Powys Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Powys, 6.2 crimes were reported in April 2023 — a figure 17.3% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This translates to a roughly 1-in-160 chance of experiencing a crime over the course of the month, a statistic that underscores the area’s relative safety compared to national trends. The most significant category by volume was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 45.2% of all reported crimes, followed by public order offences (12.7%) and anti-social behaviour (12.0%). These patterns align with seasonal factors, as April’s Easter period and spring weather likely increased outdoor activity, potentially contributing to higher incidents of public disorder and interpersonal conflict. While violent crime rates in Powys are 8% above the UK average for this category, property-related offences such as burglary and shoplifting remain significantly lower than national figures. This suggests a distinct crime profile for Powys, where community-focused policing and rural demographics may play a role in mitigating property crime while leaving interpersonal disputes and public order issues more pronounced. The data also reflects the area’s character as a largely rural district with pockets of urban centres, where community engagement and local initiatives may have a measurable impact on crime prevention.

April 2023 saw sharp fluctuations in specific crime categories, with vehicle crime surging by 200% (from 4 to 12 incidents) and robbery doubling (from 1 to 2). These increases, while statistically significant, remain modest in absolute terms and may be linked to seasonal shifts, such as the Easter holiday period prompting more travel and vehicle-related activity. Conversely, public order offences decreased by 12.3% (from 122 to 107), a trend consistent with the Easter break reducing late-night gatherings in local town centres. The drugs category also rose by 53.8%, reaching 40 incidents — 58% above the UK average — highlighting a potential focus for local law enforcement. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remained below the UK average (32% lower), a statistic that may reflect the area’s rural nature, where community cohesion and lower population density could deter such incidents. For residents, the most immediate concern appears to be the 200% increase in vehicle crime, which, while not yet reaching levels seen in urban centres, warrants attention from local authorities and drivers. The data also reveals a stark contrast in crime distribution: while violence and sexual offences dominate, property crimes such as burglary and shoplifting are 33% and 58% below UK averages respectively, suggesting that Powys’ rural landscape may inherently reduce opportunities for such offences.

The crime rate in Powys for April 2023 (6.2 per 1,000) marked a 3.9% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.5 per 1,000, reflecting a slight downward trend in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 28 crimes per day — a figure that, while seemingly high, is contextualised by Powys’ population of 135,059. When scaled to the local population, this equates to one reported crime for every 160 residents over the course of the month, a statistic that provides a tangible measure of risk for individuals living in the area. This monthly exposure rate is particularly relevant for residents considering relocation or long-term residency, as it illustrates the likelihood of encountering crime in a rural district where community networks may play a role in mitigating broader risks. The comparison to the UK average further highlights Powys’ unique position: while violent crime rates in the area are 8% above the national average, the sharp reductions in property-related offences (such as burglary and shoplifting) suggest a distinct crime profile shaped by the region’s geography. For example, the 78% lower rate of vehicle crime compared to the UK average may reflect the lower density of urban centres and fewer opportunities for such incidents in a predominantly rural landscape. These patterns underscore the importance of tailored policing strategies that address the specific challenges of Powys, rather than applying broad national initiatives that may not align with local conditions.