Powys Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Powys' crime rate in October 2024 stood at 6.0 per 1,000 residents, 25.9% below the UK average of 8.1. This rural district, characterised by low population density and a mix of rural and small-town communities, continues to exhibit a crime profile markedly different from urban centres. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 47.5% of all crimes, a proportion significantly higher than the UK average for this category (2.7 per 1,000). The seasonal context of October, with shorter daylight hours and the approach of Halloween, may influence patterns of anti-social behaviour and public order incidents, though no direct link to specific crimes is evident in the data. Property crimes, including burglary and shoplifting, remain well below the UK average, consistent with the characteristics of a sparsely populated area where opportunities for such crimes are limited. The dominance of violent crimes in Powys’ crime mix reflects broader regional trends in Wales, where rural areas often report higher rates of interpersonal violence compared to urban counterparts. This may be partially explained by the limited availability of alternative social activities in smaller communities, though such speculation must be tempered by the absence of direct causal evidence. The low rates of vehicle crime and bicycle theft, both significantly below UK averages, align with the lower population density and reduced traffic volumes typical of Powys. Seasonal factors, such as the transition to darker evenings, may contribute to increased anti-social behaviour, but this connection. Overall, Powys’ crime profile remains distinct from the UK average, shaped by its rural geography and demographic composition.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in October 2024 was a 400% increase in bicycle theft, rising from 1 to 5 incidents. This surge, while modest in absolute terms, underscores the potential vulnerability of unsecured bikes in rural areas with limited surveillance. Other crime increased by 107.1%, from 14 to 29 cases, suggesting a broadening of criminal activity beyond core categories. Conversely, robbery fell by 50%, from 2 to 1, and possession of weapons dropped by 50%, from 10 to 5, indicating possible success in targeted interventions or seasonal shifts in criminal priorities. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, with a rate of 2.8 per 1,000—5% above the UK average. This anomaly may reflect unmet demand for mental health services or limited access to community support networks in rural Powys. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.6 per 1,000, was 53% below the UK average, a figure that could be attributed to the relatively low population density and the absence of high-traffic urban environments where such behaviour is more commonly reported. The stark contrast between Powys’ shoplifting rate (0.2 per 1,000) and the UK average (0.7 per 1,000) highlights the limited retail presence in the area, reducing opportunities for such crimes. These patterns suggest that while violent crime remains a concern, the structural factors of Powys’ geography and demographics play a defining role in shaping its unique crime profile.

Powys’ crime rate in October 2024 (6.0 per 1,000) marked a 9.6% increase from the previous month’s rate of 5.4, reflecting a gradual upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 26 crimes per day, a figure that, while lower than the UK average, remains significant for a rural district. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 168 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, when contextualised against Powys’ population of 135,059, illustrates the relative safety of the area compared to more densely populated regions. This statistic is particularly meaningful for residents, as it provides a tangible measure of risk that can be compared to other local authority districts. The 25.9% deficit compared to the UK average underscores the effectiveness of local policing strategies in a low-density environment, though this may also reflect underreporting due to the challenges of accessing services in remote areas. The previous month’s rate (5.4) was 1.6 per 1,000 below the current figure, a change that, while statistically significant, does not yet indicate a major shift in crime dynamics. The daily crime count and monthly exposure rate serve as useful benchmarks for understanding how Powys’ crime profile compares to both national averages and its own historical trends, offering residents a clearer picture of their local safety landscape.