Brecon Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In October 2023, Brecon recorded 51 crimes across its population of 6,505 residents, translating to a crime rate of 7.8 per 1,000 people—2.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure, while relatively low, reflects the area’s unique characteristics as a built-up town within the rural Powys region. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (26 incidents, 51% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (8 incidents) and criminal damage and arson (4 incidents). The dominance of violent crimes in Brecon’s crime profile contrasts with national trends, where property crimes often dominate. This could be linked to the town’s smaller size, where interpersonal conflicts may be more prevalent, or to seasonal factors such as the transition into darker evenings, which may increase opportunities for certain types of crime. October’s crime patterns also align with broader seasonal shifts: clocks going back, shorter daylight hours, and the approach of Halloween, which may influence both crime types and reporting rates. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Brecon (4.0 per 1,000) is 48% above the UK average for this category, suggesting that local factors—such as the town’s social dynamics or limited policing resources—could play a role. Meanwhile, vehicle crime is 62% below the UK average, reflecting Brecon’s lower population density and fewer urban spaces where such crimes might occur. These trends underscore the need for context-specific analysis, as Brecon’s crime profile diverges from both national averages and the patterns seen in larger urban areas.

October 2023 saw notable shifts in Brecon’s crime profile. Drug-related offences doubled compared to September, rising from 2 to 4 incidents—a 100% increase. This spike, while not unprecedented, may reflect seasonal factors such as the approach of Halloween or changes in local patterns of illicit activity. Bicycle theft also doubled, with one reported incident in October, a category that is 100% above the UK average. Meanwhile, violent crimes fell by 16.1%, from 31 to 26, a reduction that could be linked to the earlier start of darker evenings, which may deter some forms of outdoor crime. Anti-social behaviour also decreased by 11.1%, though it remains 6% below the UK average. The data also reveals a stark contrast in categories: drugs are 200% above the UK average, while vehicle crime is 62% below. These disparities highlight the uneven nature of Brecon’s crime profile, where specific issues—such as drug use—require focused attention, while others, like vehicle crime, appear less prevalent.

Brecon’s October 2023 crime rate of 7.8 per 1,000 residents marks a 19% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 9.7 per 1,000. This decline, though modest, aligns with seasonal patterns typical of October, when shorter evenings and the transition from autumn to winter may reduce opportunities for certain crimes. Daily, the area saw approximately 2 crimes reported per day, a figure that, while low, underscores the need for continued vigilance. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 128 residents, a statistic that contextualises the scale of incidents in relation to the local population. Given Brecon’s population of 6,505, this rate suggests that while the area is not immune to crime, it remains relatively safer than the UK average. The comparison also highlights the significance of local factors—such as the town’s rural setting and limited urban density—which may contribute to lower crime rates compared to larger cities. However, the specific spikes in drug-related incidents and bicycle theft indicate that targeted efforts may be needed in these areas.