Brecon Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 6,505, Brecon recorded 64 crimes in October 2024, translating to a crime rate of 9.8 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 21% higher than the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, reflecting a notable disparity in local crime dynamics. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 45.3% of all reported incidents (29 cases), followed by criminal damage and arson (12.5%) and shoplifting (10.9%). These patterns align with Brecon’s character as a small, built-up area within Powys, where seasonal factors may influence crime trends. October, with its shorter daylight hours and Halloween-related activity, could contribute to increased incidents of violence and public order offences. The data also highlights a stark contrast between Brecon’s rate for violence and sexual offences—4.5 per 1,000, 69% above the UK average—and its relatively lower rates for anti-social behaviour, which were 53% below the national average. This suggests a combination of local demographics, community policing efforts, and environmental factors. While the overall crime rate remains stable compared to the previous month, the concentration of violent crimes raises questions about the effectiveness of preventive measures in high-traffic areas or during evenings when visibility is reduced. The breakdown also reveals a significant spike in shoplifting, which may be linked to seasonal retail activity or targeted theft in local businesses.

October 2024 saw a 250% increase in shoplifting, rising from 2 to 7 incidents, a shift that may reflect heightened retail activity or targeted theft during Halloween. Burglary also rose by 100%, with two incidents reported compared to one in September, potentially linked to seasonal changes in home occupancy or increased opportunities during darker evenings. Vehicle crime doubled, jumping from 0 to 2 cases, which could be attributed to increased parking in residential areas during the month. Conversely, drug-related crimes fell by 50%, dropping from 2 to 1, due to targeted enforcement or reduced illicit activity during the period. Anti-social behaviour decreased by 20%, from 5 to 4 cases, though this remains a relatively low proportion of total crimes compared to the UK average. The most striking contrast is in violence and sexual offences, which were 69% above the UK average, suggesting a need for further analysis of local factors such as nightlife activity or community tensions. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour and other theft were below the UK average, indicating areas where Brecon’s crime profile differs from national trends. Residents may find the sharp increase in shoplifting particularly concerning, as it directly impacts local businesses and could signal a need for enhanced security measures in retail zones.

Brecon’s crime rate in October 2024 (9.8 per 1,000) was 1.7% higher than the previous month’s rate of 9.7 per 1,000, indicating a stable trend with minimal fluctuation. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 2 crimes per day, a figure that may be more relatable for residents assessing local safety. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 102 residents, a monthly aggregate that provides context for the frequency of incidents within the community. When compared to the UK average, Brecon’s crime rate is higher, with the most significant disparity in violent crimes, which were 69% above the national average. However, Brecon’s rate for anti-social behaviour was 53% below the UK average, suggesting a lower incidence of disruptive behaviour compared to other areas. This contrast highlights the importance of local context in understanding crime patterns—Brecon’s smaller population and rural-urban mix may influence both the types and frequencies of crimes reported. While the overall rate remains stable, the sharp increases in shoplifting and burglary could signal emerging trends that require targeted attention. For residents, the 1-in-102 monthly exposure figure underscores the relatively low frequency of crime in Brecon, even as the area’s rate remains above the national average. These comparisons provide a nuanced view of Brecon’s position within the broader UK crime profile, emphasizing both areas of concern and relative strengths in community safety.