Powys Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Powys’ crime rate in February 2026 stood at 4.8 per 1,000 residents, a figure 25% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This marked improvement reflects a combination of seasonal factors and local initiatives, though the area still faces challenges in addressing specific crime types. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 53.4% of all incidents, with a rate of 2.5 per 1,000—8% above the UK average. This discrepancy may be influenced by the area’s demographic composition, including a significant rural population where interpersonal conflicts may be more prevalent. Property crimes, such as criminal damage and arson, saw a 33.3% decrease compared to the previous month, linked to the winter lull in outdoor activity and reduced opportunities for such offences. The seasonal context of February, characterised by low outdoor engagement and pre-spring quietude, likely contributed to this decline. However, the persistence of high violence rates raises questions about targeted interventions in communities where such incidents are concentrated. While the overall crime rate remains well below the UK average, the breakdown illustrates the need for tailored strategies to address specific crime categories, particularly in areas where violence and sexual offences are represented. This data underscores the importance of continued monitoring and adaptive policing approaches to ensure sustained progress.

February 2026 saw a notable 66.7% decrease in theft from the person, with incidents dropping from three to one. This decline may reflect heightened awareness during winter, when public spaces are less crowded and individuals may take greater precautions. Conversely, shoplifting increased by 33.3%, rising from 15 to 20 incidents, suggesting a possible shift in retail activity or enforcement focus during the pre-spring lull. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 53.4% of all crimes, a rate 8% above the UK average, indicating a persistent challenge in addressing interpersonal crime in the area. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour fell by 29.4%, linked to seasonal factors such as reduced social gatherings and school holidays. These fluctuations highlight the combination of local dynamics and broader trends, with some categories aligning closely with national patterns while others deviate significantly.

Powys recorded a crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 residents in February 2026, marking a 13.2% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.5 per 1,000. This downward trend aligns with the seasonal context of winter, when outdoor activity typically declines, potentially reducing opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 23 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents within the local population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 211 residents, highlighting the relatively low frequency of crime compared to the UK average. This monthly exposure rate, while modest, underscores the importance of sustained community engagement in maintaining public safety. The reduction in crime aligns with broader patterns observed in rural areas, where lower population density and fewer urban centres may contribute to reduced crime rates during colder months.