Brecon Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Brecon’s overall crime rate in January 2025 stood at 6.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 12.7% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This performance highlights the area’s relative safety compared to the national picture, though specific crime patterns reveal nuanced trends. Violence and sexual offences dominated with 17 incidents (42.5% of total crimes), followed by criminal damage and arson (5 cases) and public order offences (4 cases). The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with reduced retail footfall and shorter days—likely contributes to the lower volume of outdoor crimes typically associated with higher foot traffic. While violent crime remains a significant concern, Brecon’s property crime rate (13 incidents) was lower than the UK average for shoplifting (3% below) and burglary (33% below). These figures suggest a mix of local factors, including the built-up area’s limited commercial density and the surrounding rural landscape’s influence on crime dynamics. The area’s small population and proximity to Powys’ broader rural expanse may also temper crime rates compared to larger urban centres. However, the prominence of violence and sexual offences underscores the need for targeted community engagement and policing strategies in Brecon’s core areas.

January 2025 saw notable shifts in Brecon’s crime profile. Vehicle crime and shoplifting both doubled compared to December, with 2 incidents of vehicle crime and 4 shoplifting cases reported. This increase may reflect seasonal transitions, as post-holiday periods often see spikes in vehicle-related crimes due to increased travel or theft from parked vehicles. Conversely, other theft incidents fell by 80% (from 5 to 1), potentially linked to reduced retail activity during the month. Violent crime also declined by 22.7% (from 22 to 17 cases), a trend consistent with the UK’s seasonal patterns of reduced outdoor activity. However, Brecon’s rates for criminal damage and arson (5 cases) were 57% above the UK average, while drugs-related offences (3 cases) were 92% above. These disparities suggest localised pressures, such as the presence of informal markets or transient populations in certain areas. Anti-social behaviour, however, was 49% below the UK average, indicating effective community policing or a lower incidence of disruptive activity in Brecon compared to other regions.

Brecon’s crime rate in January 2025 dropped to 6.2 per 1,000, a 14.9% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.2 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the typical post-holiday lull in activity, though the area’s overall rate remains consistently below the UK average. On a daily basis, Brecon experienced roughly one crime per day in January—a pace that, while low, underscores the need for vigilance in areas with higher incident concentrations. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 163 residents, a figure that contextualises the risk for individuals living in this small built-up area. With a population of 6,505, Brecon’s crime statistics reflect the challenges of balancing urban and rural characteristics: its compact size and limited commercial density may reduce opportunities for certain crimes, yet its proximity to Powys’ broader landscape could introduce unique vulnerabilities. The monthly exposure rate also highlights that, while the area is generally safer than the UK average, residents should remain aware of local hotspots, particularly for violence and sexual offences, which remain high compared to other regions.