Powys Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Powys' crime profile in November 2024, accounting for 46.7% of all reported incidents—nearly double the share of the next most common category. At 5.3 crimes per 1,000 residents, the area's overall rate is 30.3% below the UK average, a gap that reflects both geographic and demographic factors. The rural character of Powys, with its dispersed communities and limited urban centres, likely contributes to lower rates of property crime such as burglary and vehicle theft, which were 35% and 77% below the UK average respectively. However, the high proportion of violent crime—2.5 per 1,000 residents—raises questions about local dynamics. While the UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.6 per 1,000, Powys' rate is 3% lower, suggesting that targeted efforts may have mitigated some risks. Seasonal factors played a role: the dark evenings of November may have contributed to a 50% increase in theft from the person, as visibility decreases and public spaces become more vulnerable. Conversely, the 40% drop in bicycle theft could be linked to colder weather reducing outdoor activity. The area's low levels of anti-social behaviour—55% below the UK average—may indicate strong community engagement or effective local policing, though this remains an area requiring further analysis. As the month progressed, the balance between violent and property crime shifted slightly, with public order offences rising 18% above the UK average, influenced by Bonfire Night events and increased foot traffic in certain areas.

November 2024 saw a 50% increase in theft from the person, rising from 2 to 3 incidents—a sharp contrast to the overall downward trend in crime. This spike, though small in absolute terms, highlights the vulnerability of individuals in public spaces during darker evenings. Meanwhile, bicycle theft fell by 40% compared to the previous month, possibly reflecting reduced cycling activity during colder weather or improved security measures. The breakdown of crime types reveals striking disparities: anti-social behaviour rates are 55% below the UK average, while public order offences are 18% above. This divergence may reflect Powys' unique social dynamics, where community cohesion appears to mitigate certain disruptive behaviours but local events such as Bonfire Night may strain public order management. The 12% rise in drug-related crimes—now at 28 incidents—suggests an area requiring targeted interventions, though the figure remains significantly below the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000.

Powys' crime rate in November 2024 fell 10.6% from the previous month's 6.0 per 1,000 to 5.3 per 1,000, marking the third consecutive monthly decline. This downward trend aligns with broader patterns observed in rural areas during late autumn, where reduced tourism and seasonal closures may temporarily lower crime opportunities. Daily crime figures show 24 incidents reported each day on average, a figure that contextualises the scale of activity against the area's population of 135,059. Over the course of November, one crime was recorded for every 188 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average. This statistic, when paired with the area's sparse population density, suggests that Powys' geographic character—characterised by open landscapes and smaller communities—may inherently limit the frequency of certain crime types. The reduction in burglary (-25.6%) and other crime (-37.9%) further supports the idea that spatial distribution and lower population density contribute to sustained lower crime rates compared to urban counterparts.