Powys Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Powys

Powys presents a crime rate of 71.4 per 1,000 residents annually, positioning it as notably safer than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. The area also boasts a strong safety score of 82 out of 100, surpassing the national average of 78. However, recent data indicates an increasing trend in crime, with a 43.8% rise year-over-year. This overview provides context for the detailed crime statistics and trends observed across the region.

About Powys

Powys is a large, predominantly rural local authority district in mid-Wales, characterised by its expansive natural landscapes, small market towns, and scattered villages. The area's low population density, with a total of 135,059 residents spread across a vast geographical expanse, naturally contributes to a lower overall crime rate compared to more urbanised regions. Key activities largely revolve around agriculture, tourism, and outdoor pursuits, attracting visitors and residents who value its tranquil environment. While major industrial hubs are absent, the presence of smaller commercial centres and local transport links connect communities. The relatively stable and close-knit nature of many communities, along with fewer transient populations compared to major cities, likely plays a role in its higher safety score. Economic factors are generally stable, with a focus on local businesses and public services, which typically correlates with lower incidences of certain crime types.

Crime Type Analysis in Powys

The crime landscape in Powys is primarily dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for a significant 48.2% of all reported incidents, equating to 4651 crimes (34.4 per 1,000 residents). Following this, anti-social behaviour constitutes 9.9% of crimes with 957 reported incidents (7.1 per 1,000), and public order offences make up 9.6% with 923 incidents (6.8 per 1,000). These figures suggest that while the overall crime rate is lower than the UK average, a substantial proportion of incidents relate to public safety and personal security.

When examining property-related crime, Powys experiences a rate of 17.6 per 1,000 residents, considerably below the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses burglary (393 crimes, 2.9 per 1,000), other theft (564 crimes, 4.2 per 1,000), vehicle crime (187 crimes, 1.4 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (902 crimes, 6.7 per 1,000), bicycle theft (34 crimes, 0.2 per 1,000), theft from the person (27 crimes, 0.2 per 1,000), and robbery (19 crimes, 0.1 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these statistics indicate that while property crime is present, it is less prevalent than in many other UK areas, suggesting a relatively lower risk to personal possessions and homes compared to the national picture.

Crime Trends in Powys

Analysing the crime trends in Powys reveals an increasing trajectory, with a significant 43.8% rise in total crimes year-over-year. This upward trend warrants attention, even with the area's overall lower crime rate. Looking at the monthly data, the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated throughout the year. Starting at 6.0 in October 2024, it saw a dip to 5.3 in November 2024 before generally rising, reaching a notable peak of 7.4 in July 2025. Following this peak, there was a decline towards the end of the period, with September 2025 recording 5.3 crimes per 1,000 residents. This pattern of fluctuation with a clear overall increase suggests that while some months may see lower activity, the general direction points to a growing number of incidents. For residents, this trend indicates a need to remain vigilant and aware of evolving local crime patterns, particularly concerning the types of offences contributing to this increase.

Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide a broader regional context, it is useful to compare Powys with its neighbouring areas. Ceredigion, to the west, shares a similar rural character and often comparable crime statistics. To the east, Herefordshire, County of, and Shropshire, both English counties, present different demographic and economic profiles, which can influence their respective crime rates. Further west, Gwynedd, another Welsh county, offers a contrast in its blend of coastal and mountainous regions. South-eastern Welsh areas like Merthyr Tydfil and Blaenau Gwent, being more urbanised and historically industrial, typically exhibit higher crime rates and different crime type distributions than Powys. Understanding these comparisons helps residents and potential movers to contextualise Powys's crime figures within the wider regional safety landscape, highlighting its generally safer position relative to many urban centres, while acknowledging the unique challenges of each locality.

Home Security and Protection

Understanding local crime statistics, particularly the property crime rate of 17.6 per 1,000 residents in Powys, is crucial for effective home security. While this figure is below the UK average, it highlights the importance of proactive measures. Traditional security approaches often focus on recording an event after it has happened, such as CCTV cameras providing footage of a burglary. However, a more effective strategy centres on preventing crime before it occurs.

Consider shifting from reactive recording to proactive protection. Modern AI-powered home security operating systems, like scOS, are designed to detect threats at your property boundary, rather than merely documenting a break-in. By utilising multi-camera intelligence, these systems can watch all cameras simultaneously, offering a comprehensive and unblinking eye over your property. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify suspicious vehicles, while pattern learning allows the system to distinguish between your family's routines and genuine threats, reducing false alarms. When a real threat is detected, an autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, can destroy the element of surprise and deter most burglars within their critical 60-second decision window. This professional-grade deterrence signals serious protection, making potential intruders move on rather than risk detection. The right security system makes that 60-second decision easy for them – they move on.