Brecon Crime Rate

Brecon, a historic market town in Powys, has an overall crime rate of 106.5 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is higher than the UK average of 93.1, and the town currently holds a safety score of 73/100, which is slightly below the national average of 78/100. Recent statistics show that crime in Brecon is on the rise, with a 31.3% increase year-over-year. Despite this, property crime—which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle crime—stands at 27.7 per 1,000, remaining below the UK average of 32.9. This suggests that while there is a higher volume of reported incidents, many are non-property related, though the increasing trend warrants increased awareness from residents and visitors alike.

Crime Breakdown in Brecon

In Brecon, the most significant crime category is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 47.5% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 50.6 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by criminal damage and arson (10.8%) and public order offences (10.7%). While these personal and public offences are the most frequent, property-related crime is a notable factor for local residents.

The total property crime rate in Brecon stands at 27.7 per 1,000 people. This includes criminal damage, burglary (2.3% of total crime), other theft (4.9%), and vehicle crime (1.0%). For homeowners, the relatively high rate of criminal damage suggests that properties may be vulnerable to vandalism or opportunistic interference. Although burglary rates are lower than the national average, the combination of theft and damage incidents highlights the need for robust physical security to protect assets and maintain the integrity of residential properties.

Crime Trends in Brecon

The crime rate in Brecon has demonstrated a clear upward trend, increasing by 31.3% over the last year. Analysis of the monthly data shows that the rate began at 9.7 per 1,000 people in November 2024 and, after some winter fluctuations, rose significantly during the summer of 2025.

The most notable peak occurred in August 2025, where the rate jumped to 13.8 per 1,000, the highest in the recorded period. This was preceded by a steady climb through the spring months. Although the rate dropped to 7.8 in September, it rose again to 9.2 by October 2025. These patterns suggest that crime in Brecon is somewhat seasonal, with higher activity in the warmer months, but the overall annual increase indicates a sustained rise in reported offences that residents should take seriously.

How To Keep Safe in Brecon

The most common crime in Brecon is violence and sexual offences, often linked to the town's evening economy and public spaces. To stay safe in the urban environment of Brecon, consider the following localized tips:

1. When enjoying Brecon’s nightlife, stay with your group and plan your journey home in advance using reputable local taxi services.
2. Be mindful of your surroundings in public parks and near the canal, especially during the late evening when visibility is lower.
3. Secure your property against criminal damage by ensuring gates are locked and valuable items are not left visible in gardens or through windows.
4. Report any suspicious behaviour or anti-social activity to the local police; community reporting is vital for maintaining the town's safety score.
5. If you are a business owner in the town centre, consider joining a local business crime reduction partnership to stay informed about regional trends.

Crime Patterns in Brecon

Criminal activity in Brecon follows distinct time-based patterns. During the morning and afternoon, theft and retail-related offences are more prominent as the town's commercial areas are most active. As the day progresses into the evening, there is a significant shift towards 'other' crimes, including public order and anti-social behaviour, which account for 67% of incidents between 6pm and midnight.

The night-time hours (12am to 6am) present the highest risk for property owners, with burglaries reaching 16% and vehicle crime peaking at 13% of the period's total. This suggests that while personal safety is a concern during the evening social hours, the protection of physical assets becomes the priority overnight when properties are less likely to be supervised. Understanding these cycles allows residents to be more vigilant during high-risk periods.

In the context of the local region, Brecon serves as a major hub, which is reflected in its higher crime rate of 106.5 per 1,000 compared to its more rural neighbours. Nearby Talgarth has a significantly lower rate of 53.2 per 1,000, while very small settlements like Llangors, Bronllys, and Bwlch report virtually no criminal activity. For those looking for a balance between town amenities and safety, Brecon offers a moderate profile, though it experiences more urban-style crime patterns than the surrounding Powys countryside. Comparing these areas helps residents understand that Brecon's statistics are typical for a regional centre serving a wider rural population.

Protecting Your Brecon Home

With property crime in Brecon at 27.7 per 1,000 people, residents must consider the limitations of traditional security. Most standard systems, such as basic alarm kits or smart doorbells, are reactive; they alert you only after a sensor is tripped or a person is already at your door. In many cases, this results in high-quality footage of a crime that has already occurred, offering little in the way of prevention.

A proactive approach is essential for true security. scOS transforms your existing camera network into an intelligent, AI-powered operating system that monitors your property boundaries. By identifying potential threats before they reach your home, scOS can trigger autonomous deterrents—such as activating floodlights or playing audible warnings—to stop a crime in its tracks. This is particularly effective against the criminal damage and opportunistic theft seen in Brecon. By choosing a system that prevents rather than just records, you ensure your home is protected 24/7 by an intelligence that never blinks and always intervenes.