Powys Crime Rate

The crime rate in Powys for the period of February 2025 to January 2026 stands at 69.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. This figure is lower than the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000, indicating a relatively safer environment compared to the national picture. However, crime has increased by 26.3% year-on-year, a trend that warrants attention. Violence and sexual offences are the most commonly reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. Understanding these statistics is crucial for residents and prospective newcomers to Powys.

Powys, a predominantly rural local authority district in Wales, possesses unique characteristics that influence its crime statistics. The area's dispersed population, largely concentrated in smaller towns and villages, contributes to a lower population density compared to urban areas. Agricultural activities and tourism play significant roles in the local economy, potentially attracting opportunistic crime. The predominantly older demographic, coupled with a lower proportion of young adults, may also shape the types of crimes observed. The vast, sparsely populated rural landscape presents challenges for policing and can facilitate certain types of offences, requiring tailored approaches to crime prevention and response. Understanding these factors is crucial for interpreting Powys's crime data effectively.

While Powys's overall crime rate is below the UK average, certain crime types stand out. Violence and sexual offences constitute the largest proportion of reported crimes, accounting for 4,531 incidents – 33.5 per 1,000 residents and 48.1% of all recorded crimes. This figure is 4% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson are also prevalent, each representing 9.7% of recorded incidents, with 915 and 910 crimes respectively. Property crime, at 17.5 per 1,000, is below the UK average of 22.1 per 1,000. The distribution of crimes highlights a need for targeted interventions to address violent offences and community safety concerns. While shoplifting is comparatively low (1.8 per 1,000), vehicle crime (1.4 per 1,000) also reflects a localised challenge, though significantly lower than the UK average.

Crime in Powys has been steadily increasing, rising by 26.3% year-on-year. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a peak in July 2025 (7.4 per 1,000) and a low in December 2025 (4.5 per 1,000). However, the overall upward trend is concerning, particularly given the increases in violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson, and drug-related crimes. While shoplifting saw a slight decrease, the overall increase necessitates increased vigilance and preventative measures across the local authority district.

Powys's crime rate is comparatively lower than some of its neighbouring local authorities. Ceredigion (68.3 per 1,000) and Herefordshire, County of (62.7 per 1,000) have similar rates, while Shropshire (59.9 per 1,000) demonstrates a slightly safer environment. However, Merthyr Tydfil (111.2 per 1,000) and Blaenau Gwent (87.4 per 1,000) experience significantly higher crime rates, highlighting the variability across the region.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a burglary has occurred. With a 26.3% increase in overall crime year-on-year, proactive security is essential. scOS offers a fundamentally different approach. Unlike Ring or Nest cameras that simply record, scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, detects potential threats at your property boundary before they escalate. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, and DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles. The visible presence of scOS acts as a significant deterrent; most burglars decide within 60 seconds – the element of surprise and professional security often leads them to move on.

How To Keep Safe in Powys

Given the rising prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to prioritise personal safety. Firstly, be aware of your surroundings, especially when travelling alone at night. Secondly, ensure your home is securely locked, with robust window and door locks. Thirdly, consider joining local community watch schemes to enhance neighbourhood vigilance. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. Remember, proactive measures can significantly reduce your risk.