Powys Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2025, Powys maintained a crime rate of 4.5 per 1,000 residents — 35.7% below the UK average of 7.0. This rural district’s crime profile reveals a stark contrast between violent and property crimes, with the former accounting for 50.9% of all recorded offences. Violence and sexual offences dominated the breakdown, marking 309 incidents, while property crimes totalled 165, including 19 burglaries and 19 shoplifting cases. Seasonal factors likely contribute to this pattern: the Christmas shopping peak and extended dark evenings may heighten tensions in community spaces, though local policing efforts appear to have mitigated more severe property crime spikes. Violent crime in Powys is 11% below the UK average for this category, consistent with the area’s character as a sparsely populated region with limited nightlife and commercial hubs. Meanwhile, property crimes such as vehicle theft and burglary remain significantly below national averages, aligning with the lower population density and reduced retail activity typical of rural Powys. The absence of major urban centres or tourist attractions may partly explain the subdued property crime rates, though the seasonal context of December — with its associated holiday-related disruptions — could have influenced the distribution of violent incidents. These patterns suggest a combination of local demographics, geographic isolation, and temporary seasonal pressures.

December 2025 saw a 26.6% increase in criminal damage and arson cases, rising from 64 to 81 incidents. This surge, though still below the UK average for the category, may reflect holiday-related vandalism or increased home occupancy during the festive season. Conversely, theft from the person and robbery both fell by 50%, with only two incidents reported — a stark reduction from four in November. This decline could indicate effective policing during the Christmas period or fewer opportunities for such crimes in a rural setting. The balance between violent and property crime remains skewed, with the former making up over half of all recorded offences. Violence and sexual offences in Powys (2.3 per 1,000) are 11% below the UK average for this category, suggesting that local factors — such as community cohesion or limited access to nightlife — may temper violent crime rates. Anti-social behaviour is 68% below the UK average, a statistic that would be particularly relevant for residents concerned about public disorder. Meanwhile, shoplifting and burglary rates remain well below national levels, aligning with the low retail density and sparse population of the area.

The crime rate in Powys for December 2025 (4.5 per 1,000) represents a 19.1% decrease from November’s rate of 5.6, reflecting a marked improvement in overall safety. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 20 crimes per day — a figure that, while seemingly high, must be contextualised within the district’s population of 135,059. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 223 residents, a ratio that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to more densely populated regions. This monthly exposure rate is particularly notable when compared to the UK average, where the equivalent figure would be significantly higher. The decline from November may be attributed to seasonal factors, with the end of the university term (if applicable) and reduced public gatherings during the Christmas holidays potentially lowering crime opportunities. However, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson suggests that other dynamics — such as increased home occupancy during the festive season — may have influenced specific categories. These trends highlight the importance of viewing crime statistics through both a temporal and geographic lens, ensuring that local contexts are not overshadowed by national comparisons.