Powys Crime Rate

Powys recorded a crime rate of 69.5 per 1,000 residents over the past 12 months, placing it 23.7% below the UK average. Despite a 16.2% year-on-year increase in overall crime, the area remains significantly safer than most parts of the UK. The most notable trend is the sharp rise in robbery, which has surged by 92.3% compared to the same period last year, highlighting a specific challenge for residents.

Powys is a rural local authority in Wales, encompassing a mix of small towns, villages, and open countryside. Its geography includes isolated communities, which may contribute to higher rates of property crime in certain areas. The presence of tourist attractions like Hay-on-Wye and Llandrindod Wells could influence local crime patterns, with retail areas driving anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. However, Powys's lower population density and spread-out communities may also reduce opportunities for violent crime compared to urban centres.

The most surprising finding in Powys's crime profile is that violence and sexual offences occur at a rate 5% above the UK average (33.7 vs 32.1 per 1,000). This could reflect the area's mix of rural and semi-urban settlements, where social isolation or limited access to support services may contribute to higher rates of domestic or interpersonal violence. Anti-social behaviour, while still 55% below the UK average, has risen by 16% year-on-year, linked to seasonal factors or increased activity in local communities. Criminal damage and arson remain at the UK average (6.6 per 1,000), but their 30.4% year-on-year increase may indicate targeted vandalism in sparsely populated areas. Property crime, including burglary and vehicle crime, is lower in Powys than the UK average, likely due to the area's rural nature and lower population density, which may reduce opportunities for opportunistic theft.

Crime in Powys has increased by 16.2% year-on-year, with the most dramatic rise in robbery (+92.3%). Monthly data shows a distinct seasonal pattern, peaking in July (7.4 per 1,000/month) and troughing in December (4.5 per 1,000/month). This aligns with longer evenings and increased outdoor activity in warmer months, which may contribute to higher rates of robbery and anti-social behaviour. The sharp rise in robbery could be tied to specific events or patterns, such as increased foot traffic in certain areas during summer. Meanwhile, crimes like shoplifting have decreased by 22.5% year-on-year, reflecting effective local policing or reduced retail activity in rural areas.

Powys's crime rate is 1% higher than Ceredigion and 16% higher than Shropshire, but significantly lower than Merthyr Tydfil, which has a 57% higher rate. Within Powys, areas like Llandrindod Wells (195.4 per 1,000) and Newtown (163.5 per 1,000) stand out as having much higher crime rates than the local average, likely due to their urban characteristics and tourism-related activity. In contrast, rural areas like Guilsfield (37.8 per 1,000) and Forden (30.0 per 1,000) have crime rates far below the Powys average, reflecting the benefits of low population density and limited commercial activity.

In Powys, where violence and sexual offences occur at a rate 5% above the UK average, proactive home security is essential, scOS's AI-powered boundary detection can identify potential threats at property perimeters before a break-in occurs, offering an advantage in areas with higher property crime rates. Its ability to distinguish between regular visitors and unfamiliar figures reduces false alarms, making it particularly suited to Powys's mix of rural and semi-urban settlements. Automated lighting and speaker activation features can also act as a deterrent, especially in areas like Brecon or Llandrindod Wells, where anti-social behaviour is on the rise. With no premium features or complex setups, scOS provides a scalable solution tailored to Powys's specific security needs.

How To Keep Safe in Powys

To address the rising rate of robbery, residents in Powys should prioritise securing valuables in public spaces, especially in areas with higher foot traffic like Llandrindod Wells or Hay-on-Wye. Avoid leaving bags or personal items unattended in open areas, and consider using anti-theft bags with zippers. For property crime prevention, ensure homes have visible security measures such as motion-sensor lighting and window alarms, which can deter opportunistic burglars. In areas with higher rates of anti-social behaviour, such as Brecon, engaging with local community initiatives or reporting concerns through the 101 non-emergency number may help maintain a safer environment.