Brecon Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile in Brecon during February 2025 reveals a distinct imbalance between violent and property crimes. With 50 recorded crimes, the area’s overall crime rate of 7.7 per 1,000 residents places it 14.9% above the UK average of 6.7 per 1,000. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 50% of all crimes (25 incidents), followed by criminal damage and arson (18%) and drugs-related offences (6%). This mix suggests a localised focus on interpersonal and property-related conflicts rather than theft or fraud, which are typically higher in urban centres. The low proportion of shoplifting (4%) and theft from the person (2%) aligns with Brecon’s character as a relatively rural built-up area within Powys, where retail activity is limited compared to larger towns. Seasonal factors may also play a role: February, a winter month with reduced outdoor activity, likely contributes to lower shoplifting rates and fewer public order incidents. However, the sharp rise in violent crimes compared to property crimes is notable, possibly reflecting social dynamics in a smaller community where disputes may escalate more quickly. The data also shows a stark contrast in the UK average for violent crimes, which are 62% lower nationally, highlighting Brecon’s unique position within the broader Welsh crime profile.

February 2025 saw significant shifts in Brecon’s crime mix, with three notable changes. Possession of weapons increased by 100% (from 0 to 3 incidents), a jump that may reflect heightened tensions or unexplained local factors. Theft from the person and other crime also doubled from zero to one each, suggesting isolated but concerning spikes in personal safety risks. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 66.7% (from 3 to 1), and shoplifting dropped by 50% (from 4 to 2), potentially indicating seasonal lulls in public activity. The violent crime category remains 62% above the UK average, with 3.8 per 1,000 residents compared to the national figure of 2.4 per 1,000. This discrepancy is even more pronounced in criminal damage and arson, which is 192% above the UK average. For residents, the most immediate insight is the doubling of weapons possession incidents, which could signal a need for local awareness or intervention. The overall violent crime rate, though higher than the UK average, is still relatively low compared to other Welsh towns, suggesting that while Brecon faces unique challenges, its overall crime profile remains manageable.

Brecon’s crime rate in February 2025 (7.7 per 1,000) represents a 25.0% increase from the previous month’s rate of 6.2 per 1,000, indicating a noticeable upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day, a figure that, while modest, underscores the continuous nature of local incidents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 130 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, when compared to Brecon’s population of 6,505, highlights the proportion of residents affected by crime. This rate is higher than the UK average, yet the absolute number of crimes remains relatively low given the area’s small size. The population context also reveals that Brecon’s crime rate, while elevated compared to the UK, is still far below the levels seen in major urban centres. For example, the UK average for violent crimes (2.4 per 1,000) contrasts sharply with Brecon’s 3.8 per 1,000, a gap that may be attributed to the town’s rural setting, where community ties and policing strategies differ from densely populated areas. These comparisons offer residents a clearer understanding of Brecon’s position within the national crime profile, balancing local concerns with broader statistical context.