Knighton Crime Rate

Knighton, a market town on the border of Wales and England, has an overall crime rate of 121.8 per 1,000 people per year. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 93.1, though the town maintains a safety score of 74/100, which is close to the national average of 78/100. Most concerning is the 114.5% increase in crime year-over-year, one of the sharpest rises in the region. Property crime, however, remains lower than the UK average at 20.5 per 1,000 (compared to 32.9 nationally). This suggests that while there has been a massive surge in reported incidents—largely driven by anti-social behaviour—the risk of direct property theft is still relatively moderate, though residents should be increasingly vigilant given the current trend.

Crime Breakdown in Knighton

In Knighton, the crime profile is uniquely led by anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 37.6% of all reported incidents (45.8 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by violence and sexual offences (32.3%) and public order offences (11.0%). Together, these categories suggest a high level of community-based disruption and personal safety concerns.

Property crime in Knighton occurs at a rate of 20.5 per 1,000 people. This includes criminal damage and arson (7.0%), burglary (3.6%), and other theft (2.8%). While the overall property crime rate is lower than the UK average, the 114.5% year-over-year increase in total crime is a major concern. For homeowners, the relatively high rate of burglary compared to other theft types indicates that residential properties are specific targets. The prevalence of criminal damage also suggests that property maintenance and visible security are important for deterring opportunistic vandalism and break-ins.

Crime Trends in Knighton

Knighton has experienced a dramatic 114.5% increase in crime over the past year, marking a significant shift in the town's safety profile. Monthly data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 people rose from 6.8 in November 2024 to a peak of 17.8 in April 2025.

While there were slight dips in the following months, the rate remained consistently higher than the previous year, with another notable period of activity in May and June. The rate began to settle in late 2025, reaching 6.5 by October, but the overall annual surge remains a critical point of concern. This trend suggests that Knighton has faced a sustained period of increased anti-social behaviour and property offences that has not yet fully returned to previous baseline levels.

How To Keep Safe in Knighton

The most frequent crime in Knighton is anti-social behaviour, which accounts for over a third of all reported incidents. To maintain your safety and help improve the community environment, consider these localized tips:

1. Report all instances of anti-social behaviour and public order offences to the local police; accurate reporting helps authorities target hotspots effectively.
2. Ensure your home's exterior is well-lit and that boundaries like fences and gates are in good repair to deter opportunistic vandalism and loitering.
3. Be aware that burglary and vehicle crime peak during the afternoon and night-time hours; always double-check locks on doors, windows, and cars during these times.
4. Participate in local community safety meetings or Neighbourhood Watch schemes to stay informed about the 114.5% rise in local crime and how to combat it.
5. If you are a business owner, consider installing visible, proactive security measures to deter the public order offences that are common in the town centre.

Crime Patterns in Knighton

Crime in Knighton follows a clear temporal cycle. During the morning and afternoon, theft and burglary are significant concerns, with burglary peaking at 26% of all afternoon incidents. This suggests that properties are being targeted while residents are likely away at work.

As evening approaches, the focus shifts to 'other' crimes, primarily anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 54% of incidents between 6pm and midnight. The night-time hours (12am to 6am) see a surge in vehicle crime, which accounts for 29% of reports, alongside a continued high risk of burglary (26%). This data indicates that while community-based disruption is an evening issue, property and vehicle security are the primary concerns during the day and overnight. Residents should ensure that all assets are secured, particularly during these peak risk windows.

Knighton has a notably higher crime rate (121.8 per 1,000) than many of its neighbours. Nearby Presteigne has a much lower rate of 56.9, and Bucknell in Shropshire is lower still at 36.4. Small settlements like Norton and Bedstone reported no crime during this period. This comparison shows that Knighton is currently experiencing a higher level of criminal activity than its surrounding rural areas, making it a statistical outlier in the immediate border region. Residents looking for context will find that Knighton’s current surge in anti-social behaviour is the primary driver behind this difference.

Protecting Your Knighton Home

In Knighton, where crime has surged by 114.5% in a single year, the need for effective home security has never been greater. While the property crime rate of 20.5 per 1,000 is still below the national average, the rapid increase in overall offences—particularly anti-social behaviour and burglary—indicates that the local environment is becoming more challenging. Traditional security cameras, which merely record events as they happen, are no longer sufficient for residents who want to prevent crime rather than just document it.

scOS provides a proactive solution by using AI to monitor your property's perimeter in real-time. By detecting potential intruders before they reach your home, scOS can trigger autonomous responses like activating floodlights or audible warnings to deter criminals. This is especially effective against the afternoon and night-time burglary risks seen in Knighton. By choosing a system that prioritises prevention over reactive recording, you ensure that your property is a difficult target, encouraging opportunistic offenders to move on before any harm is done.