Hay-on-Wye Crime Rate

Hay-on-Wye is a safe and welcoming town in Powys, famously known as the 'Town of Books'. It holds a safety score of 86/100, indicating a secure environment for its 1,709 residents. The town's overall crime rate is 52.7 per 1,000 people, which is well below the UK average of 91.6. While the local crime trend is currently increasing, with a 26.8% rise year-over-year, Hay-on-Wye remains a low-crime area. This analysis, based on data from Jan 2025 to Dec 2025, provides a detailed look at the local crime profile, helping residents and visitors understand safety patterns in this popular cultural destination.

In Hay-on-Wye, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime, with 47 incidents accounting for 52.2% of all local reports. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 11.1% and criminal damage and arson at 7.8%. These figures show that personal safety and public order are the primary areas of police activity in the town.

The overall property crime rate in Hay-on-Wye—which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—is 11.2 per 1,000 people. This is remarkably low compared to the UK average of 32.2. Burglary specifically accounts for 5.6% of total crime, with a rate of 2.9 per 1,000 residents. For homeowners, this suggests a very secure environment where property-related offences are relatively rare. However, the prevalence of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage indicates that opportunistic offences still occur, particularly in public or commercial areas.

Hay-on-Wye has seen a 26.8% increase in crime year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows a fluctuating but generally higher level of activity compared to previous periods. The year began with a high rate of 6.4 in January, followed by a very quiet February (1.2).

Activity picked up again in the spring and summer, with July and August both recording rates of 6.4. The latter part of the year remained active, with November seeing a rate of 5.3. These peaks in January and the summer months suggest that both the winter holidays and the peak tourist season are periods of increased activity for the town. Despite the overall upward trend, Hay-on-Wye's crime rate remains very low by national standards, and the increase suggests a need for continued community awareness rather than a major cause for alarm.

How To Keep Safe in Hay-on-Wye

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Hay-on-Wye, making up over 50% of all reports. While the town is very safe, it is always wise to practice good personal safety, especially during busy festival periods when footfall is high. Stick to well-lit areas when walking at night and be mindful of your surroundings in crowded spaces.

With anti-social behaviour and criminal damage also being top concerns, residents and business owners should focus on securing their premises. Ensure that gates are locked and that no items are left out that could be targeted for vandalism. Since burglary risk peaks at 41% between 12am and 6am, double-checking that all doors and windows are locked before bed is a simple but vital habit. Additionally, although vehicle crime is very low, it still accounts for 13% of night-time incidents, so always ensure your car is locked and valuables are out of sight. Finally, staying active in local community groups can help you stay informed about any suspicious activity in the Hay-on-Wye area. Community vigilance is one of the best ways to maintain the town's high safety standards.

Crime in Hay-on-Wye shows distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning and afternoon, theft is a significant factor, accounting for 32% and 30% of crimes respectively. This suggests that daytime activity is often opportunistic, occurring when shops are busy or residents are away from their homes.

As the day ends, the risk profile shifts heavily toward property crime. Burglary risk is high in the afternoon (36%) and reaches its peak at 41% during the night (12am to 6am). This indicates that residential properties are most vulnerable during the late-night hours. Vehicle crime also sees a notable increase at night, jumping to 13% of all incidents from much lower levels during the day. The 'other' category, including anti-social behaviour and public order, is most prevalent in the evening, making up 52% of all reports during that time, likely coinciding with the town's social and nightlife activity.

In the context of its immediate surroundings, Hay-on-Wye is the primary hub of activity. Nearby rural areas such as Clyro, Llanigon, Three Cocks, and Dorstone all recorded 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people, reflecting their extremely quiet, residential nature. As a major tourist destination with significant footfall, Hay-on-Wye naturally sees a higher volume of reports than these quiet hamlets. However, even with this activity, the town's crime rate remains nearly half the national average, making it a very safe place both to live and to visit.

Hay-on-Wye's property crime rate is a low 11.2 per 1,000 people, yet the 26.8% increase in overall crime suggests that residents should remain proactive about security. Burglary risk is particularly high during the night, accounting for 41% of all night-time reports. Traditional security cameras, like Ring or Nest, are reactive—they record an event as it happens but often don't prevent it.

For Hay-on-Wye homeowners, scOS offers a proactive solution. This AI-powered home security operating system monitors all your cameras in real-time to identify threats at the property boundary. It can distinguish between family members, delivery drivers, and intruders, ensuring you only receive alerts for real threats. If an intruder is detected, scOS can act autonomously by engaging lights or speakers to deter them before they ever reach your door. This type of prevention is crucial for protecting homes in a town that sees a significant jump in burglary risk during the late-night hours.