Powys Crime Rate

Powys is a secure and predominantly rural local authority area with an overall crime rate of 71.5 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7, contributing to a strong safety score of 82/100. However, the county has seen a substantial 43.2% increase in reported crime year-over-year, a trend that warrants attention from residents and local authorities. Despite this rise, the property crime rate remains very low at 17.6 per 1,000, which is nearly half the UK national average of 32.3. The data suggests that while personal and public order offences are more frequent, the risk to property remains minimal compared to most other parts of the UK. Powys continues to be one of the safer regions in Wales, offering a high level of security for its residents.

Powys is the largest county in Wales, characterised by its vast rural landscapes, market towns, and low population density. These geographical factors significantly influence its crime statistics. The area is primarily agricultural and residential, with tourism playing a key role in the local economy, particularly in the Brecon Beacons and mid-Wales regions. While the low density typically results in lower crime volumes, the county's large size can present challenges for rapid police response in more isolated areas. Economic factors, including the seasonal nature of tourism and the agricultural economy, can sometimes lead to fluctuations in crime types such as theft or anti-social behaviour. Additionally, the presence of major transport routes connecting North and South Wales can contribute to transient crime. Understanding these rural and economic characteristics helps explain why Powys maintains a high safety score despite recent increases in reported incidents, as many crimes are concentrated in its larger urban hubs rather than the expansive countryside.

In Powys, the crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 48.2% of all recorded incidents, at a rate of 34.5 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 10.0%, followed closely by public order offences at 9.3% and criminal damage and arson at 9.2%. These figures suggest that personal and public order offences are the primary focus for local law enforcement.

Property crime in Powys, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 17.6 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3, indicating that residents face a much lower risk of property theft than the national benchmark. Burglary accounts for 3.9% of total crime, while vehicle crime is even lower at 2.0%. Other theft types make up 6.0%. For residents, this means that while the area is statistically very safe for property, the high proportion of violence and public order offences necessitates a focus on personal safety and community awareness, particularly in the county's town centres.

The crime trend in Powys is currently on an upward trajectory, with a significant 43.2% increase in total reported offences over the past year. Monthly data shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout 2025, starting at 5.6 per 1,000 in December 2024 and reaching a peak of 7.4 in July 2025. The year concluded with a rate of 5.6 in November. This substantial year-over-year increase suggests a surge in reporting or a rise in specific crime types that residents should be mindful of. While the overall crime rate remains below the UK average, the sharp upward trend indicates that the area's safety profile is changing. Residents are advised to stay informed through local police updates and maintain a proactive approach to personal and property security.

Powys is part of a very safe regional cluster in mid-Wales and the border counties. When compared to nearby areas like Ceredigion, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Gwynedd, and Blaenau Gwent, Powys maintains a safety profile that is consistently better than the national average. While some of these neighbours report even lower crime figures in this period, Powys' rate of 71.5 per 1,000 is excellent for a county with such a diverse mix of market towns and rural communities. For those looking for a secure environment, Powys offers a level of safety that is far superior to the more urbanised areas of South Wales or the English Midlands.

In Powys, where property crime and burglary rates are among the lowest in the country, maintaining that high level of security requires a modern approach. Traditional security systems, such as Ring or Nest, are largely reactive—they record footage of a crime while it is happening or after the fact. For residents in Powys, proactive protection is a more effective way to ensure their homes remain safe. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that detects threats at the property boundary before a break-in occurs. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your entire property simultaneously, identifying suspicious behaviour and flagging real threats. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can identify unknown cars instantly, while autonomous responses—such as activating deterrent lights and speakers—can stop an intruder in their tracks. In a county with a property crime rate of only 17.6 per 1,000, investing in a proactive system like scOS helps maintain your home's security by preventing crimes from ever taking place.

How To Keep Safe in Powys

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Powys, accounting for nearly half of all reports. To stay safe, it is important to remain aware of your surroundings, particularly in town centres during the evening or when using public transport. Stick to well-lit, busy areas and avoid walking alone in secluded spots. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences are also notable concerns; residents are encouraged to report any persistent issues to local community officers to help maintain the county's peaceful character. For those in rural areas, ensure that outbuildings and gates are securely locked, as these can be targets for opportunistic theft. Homeowners should also consider installing motion-activated lighting around their property to deter both anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. Joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme is an excellent way to stay informed about local safety initiatives and report suspicious activity promptly.