Powys Crime Rate

Powys Crime Overview

Powys is a largely safe and secure county, boasting a safety score of 82/100, which is higher than the UK average of 79. The overall crime rate stands at 70.4 per 1,000 people, notably lower than the national average of 91.6. However, it is important to note that crime in the area is currently on an increasing trend, with a 38.2% rise in total offences year-over-year. Despite this increase, the property crime rate remains exceptionally low at 17.6 per 1,000 residents, compared to the UK average of 32.2. For the 135,059 residents of Powys, the county offers a high quality of life with relatively low risk, though the recent upward trend in crime suggests a need for increased awareness and proactive security measures.

About Powys

Powys is the largest local authority area in Wales, covering a vast and largely rural landscape that includes the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Cambrian Mountains. Its crime statistics are heavily influenced by this unique geography. The area is characterised by small market towns like Newtown, Welshpool, and Brecon, interspersed with large areas of sparse, agricultural land. The low population density of 135,059 people across such a large area usually results in lower crime volumes, but the remote nature of many properties can present specific security challenges.

The economy is primarily driven by agriculture and tourism, which brings a transient population during the summer months. Major transport routes like the A483 and A470 connect the north and south of the county, potentially facilitating cross-border crime. While Powys is generally very safe, the recent 38.2% increase in crime suggests that even rural areas are not immune to changing social and economic pressures. The high percentage of violence and sexual offences often reflects incidents in residential settings or small town centres, while the vast rural stretches remain some of the most secure environments in the UK.

Crime Breakdown in Powys

The most frequent crime type in Powys is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 48.0% of all recorded incidents (4,563 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 9.9% and criminal damage and arson at 9.6%. These figures indicate that nearly half of all crime in the county falls into the category of violence, which is a significant proportion even for a relatively safe area.

Property crime in Powys is notably low, with an overall rate of 17.6 per 1,000 people, compared to the UK average of 32.2. This category includes burglary (4.0%), 'other theft' (5.9%), and vehicle crime (2.0%). For residents, this means that while the risk of a break-in or car theft is statistically low, the impact of such crimes can be higher in remote areas where police response times may be longer. Burglary occurs at a rate of 2.8 per 1,000 residents, which is well below national levels. However, the prevalence of criminal damage (9.6%) and public order offences (9.2%) suggests that community-level issues are more common than targeted property theft. Homeowners in more isolated locations should focus on robust perimeter security to deter opportunistic activity.

Crime Trends in Powys

The crime trend in Powys is currently increasing, with total recorded offences rising by 38.2% year-over-year. This is a significant upward shift that suggests a change in the local safety landscape, though the overall crime rate still remains below the UK average.

Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows a somewhat fluctuating but generally elevated pattern. The year began with a crime rate of 6.1 in January, followed by a slight dip to 5.1 in February. Rates then climbed steadily through the spring, reaching a peak of 7.4 per 1,000 people in July. This mid-summer peak is a common trend in tourist-heavy areas. After July, the rates remained relatively high through the autumn before dropping to the year's low of 4.5 in December. This data indicates that residents should be particularly vigilant during the summer months, while also acknowledging that the overall trend for the year has been one of growth in reported incidents.

Regional Crime Comparison

In the context of the Welsh borders and surrounding counties, Powys's crime rate of 70.4 per 1,000 people is the primary benchmark for local safety. Interestingly, all immediate neighbours in this dataset—including Ceredigion, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Gwynedd, Merthyr Tydfil, and Blaenau Gwent—show 0.0 recorded crimes per 1,000. This suggests that Powys is currently reporting higher levels of activity than its neighbouring regions. While Powys remains safe by national UK standards, this regional comparison highlights a significant difference in reported crime volumes, making it an important consideration for those looking to move into or within the heart of Wales.

Proactive Security in Powys

While Powys enjoys a low property crime rate of 17.6 per 1,000 residents, the recent 38.2% increase in overall crime across the county is a clear signal for homeowners to review their security. In rural areas like Powys, properties can be more isolated, meaning traditional reactive security—like standard CCTV that only records a crime—is less effective. By the time you see the footage, the intruder is often long gone. For true peace of mind, proactive prevention is the only real solution.

The scOS AI-powered home security system is designed to stop crime before it happens. By monitoring your property's perimeter in real-time, scOS uses intelligent multi-camera analysis to identify potential threats, such as unauthorized vehicles or suspicious movement, long before a break-in is attempted. Its autonomous response system can activate lights and audio alerts to deter criminals immediately. For residents in Powys, where police response times can be longer due to the vast geography, the ability of scOS to intervene and prevent a crime autonomously is an invaluable asset for protecting your home and family.

How To Keep Safe in Powys

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Powys, representing nearly half of all reported incidents. Although the county is generally safe, maintaining personal and community awareness is essential.

1. When in town centres such as Newtown or Welshpool during the evening, stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings, particularly near pubs and clubs.
2. If you live in a remote or rural location, ensure your property's boundaries are well-defined and secure to deter opportunistic intruders.
3. Given the high percentage of violence and sexual offences, which often occur in private settings, support local community safety initiatives and report any concerns about vulnerable neighbours.
4. With anti-social behaviour being the second highest crime type, engaging with local neighbourhood watch schemes can help prevent these issues from affecting your quality of life.
5. Always secure outbuildings, garages, and farm equipment, as these can be easy targets for theft in rural areas, despite the low overall vehicle crime rate.