Powys Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2024, Powys recorded 795 crimes, equating to 5.9 crimes per 1,000 residents—a rate that remains 29.8% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This volume translates to one reported crime for every 170 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of activity within the area’s population of 135,059. The breakdown of crimes reveals that violence and sexual offences dominated, accounting for 48.8% of all incidents (388 cases), followed by public order offences (10.2%) and criminal damage and arson (9.2%). While violence and sexual offences in Powys sit 2% above the UK average, other categories like anti-social behaviour (72% below the UK average) and shoplifting (53% below) highlight stark local differences. Seasonal factors may partly explain these trends, as May’s longer evenings and bank holidays likely contributed to increased socialising and associated public order issues. The area’s rural character, with sparse population density and limited urban centres, may also influence crime patterns, as rural isolation typically correlates with lower rates of theft from the person and vehicle crime—both of which are 100% below UK averages in Powys. However, the sharp rise in violent crime remains an outlier, suggesting a need for further analysis of local dynamics.

May 2024 saw an extraordinary 4750% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 8 to 388 cases—a jump that dominated the crime profile. This surge, combined with a 1900% rise in 'other crime' and a 1520% increase in public order offences, indicates a significant shift in the types of incidents being reported. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour fell by 23.4% to 49 cases, a decline that contrasts with the overall upward trend. Violence and sexual offences in Powys now stand at 2.9 per 1,000 residents, 2% above the UK average, while public order offences remain 5% below national levels. These figures suggest a complex mix of local pressures and broader patterns, with the surge in violent crime warranting closer attention from local authorities.

The crime rate in Powys rose sharply from 0.6 per 1,000 in April to 5.9 per 1,000 in May, reflecting a 915.5% increase. This surge translates to 26 reported crimes per day in May, a figure that highlights the intensity of activity over the 31-day period. On a monthly scale, the data shows that one reported crime occurred for every 170 residents, a statistic that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the population. While the overall rate remains 29.8% below the UK average, the dramatic month-on-month change underscores the volatility in local crime patterns. This contrast with the previous month’s rate suggests a significant shift. The population-scaled perspective reveals that, despite the increase, Powys continues to experience a lower crime burden compared to the UK as a whole, though certain categories like violence and sexual offences now sit slightly above the national average.