Waterfront | Neighbourhood | 5,263 | 1,280 | 243.2 |
| Penderry | Neighbourhood | 12,311 | 1,367 | 111.0 |
| Swansea | Town | 181,303 | 18,084 | 99.7 |
| Townhill | Neighbourhood | 9,320 | 928 | 99.6 |
| Cockett | Neighbourhood | 10,357 | 975 | 94.1 |
| Morriston | Neighbourhood | 16,873 | 1,542 | 91.4 |
| Bôn-y-maen | Neighbourhood | 7,853 | 649 | 82.6 |
| Landore | Neighbourhood | 8,029 | 637 | 79.3 |
| Waunarlwydd | Neighbourhood | 3,065 | 241 | 78.6 |
| Mynydd-bach | Neighbourhood | 9,246 | 721 | 78.0 |
| Uplands | Neighbourhood | 15,889 | 1,200 | 75.5 |
| Clydach (Swansea) | Town | 7,330 | 521 | 71.1 |
| Clydach | Neighbourhood | 9,296 | 645 | 69.4 |
| West Cross | Neighbourhood | 6,471 | 443 | 68.5 |
| Gorseinon and Penyrheol | Neighbourhood | 10,666 | 729 | 68.3 |
| St Thomas | Neighbourhood | 7,365 | 501 | 68.0 |
| Llansamlet | Neighbourhood | 15,213 | 1,030 | 67.7 |
| Cwmbwrla | Neighbourhood | 7,778 | 517 | 66.5 |
| Gowerton | Town | 8,148 | 508 | 62.3 |
| Gorseinon | Town | 13,572 | 781 | 57.5 |
| Grovesend | Town | 1,515 | 84 | 55.4 |
| Gowerton | Neighbourhood | 5,083 | 267 | 52.5 |
| Pontarddulais | Town | 6,818 | 351 | 51.5 |
| Pontarddulais | Neighbourhood | 6,818 | 351 | 51.5 |
| Sketty | Neighbourhood | 15,492 | 790 | 51.0 |
| Mumbles | Neighbourhood | 7,359 | 322 | 43.8 |
| Llangyfelach | Neighbourhood | 1,478 | 63 | 42.6 |
| Loughor | Town | 5,634 | 236 | 41.9 |
| Llwchwr | Neighbourhood | 10,055 | 372 | 37.0 |
| Gower | Neighbourhood | 3,432 | 123 | 35.8 |
| Penllergaer | Town | 3,938 | 141 | 35.8 |
| Penllergaer | Neighbourhood | 3,938 | 141 | 35.8 |
| Upper Killay | Town | 1,327 | 42 | 31.7 |
| Pontlliw and Tircoed | Neighbourhood | 3,572 | 108 | 30.2 |
| Fairwood | Neighbourhood | 2,723 | 82 | 30.1 |
| Three Crosses | Town | 1,396 | 40 | 28.7 |
| Pen-clawdd | Town | 2,013 | 56 | 27.8 |
| Dunvant and Killay | Neighbourhood | 9,189 | 233 | 25.4 |
| Tircoed | Town | 1,936 | 47 | 24.3 |
| Mayals | Neighbourhood | 2,600 | 63 | 24.2 |
| Pen-clawdd | Neighbourhood | 3,664 | 85 | 23.2 |
| Bishopston | Town | 3,376 | 71 | 21.0 |
| Bishopston | Neighbourhood | 3,376 | 71 | 21.0 |
| Dunvant | Town | 1,413 | 29 | 20.5 |
| Pennard | Neighbourhood | 2,688 | 51 | 19.0 |
| Crofty | Town | 1,651 | 29 | 17.6 |
| Southgate | Town | 1,649 | 24 | 14.6 |
Police.uk records each crime at an approximate location, usually the centre of a nearby street or a landmark, to protect victims' privacy. These are the locations with the most reports in Swansea district over the 12 months to July 2026.
| Location | Crimes |
|---|---|
| On or near Parking Area | 1,267 |
| On or near Nightclub | 547 |
| On or near Supermarket | 527 |
| On or near Sports/Recreation Area | 269 |
| On or near Mount Pleasant Drive | 248 |
| On or near Shopping Area | 236 |
| On or near Castle Square | 233 |
| On or near Petrol Station | 210 |
| On or near Morriston Hospital | 172 |
| On or near Green Dragon Lane | 155 |
The latest recorded outcome for crimes in Swansea district over the 12 months to July 2026. Many cases are still open when the data is published, and anti-social behaviour has no outcome recorded, so these shares change as investigations finish.
| Outcome | Crimes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unable to prosecute suspect | 6,732 | 31.3% |
| Investigation complete; no suspect identified | 5,138 | 23.9% |
| Under investigation | 3,043 | 14.1% |
| Not recorded | 2,461 | 11.4% |
| Awaiting court outcome | 1,521 | 7.1% |
| Status update unavailable | 929 | 4.3% |
| Court result unavailable | 888 | 4.1% |
| Local resolution | 363 | 1.7% |
| Further investigation is not in the public interest | 282 | 1.3% |
| Offender given a caution | 91 | 0.4% |
| Formal action is not in the public interest | 50 | 0.2% |
| Action to be taken by another organisation | 33 | 0.2% |
Swansea district has an estimated population of 251,304. On the Wales WIMD 2025, the average neighbourhood in Swansea district sits in decile 5.8, close to the middle. Deprivation and recorded crime are linked, but many other factors shape local crime rates.
| Measure | Swansea district |
|---|---|
| Aged 0 to 15 | 16.7% |
| Aged 16 to 64 | 63.0% |
| Aged 65 and over | 20.3% |
| Homes owned outright or with a mortgage | 62.6% |
| Social rented homes | 19.1% |
| Private rented homes | 18.0% |
| Average deprivation decile (1 = most deprived, 10 = least) | 5.8 |
| Residents in the most deprived 10% of areas | 13.4% |
Is Swansea district a safe place to live?
Swansea district recorded 85.7 crimes per 1,000 residents in the 12 months to July 2026, close to the England and Wales rate of 96.4. Crime is concentrated in a small number of places within most areas, often busy centres and transport hubs, so the rate for a single street can differ a lot from the area as a whole.
What is the most common crime in Swansea district?
Violence and sexual offences was the most common category, with 8,523 reports in the 12 months to July 2026, followed by anti-social behaviour (2,461).
Is crime in Swansea district going up or down?
Recorded crime in Swansea district was down 6% on the year before: 21,537 crimes in the 12 months to July 2026 against 22,947 in the previous 12 months.
Which police force covers Swansea district?
Swansea district is policed by South Wales. Non-emergency crimes can be reported online to the force or by calling 101; in an emergency call 999.
How are these crime rates calculated?
Each rate is the number of crimes recorded by the police in the 12 months to July 2026, divided by the resident population and multiplied by 1,000. Crime data is from data.police.uk and population estimates are from the Office for National Statistics.
Figures are police-recorded crime published on data.police.uk, covering August 2017 to July 2026. Each crime is counted in the small area (LSOA) where it was recorded and added up to Swansea district. Crimes recorded by British Transport Police are not included.
Population figures are ONS mid-year estimates. See the methodology for details.