Powys Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Powys’ crime profile in November 2023, accounting for 42.7% of all reported crimes. At 5.6 crimes per 1,000 residents, the local authority’s overall crime rate remains 25.3% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, a position consistent with its largely rural character and lower population density. The data highlights a stark contrast between Powys and urban centres, where property crime typically outpaces violent crime. November’s seasonal context—marked by Bonfire Night, Black Friday shopping, and extended darkness—likely contributes to fluctuations in specific offence types. While violent crime remains the dominant category, the breakdown reveals a combination of factors, including the relatively low incidence of theft from the person (0.0 per 1,000) and public order offences (0.7 per 1,000). The area’s sparse population and limited retail hubs may partly explain the absence of shoplifting and vehicle crime, which are typically higher in urban areas. However, the 32% increase in public order offences compared to the UK average suggests localised pressures, possibly linked to seasonal events or community dynamics. This pattern underscores the importance of contextualising crime statistics beyond raw numbers, considering how geography, demographics, and temporal factors shape reporting trends.

November 2023 saw a 400% surge in theft from the person, rising from 1 to 5 incidents—a dramatic shift that may reflect heightened vigilance during Black Friday or increased foot traffic in retail areas. Public order offences also doubled compared to October, reaching 98 cases, a 100% increase that exceeds the UK average by 32%. This spike could be tied to Bonfire Night celebrations or the impact of colder weather on community interactions. Conversely, burglary fell by 27.3% (33 to 24), and vehicle crime dropped by 17.6% (17 to 14), influenced by reduced outdoor activity as November progresses. Violence and sexual offences in Powys remain 7% below the UK average (2.4 vs 2.6 per 1,000), a trend consistent with the area’s lower population density and fewer nightlife venues. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour (11.6% of total crimes) is 43% below the UK average, suggesting a community environment where such disturbances are less prevalent. These figures illustrate how Powys’ rural nature and limited urban infrastructure shape its crime profile, with violent crime dominating but other categories deviating significantly from national norms.

Powys’ crime rate in November 2023 rose slightly to 5.6 per 1,000 residents from 5.4 in October, a 2.0% increase, though still well below the UK average. This translates to roughly 25 crimes reported daily across the local authority’s 135,059 residents—a figure that, while modest, underscores the persistent presence of crime in even low-density areas. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 180 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Powys in the lower quartile of UK local authorities. When compared to the UK average, the 25.3% deficit in Powys’ overall rate reflects systemic differences, including fewer commercial hubs and a more dispersed population. The daily crime count, while seemingly low, may appear higher in areas with concentrated activity, such as market towns or transport nodes. This context is critical for residents: while the rate is reassuringly low, the 1-in-180 figure means crime remains a tangible, if infrequent, part of life in Powys. The comparison also highlights the value of localised data, as national averages can obscure regional variations shaped by geography and community structure.