Powys Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Powys recorded a crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 residents in January 2026, 19.1% below the UK average of 6.8. This figure underscores the area's consistently lower crime profile compared to the national average, a trend often observed in rural districts. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 51.8% of all reported incidents (383 cases), a rate of 2.8 per 1,000 that was 12% above the UK average. This anomaly may be attributed to seasonal factors: January's post-holiday period, shorter days, and reduced outdoor activity could contribute to higher incidents of violence in more isolated areas. Property crimes, while lower than violent offences, still made up 24.3% of the total (180 cases), with criminal damage and arson (72 cases) and public order offences (60 cases) also standing out. The area's rural character likely plays a role in these patterns, as lower population density and fewer urban centres typically correlate with reduced property crime but may not fully mitigate violent incidents. Seasonal context further shapes these figures: January's reduced retail footfall may dampen shoplifting rates, which were 82% below the UK average at 0.1 per 1,000. However, the 300% increase in robbery cases highlights a sharp, localized spike that warrants closer examination. These trends illustrate a combination of geography, seasonality, and local demographics, with Powys' crime profile reflecting both the benefits and challenges of its rural setting.

January 2026 saw a 300% surge in robbery cases, jumping from 1 to 4 incidents, an outlier compared to other categories. Vehicle crime also doubled, rising from 10 to 20, a stark contrast to the 82% drop in shoplifting, which fell from 19 to 15. These shifts reflect a mix of seasonal and localized factors: the post-holiday period may have contributed to increased opportunistic robberies, while reduced retail footfall in January likely explains lower shoplifting rates. Violence and sexual offences remained 12% above the UK average at 2.8 per 1,000, a figure that could be linked to the area's rural nature, where fewer public spaces and limited policing presence may affect reporting rates. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour was 57% below the UK average, a statistic that may align with Powys' lower population density and fewer urban hubs.

Powys' crime rate in January 2026 rose by 21.8% compared to the previous month, climbing from 4.5 to 5.5 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, suggests a shift in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 24 crimes per day, a figure that reflects both the total number of incidents and the distribution across the month's 31 days. Over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 183 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Powys in a lower bracket compared to larger urban areas but aligns with its rural character. With a population of 135,059, the crime rate's relationship to population density and geographic spread is evident: rural areas typically experience lower crime rates due to lower population concentrations. The rise in violent crime, despite the overall rate remaining below the UK average, highlights the need for targeted local analysis.