Crime in Swansea: statistics, rates and trends
18,084 crimes were recorded in Swansea in the 12 months to July 2026, 99.7 per 1,000 residents. That is close to the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and down 5% on the year before.
Table of Contents
- Crime in Swansea at a glance
- Crime trends in Swansea
- Types of crime in Swansea
- Swansea compared with nearby towns
- Areas within Swansea
- Streets with the most crime in Swansea
- What happened after crimes were reported in Swansea
- Population and deprivation in Swansea
- Questions about crime in Swansea
- About this data
18,084 crimes were recorded in Swansea in the 12 months to July 2026, 99.7 per 1,000 residents. That is close to the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and down 5% on the year before. The most common offence was violence and sexual offences, with 6,988 reports (39% of the total).
Of the 1,408 towns covered by this site, Swansea has the 358th highest crime rate.
| Measure | Swansea | Swansea | England and Wales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crimes, the 12 months to July 2026 | 18,084 | 21,537 | 5,665,700 |
| Crimes per 1,000 residents | 99.7 | 85.7 | 96.4 |
| Change on previous 12 months | -5% | -6% | -1% |
| Population | 181,303 | 251,304 | 58,797,018 |
Recorded crime in Swansea was highest in the year to July 2018 (21,780 crimes) and lowest in the year to July 2026 (18,084). 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 | 18,084 | 99.7 | 96.4 |
| Year to July 2025 | 19,131 | 105.5 | 97.1 |
| Year to July 2024 | 20,180 | 111.3 | 97.7 |
| Year to July 2023 | 19,112 | 105.4 | 5.2 |
| Year to July 2022 | 18,319 | 101.0 | 101.3 |
| Year to July 2021 | 21,277 | 117.4 | 102.1 |
| Year to July 2020 | 21,429 | 118.2 | 101.9 |
| Year to July 2019 | 21,330 | 117.6 | 101.5 |
| Year to July 2018 | 21,780 | 120.1 | 100.6 |
Month by month
| Month | Crimes |
|---|---|
| July 2026 | 1,697 |
| June 2026 | 1,635 |
| May 2026 | 1,605 |
| April 2026 | 1,546 |
| March 2026 | 1,542 |
| February 2026 | 1,338 |
| January 2026 | 1,400 |
| December 2025 | 1,337 |
| November 2025 | 1,457 |
| October 2025 | 1,614 |
| September 2025 | 1,358 |
| August 2025 | 1,555 |
The table shows every category of crime recorded in Swansea 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, shoplifting, drugs.
The largest increases were in robbery (+53%) and possession of weapons (+28%). The largest falls were in anti-social behaviour (-21%) and vehicle crime (-19%).
| Crime type | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Index (E&W = 1.00) | Change on year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violence and sexual offences | 6,988 | 38.5 | 1.13 | +2% |
| Public order | 2,040 | 11.3 | 1.69 | +0% |
| Anti-social behaviour | 1,987 | 11.0 | 0.71 | -21% |
| Shoplifting | 1,987 | 11.0 | 1.32 | -12% |
| Criminal damage and arson | 1,318 | 7.3 | 1.07 | -6% |
| Other theft | 904 | 5.0 | 0.78 | -13% |
| Drugs | 795 | 4.4 | 1.34 | -6% |
| Vehicle crime | 682 | 3.8 | 0.76 | -19% |
| Other crime | 450 | 2.5 | 1.18 | -3% |
| Burglary | 362 | 2.0 | 0.56 | -8% |
| Possession of weapons | 215 | 1.2 | 1.22 | +28% |
| Robbery | 121 | 0.7 | 0.49 | +53% |
| Bicycle theft | 119 | 0.7 | 0.80 | -17% |
| Theft from the person | 116 | 0.6 | 0.38 | -4% |
Violence and sexual offences in Swansea
Violence and sexual offences covers offences against the person, from common assault to homicide, and sexual offences. Swansea recorded 6,988 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (38.5 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 34.2, and up 2% on the year before. It made up 38.6% of all crime in the area.
Public order in Swansea
Public order covers offences that cause fear, alarm or distress. Swansea recorded 2,040 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (11.3 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 6.6, and almost unchanged on the year before. It made up 11.3% of all crime in the area.
Anti-social behaviour in Swansea
Anti-social behaviour covers personal, environmental and nuisance anti-social behaviour. Swansea recorded 1,987 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (11.0 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 15.3, and down 21% on the year before. It made up 11.0% of all crime in the area.
Shoplifting in Swansea
Shoplifting covers theft from shops or stalls. Swansea recorded 1,987 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (11.0 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 8.3, and down 12% on the year before. It made up 11.0% of all crime in the area.
Criminal damage and arson in Swansea
Criminal damage and arson covers deliberate damage to property, including setting fire to it. Swansea recorded 1,318 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (7.3 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 6.8, and down 6% on the year before. It made up 7.3% of all crime in the area.
Other theft in Swansea
Other theft covers theft not covered by another category, such as theft by an employee or of unattended items. Swansea recorded 904 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (5.0 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.4, and down 13% on the year before. It made up 5.0% of all crime in the area.
Drugs in Swansea
Drugs covers possession, supply and production of controlled drugs. Swansea recorded 795 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (4.4 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 3.3, and down 6% on the year before. It made up 4.4% of all crime in the area.
Vehicle crime in Swansea
Vehicle crime covers theft of or from a vehicle, and interfering with a vehicle. Swansea recorded 682 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (3.8 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 4.9, and down 19% on the year before. It made up 3.8% of all crime in the area.
