Brecon Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2024, Brecon recorded a crime rate of 8.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 1.2% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. The breakdown of crimes reveals a stark imbalance between violent and property offences, with 22 violent crimes reported compared to 15 property crimes. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 40% of all recorded crimes, followed by public order offences (14.6%) and shoplifting (12.7%). This shift in crime composition may be influenced by seasonal factors, as May brings longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising, which could contribute to a rise in public order and violent incidents. The area's status as a built-up zone within the rural Powys county likely plays a role in this pattern, where limited nightlife infrastructure and transient populations may amplify tensions during peak social hours. While property crime rates remain relatively stable, the significant increase in violent crime compared to the UK average—particularly in violence and sexual offences, which are 20% higher than the national rate—suggests a need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas. The data also highlights a 72% increase in shoplifting compared to the UK average, which may be linked to local retail activity or economic pressures affecting the community.

The month-on-month changes in May 2024 reveal a dramatic surge in certain crime categories. Violence and sexual offences, which had only one reported incident in the previous month, rose to 22—a 2100% increase—suggesting a potential spike in incidents during the early summer period. Public order offences also saw a 700% increase, jumping from one to eight cases, which could be attributed to the extended daylight hours and increased foot traffic in Brecon's central areas. Other theft, which had not occurred in the previous month, rose to three incidents, indicating a possible shift in criminal activity patterns. Conversely, anti-social behaviour decreased by 20%, from five to four cases, though this remains well below the UK average for the category. Brecon's violent crime rate is 20% higher than the UK average, with public order offences at 90% above the national rate. These figures underscore a growing concern around public safety, particularly in areas where social interactions intensify during the warmer months. Residents may find the 72% increase in shoplifting compared to the UK average particularly relevant, as it highlights vulnerabilities in local retail environments that could warrant increased surveillance or community engagement initiatives.

Brecon's crime rate in May 2024 was 8.5 per 1,000 residents, a stark contrast to the previous month's rate of 1.1 per 1,000—a 683.3% increase. This dramatic rise places the area in a markedly different position compared to its own recent history, though it remains slightly above the UK average. On a daily basis, Brecon experienced an average of two crimes per day in May, a figure that, while modest, reflects the sudden spike in incidents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 118 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while lower than the UK average for some categories, highlights the concentrated nature of the recent increase in violent and public order offences. With a population of 6,505, the area's relatively small size means that the impact of each incident is more pronounced on a per capita basis. This context is critical for residents, as the sharp rise in violent crime—despite the overall low absolute numbers—could create a perception of heightened risk, even if the statistical probability of being a victim remains low. The comparison to the UK average further illustrates that while Brecon's crime rate is not exceptionally high in absolute terms, specific categories like public order and violence are elevated, requiring targeted strategies to address local conditions.