Powys Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

October 2025 saw Powys maintain a crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents, 24.7% below the UK average of 7.7. This figure places the area in a relatively safer position nationally, though the month’s dynamics reveal a combination of factors. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, contributing 49.6% of all incidents, a rate that exceeded the UK average by 9%. This category’s prominence may be influenced by the area’s rural character, where isolated incidents are more likely to be reported as serious crimes. Anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, was significantly below the UK average (52% lower), a trend consistent with the low population density and limited urban centres that characterise Powys. Seasonal factors played a notable role, with the clocks going back and darker evenings potentially contributing to increased crime in certain categories. The approach of Halloween, a time associated with higher levels of public activity and gatherings, may have influenced patterns of theft and disorder. The crime mix also showed stark contrasts: shoplifting was 68% below the UK average, likely reflecting the limited retail presence in rural areas, while criminal damage and arson were 7% above the UK average, linked to the agricultural and forestry activities prevalent in the region. These findings underscore the importance of contextualising crime data within the specific geographic and social profile of Powys, which differs markedly from more densely populated urban areas.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in October 2025 was a 500% increase in bicycle theft, rising from 1 to 6 incidents. This surge, though still a small absolute number, suggests a potential shift in criminal activity patterns during the month. Concurrently, theft from the person also rose sharply, increasing by 300% (from 1 to 4), which may be linked to the Halloween season and increased foot traffic in rural areas during evening hours. Vehicle crime saw an 81.8% increase, from 11 to 20, a figure that could reflect the impact of darker evenings on visibility and security. In contrast, robbery fell by 50%, from 2 to 1, indicating a temporary reduction in targeted attacks. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common crime type, accounting for 49.6% of total incidents, a rate 9% above the UK average. This discrepancy highlights the unique challenges faced by Powys compared to national trends. The significant gap between local and UK averages for categories like anti-social behaviour (52% below) and shoplifting (68% below) further illustrates the distinct nature of crime in this rural district.

Powys' crime rate in October 2025 rose by 9.4% compared to the previous month, moving from 5.3 to 5.8 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, reflects the dynamic nature of local crime trends. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 25 crimes per day, a figure that provides a tangible snapshot of the pace of incidents in the community. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 172 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the frequency of crime within the population. With a population of 135,059, this rate underscores the relative safety of the area compared to national averages, though the slight upward trend warrants attention. The local context of Powys, a rural district with limited urban density, may contribute to the slower pace of crime compared to more densely populated regions, yet the seasonal transition into darker evenings and the approach of Halloween could have influenced the increase in certain crime types. These factors, combined with the area’s geographic and demographic profile, shape the local crime picture in ways distinct from larger cities.