Powys Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2024, Powys recorded a crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 21.1% below the UK average of 7.1. This figure reflects the area’s status as a largely rural district, where crime rates are consistently lower than in urban centres. The most significant contributor to the local crime burden was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 53.6% of all reported incidents—3.0 per 1,000 residents. This rate is higher than the UK average for the same category (2.6 per 1,000), suggesting that local factors may be amplifying risks to personal safety. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences followed, contributing 8.7% and 8.3% respectively to the total crime tally. The seasonal context of December—characterised by extended dark evenings, Christmas shopping, and the closure of homes during the holiday season—may have created conditions conducive to violent crime. While property crime remained relatively low, the dominance of violent incidents highlights a shift in the local crime profile, influenced by the social dynamics of a sparsely populated region. This imbalance between property and violent crime may indicate a need for targeted interventions, such as increased community policing during peak hours or initiatives to address underlying social tensions.

December 2024 saw a 20.5% increase in violent and sexual offences, bringing the total to 405 incidents—17% above the UK average for this category. This sharp rise in violent crime contrasts with a 39.3% decline in shoplifting, which fell from 28 to 17 cases. The shift in crime mix is notable: property crimes accounted for only 22% of all reported incidents, compared to 53.6% for violent crimes. This imbalance may be linked to seasonal factors such as Christmas shopping and extended dark evenings, which could increase opportunities for personal violence. Meanwhile, robbery—a category typically rare in rural areas—saw a 100% increase, rising from 0 to 2 incidents. This anomaly highlights the unpredictable nature of crime in low-density regions. Conversely, bicycle theft and theft from the person both dropped by 66.7%, suggesting that targeted prevention efforts or seasonal inactivity may have played a role in these decreases.

Powys' crime rate in December 2024 rose by 5.3% compared to November, moving from 5.3 to 5.6 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, reflects a continued pattern of fluctuation observed in rural areas during late-year periods. On a daily basis, 24 crimes were reported across the 31 days of December, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 179 residents, a ratio that underscores the relatively low frequency of crime in this predominantly rural district. When compared to the UK average, Powys remains significantly safer, with its overall crime rate 21.1% below the national figure. This contrast highlights the unique characteristics of a sparsely populated region, where community cohesion and limited urban density may contribute to lower crime levels. However, the rise in violent crime relative to property crime suggests a shift in local dynamics that warrants closer examination of seasonal and social factors.