Brecon Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Brecon's crime rate in July 2024 stood at 9.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 16.7% above the UK average of 8.4. This figure reflects a shift in the crime profile, with violent crimes accounting for 46.9% of total incidents — the highest proportion recorded this year. Violence and sexual offences alone made up 30 of the 64 reported crimes, a category that is 61% above the UK average. The surge in violent crime may partly explain the overall rate's divergence from national trends, though seasonal factors such as the peak of summer and increased tourism likely contribute. Property crimes, though lower in absolute numbers (12 incidents), remain a concern given their 4.6 per 1,000 rate — a figure that is 12% below the UK average for shoplifting but offset by higher rates in other categories. The area's character as a built-up area within Powys, a rural county with a mix of historic sites and tourist attractions, may explain the pattern of violent and public order offences, which often increase during festivals and outdoor events. While the overall rate is elevated, the sharp rise in drug-related crimes (now at 1.1 per 1,000, 400% above the UK average) and public order incidents (1.1 per 1,000, 72% above the UK average) suggests a need for targeted local interventions. These figures contrast with the notable decline in anti-social behaviour (4.7% below UK average) and other theft (49% below UK average), indicating some areas of improvement. The data underscores a combination of local demographics, seasonal activity, and broader national trends.

July 2024 saw significant fluctuations in Brecon's crime profile, with drug-related offences surging by 600% compared to June, rising from one incident to seven. This dramatic increase places the category at 1.1 per 1,000 residents — 400% above the UK average. Concurrently, criminal damage and arson incidents doubled, jumping from one to three, while possession of weapons — a category now at 0.2 per 1,000 (186% above the UK average) — emerged as a new concern. These spikes may reflect the heightened activity associated with summer festivals and increased foot traffic in Brecon's historic centre. Conversely, several categories showed marked improvements: burglary incidents fell by 50%, from four to two, and other theft dropped by 60%, from five to two. This decline could be attributed to increased community vigilance or the seasonal timing of the month, when fewer residents are present due to school holidays. The breakdown also reveals a stark contrast between Brecon's performance and the UK average in specific categories. While anti-social behaviour rates are 45% below the national figure, the area's drug and public order crime rates are significantly higher, raising questions about local enforcement priorities. The 30 violent crimes reported in July — 4.6 per 1,000 — highlight a persistent challenge for local authorities, despite the overall crime rate being 16.7% above the UK average.

Brecon's crime rate in July 2024 (9.8 per 1,000) marks a 25.5% increase from June's rate of 7.8 per 1,000. This rise, though significant, must be contextualised within the area's unique demographic and geographic profile. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly two crimes per day in July, a figure that reflects both the total number of incidents and the relatively small population of 6,505 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 102 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is higher than the UK average in several categories but lower in others. When compared to the UK's overall rate of 8.4 per 1,000, Brecon's rate is elevated, though this is partially offset by lower rates in categories such as anti-social behaviour (4.7% below UK average) and other theft (49% below UK average). The population-scaled perspective reveals that while the absolute number of crimes is manageable, the concentration of violent and drug-related offences presents a challenge for local policing. This is particularly evident in the 600% surge in drug-related crimes compared to the previous month, a figure that is 400% above the UK average. The comparison also highlights the need for targeted strategies, given that Brecon's rate for public order offences (7 incidents) is 72% above the UK average, yet the area's overall crime rate remains within a range that is typical for built-up areas in rural counties. These figures underscore the importance of tailoring local responses to the specific dynamics of Brecon's community, including its seasonal tourism patterns and historic site visits.