Knighton Crime Rate

Knighton's crime profile is dominated by a stark 121% exceedance of UK averages for anti-social behaviour, with 32.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is more than double the national rate and highlights a significant local concern. While the area's overall crime rate of 104.4 per 1,000 is 14.7% above the UK average, property crime is lower at 20.5 per 1,000 — 35.7% below the national benchmark. The area also experiences a 36.2% year-on-year increase in crime, with possession of weapons surging by 200% YoY.

Knighton is a built-up area within Powys, a rural county in Wales. Its relatively small population and proximity to natural landscapes create a unique blend of community life and isolation. However, the area's limited economic diversity and sparse public services may contribute to higher anti-social behaviour rates. Knighton's position as a commuter hub for nearby towns could also influence crime patterns, with transient populations and fewer community ties exacerbating certain issues.

The most striking finding in Knighton's crime data is the 121% exceedance of UK averages for anti-social behaviour, with 32.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is more than double the national rate and likely reflects the area's smaller population and limited community resources, which may make it harder to address persistent disturbances. Public order offences also exceed UK averages by 96%, potentially linked to the area's proximity to tourist routes or informal gatherings. Vehicle crime is 18% below the UK average (3.8 vs 4.6 per 1,000), which may be due to fewer commercial vehicles or lower traffic density. The sharp 200% increase in weapon possession YoY is concerning and may indicate emerging patterns of violence, though the low base rate (1.0 per 1,000) suggests this remains a rare but growing concern.

Knighton's crime rate rose by 36.2% year-on-year, with the sharpest increase in possession of weapons (+200% YoY). This represents a marked deterioration in specific categories despite property crime remaining 35.7% below the UK average. The monthly trend shows a clear seasonal pattern, peaking in April 2025 (17.8 per 1,000/month) and troughing in November 2025 (2.7 per 1,000/month). This may be influenced by longer evenings and increased tourism in spring, though the sudden spike in February 2026 remains unexplained. The 200% rise in weapon possession YoY is particularly concerning, though the base rate remains low (1.0 per 1,000), suggesting a need for targeted interventions.

How To Keep Safe in Knighton

To address anti-social behaviour, report persistent disturbances to local authorities promptly. Avoid areas with frequent public order incidents, especially during evening hours when such activity peaks. Secure vehicles and homes during the afternoon (12pm-6pm) when theft rates are highest. For vehicle crime, park in well-lit, high-traffic areas at night, as Knighton's rate is 18% below the UK average but has seen a 175% YoY increase. Stay informed about local crime patterns and consider community engagement to foster safer public spaces.

Crime in Knighton follows distinct patterns by time of day. Theft peaks in the afternoon (45% of reported incidents between 12pm-6pm), likely tied to retail activity and pedestrian traffic. Vehicle crime spikes at night (37% of incidents between 12am-6am), possibly linked to isolated parking areas or reduced surveillance. Burglary is most common in the evening (20% of incidents between 6pm-12am), aligning with typical window-breaking opportunities. Other crimes show a night-time surge (47% of incidents between 12am-6am), suggesting a mix of opportunistic and targeted activity. These patterns highlight the need for tailored prevention strategies during high-risk periods.

Knighton's crime rate (104.4 per 1,000) is 164% higher than Bucknell (Shropshire)'s rate of 39.6 and 67% higher than Presteigne's 62.6. This contrast may be due to Bucknell's smaller population and more rural character, which often correlates with lower crime rates. Presteigne, as a market town, likely has more commercial activity and transient populations, contributing to its higher but still lower-than-Knighton crime rate.

In Knighton, where anti-social behaviour exceeds the UK average by 121%, proactive security measures are essential, scOS's AI-powered boundary monitoring can detect disturbances before they escalate, using persistent surveillance to distinguish between routine activity and concerning behaviour. Automated lighting and speaker activation provide immediate deterrence without requiring resident intervention, which is particularly valuable in areas with high anti-social incidents. The system's cloud storage of two weeks' footage also aids in evidence collection for police or local authorities. A scOS Architect can customise the system to Knighton's specific layout and crime patterns, offering tailored protection against recurring disturbances.