Other crime in Swansea
Other crime covers offences not covered by another category, such as forgery and perjury. Swansea recorded 450 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (2.5 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 2.1, and down 3% on the year before. It made up 2.5% of all crime in the area.
Burglary in Swansea
Burglary covers entering a home or other building as a trespasser to steal, or with intent to steal. Swansea recorded 362 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (2.0 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 3.5, and down 8% on the year before. It made up 2.0% of all crime in the area.
Possession of weapons in Swansea
Possession of weapons covers carrying or possessing a weapon such as a firearm or knife. Swansea recorded 215 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.2 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 1.0, and up 28% on the year before. It made up 1.2% of all crime in the area.
Robbery in Swansea
Robbery covers theft using force or the threat of force. Swansea recorded 121 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.7 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.4, and up 53% on the year before. It made up 0.7% of all crime in the area.
Bicycle theft in Swansea
Bicycle theft covers the taking of a bicycle without the owner's consent. Swansea recorded 119 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.7 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 0.8, and down 17% on the year before. It made up 0.7% of all crime in the area.
Theft from the person in Swansea
Theft from the person covers theft of property carried on the person, such as pickpocketing, without force. Swansea recorded 116 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.6 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.7, and down 4% on the year before. It made up 0.6% of all crime in the area.
Crime rates in the towns closest to Swansea, for the 12 months to July 2026. The last column shows each area's rate relative to Swansea.
| Town | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Rate vs Swansea |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gowerton | 508 | 62.3 | -37% |
| Gorseinon | 781 | 57.5 | -42% |
| Loughor | 236 | 41.9 | -58% |
| Clydach (Swansea) | 521 | 71.1 | -29% |
| Baglan | 926 | 73.2 | -27% |
| Neath | 3,572 | 92.7 | -7% |
| Pontarddulais | 351 | 51.5 | -48% |
| Port Talbot | 3,268 | 110.5 | +11% |
20 areas within Swansea, ordered by crime rate over the 12 months to July 2026. Castle had the highest rate (337.6 per 1,000) and Mayals the lowest (24.2). 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 |
| 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 |
| Mynydd-bach | Neighbourhood | 9,246 | 721 | 78.0 |
| Uplands | Neighbourhood | 15,889 | 1,200 | 75.5 |
| West Cross | Neighbourhood | 6,471 | 443 | 68.5 |
| St Thomas | Neighbourhood | 7,365 | 501 | 68.0 |
| Llansamlet | Neighbourhood | 15,213 | 1,030 | 67.7 |
| Cwmbwrla | Neighbourhood | 7,778 | 517 | 66.5 |
| Sketty | Neighbourhood | 15,492 | 790 | 51.0 |
| Coedffranc West | Neighbourhood | 5,799 | 258 | 44.5 |
| Mumbles | Neighbourhood | 7,359 | 322 | 43.8 |
| Llangyfelach | Neighbourhood | 1,478 | 63 | 42.6 |
| Dunvant and Killay | Neighbourhood | 9,189 | 233 | 25.4 |
| Mayals | Neighbourhood | 2,600 | 63 | 24.2 |
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 over the 12 months to July 2026.
| Location | Crimes |
|---|---|
| On or near Parking Area | 1,123 |
| On or near Nightclub | 533 |
| On or near Supermarket | 438 |
| On or near Mount Pleasant Drive | 248 |
| On or near Castle Square | 233 |
| On or near Shopping Area | 233 |
| On or near Sports/Recreation Area | 195 |
| On or near Morriston Hospital | 172 |
| On or near Petrol Station | 164 |
| On or near Green Dragon Lane | 155 |
The latest recorded outcome for crimes in Swansea 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 | 5,516 | 30.5% |
| Investigation complete; no suspect identified | 4,441 | 24.6% |
| Under investigation | 2,486 | 13.7% |
| Not recorded | 1,987 | 11.0% |
| Awaiting court outcome | 1,388 | 7.7% |
| Court result unavailable | 809 | 4.5% |
| Status update unavailable | 759 | 4.2% |
| Local resolution | 313 | 1.7% |
| Further investigation is not in the public interest | 226 | 1.2% |
| Offender given a caution | 80 | 0.4% |
| Formal action is not in the public interest | 43 | 0.2% |
| Action to be taken by another organisation | 30 | 0.2% |
Swansea has an estimated population of 181,303. On the Wales WIMD 2025, the average neighbourhood in Swansea sits in decile 5.4, close to the middle. Deprivation and recorded crime are linked, but many other factors shape local crime rates.
| Measure | Swansea |
|---|---|
| Aged 0 to 15 | 16.5% |
| Aged 16 to 64 | 65.1% |
| Aged 65 and over | 18.4% |
| Homes owned outright or with a mortgage | 57.7% |
| Social rented homes | 21.5% |
| Private rented homes | 20.4% |
| Average deprivation decile (1 = most deprived, 10 = least) | 5.4 |
| Residents in the most deprived 10% of areas | 16.8% |
Is Swansea a safe place to live?
Swansea recorded 99.7 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?
Violence and sexual offences was the most common category, with 6,988 reports in the 12 months to July 2026, followed by public order (2,040).
Is crime in Swansea going up or down?
Recorded crime in Swansea was down 5% on the year before: 18,084 crimes in the 12 months to July 2026 against 19,131 in the previous 12 months.
Which police force covers Swansea?
Swansea 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. Crimes recorded by British Transport Police are not included.
Population figures are ONS mid-year estimates. See the methodology for details.