Brecon Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Brecon’s crime rate in July 2023 stood at 9.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 13.3% above the UK average of 8.3. This figure reflects a combination of seasonal and local factors, with peak summer activity influencing crime patterns. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (31.2% of total), anti-social behaviour (19.7%), and public order offences (11.5%). These trends align with Brecon’s status as a small built-up area within Powys, where tourism and local festivals in July may contribute to increased social interactions and associated disturbances. While the overall rate remains elevated compared to the UK, the data suggests a shift in crime dynamics: violent crime, though still high, saw a notable decline from previous months. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which are significantly above the UK average, may be linked to the town’s character as a destination for summer visitors, where transient populations and outdoor events can amplify such incidents. The relatively low rates of shoplifting and vehicle crime (both below UK averages) contrast with the surge in drug-related offences, which were 264% above the UK average. This anomaly could indicate localised challenges. Seasonal factors, including school holidays and festivals, likely play a role in shaping these patterns, with the summer months often seeing increased foot traffic and social gatherings that may influence crime trends. The overall picture illustrates the need for targeted interventions that address both transient and resident populations during peak tourism periods.

July 2023 saw a marked decrease in violence and sexual offences, which fell by 51.3% compared to June, reflecting a significant improvement in this category. Anti-social behaviour also declined by 25%, potentially linked to local initiatives or seasonal shifts in community activity. However, several crime types rose sharply: burglary, theft from the person, and vehicle crime each doubled from their June figures, indicating new challenges. Drug-related offences were 264% above the UK average, a stark contrast to the 50% below UK average for shoplifting. This divergence suggests varying pressures on the local community, with drug offences high despite lower rates of property crime. The 13.3% gap between Brecon’s crime rate and the UK average highlights areas for further analysis. For residents, the 60% drop in shoplifting—a 3.3 per 1,000 rate—may offer reassurance in retail areas, while the rise in burglary underscores the need for vigilance in residential zones. These shifts illustrate the dynamic nature of crime in Brecon, where targeted efforts could address specific rising trends while building on recent reductions in violent crime.

Brecon’s crime rate in July 2023 (9.4 per 1,000) represents a 22.7% decrease from June’s 12.1 per 1,000, marking a notable improvement over the previous month. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 2 crimes per day, a figure that, while locally relevant, cannot be directly compared to UK-wide averages due to the absence of national daily statistics. Over the course of July, one reported crime occurred for every 107 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the frequency of incidents for the local population. This figure is particularly significant when scaled to Brecon’s population of 6,505, highlighting that crime, while present, remains relatively low compared to larger urban centres. The comparison to the UK average also reveals stark contrasts: for instance, drug-related offences in Brecon were 264% above the national rate, a disparity that could reflect localised issues or underreporting elsewhere. Conversely, shoplifting and vehicle crime were both below UK averages, suggesting that certain crime types are less prevalent in this rural setting. These comparisons provide a nuanced view of Brecon’s crime profile, illustrating both areas of concern and relative strengths when benchmarked against the broader UK context.