Machynlleth Crime Rate

Machynlleth Crime Overview

Machynlleth is a safe and secure town, boasting a high safety score of 82/100, which is better than the UK average of 79. The overall crime rate stands at 69.8 per 1,000 residents, notably lower than the national average of 91.6. However, it is important to note that crime in the town is currently on an increasing trend, with a 31.9% rise in total offences year-over-year. Despite this increase, the property crime rate remains exceptionally low at just 15.9 per 1,000 people, compared to the UK average of 32.2. For the 2,136 residents of Machynlleth, the town offers a high quality of life with relatively low risk, though the recent upward trend in crime suggests a need for continued awareness and proactive security measures.

Crime Breakdown in Machynlleth

Machynlleth's crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 49.0% of all recorded incidents, totalling 73 crimes. This is followed by public order offences at 12.1% and criminal damage and arson at 10.7%. These figures indicate that over 70% of reported crime in the town is related to personal safety and social conduct.

Property crime in Machynlleth occurs at a rate of 15.9 per 1,000 people, which is notably lower than the UK average of 32.2. This category is led by criminal damage (10.7% of total crime), burglary (4.0%), and 'other theft' (3.4%). Burglary occurs at a rate of 2.8 per 1,000 residents, which is relatively low by national standards. Although property theft is not the most frequent report, the combined impact of criminal damage and theft suggests that opportunistic property-related offences are a consistent concern. For residents, this means that while violent crime is the most common report, protecting the home from vandalism and maintaining a secure environment is still important for peace of mind. Overall, Machynlleth remains a relatively safe settlement.

Crime Trends in Machynlleth

The crime trend in Machynlleth is currently increasing, with total recorded offences rising by 31.9% year-over-year. This upward trajectory indicates a shift in the local security environment, although the overall crime volume remains relatively low.

Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout the year. The rate started at 4.7 per 1,000 people in January and reached its peak of 11.7 in August. This mid-summer peak is common in towns with seasonal activity. Following the summer, the rate declined to 2.8 in December. Although the rates fluctuated, the overall trend for the year remains one of growth compared to previous periods. This suggests that residents should be particularly vigilant during the summer months, while also acknowledging that the general risk level in the town has increased.

How To Keep Safe in Machynlleth

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Machynlleth, accounting for 49% of all reported incidents. Although the town is generally very safe, maintaining personal and community awareness is essential.

1. When in the town centre during the evening, stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings, especially near social venues.
2. Ensure your home is fully secured with high-quality locks and visible security systems to deter opportunistic vandalism and criminal damage.
3. Given the high percentage of violence and sexual offences, which often occur in domestic settings, support local community safety initiatives and look out for vulnerable neighbours.
4. Report any suspicious activity or recurring anti-social behaviour to the police to help manage the town's increasing crime trend.
5. Always secure your vehicle and remove any valuables from sight, as vehicle crime peaks significantly during the overnight hours in Machynlleth.

Crime Patterns in Machynlleth

Crime in Machynlleth follows a distinct temporal pattern, with different offences peaking at specific times of the day. Theft is most common during daylight hours, with 31% of thefts occurring in the morning and 32% in the afternoon. This aligns with the town's peak commercial activity and footfall.

As evening approaches, the nature of crime shifts heavily towards social-related offences. The period between 6pm and 12am sees a significant 58% of 'other' crimes, which includes anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Property crime, however, reaches its highest intensity overnight. Between 12am and 6am, burglary accounts for 29% of incidents, and vehicle crime peaks at 23%. This indicates that while the town is busy during the day, properties and vehicles are most at risk during the late-night hours. For residents, this highlights the critical need for robust overnight security and proactive perimeter protection to deter late-night opportunistic activity.

Regional Crime Comparison

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Machynlleth remains the primary hub for activity. While Machynlleth has a crime rate of 69.8 per 1,000 residents, nearby settlements like Pantperthog, Bryncrug, Aberdovey, and Tal-y-bont show no recorded crime in this dataset. This highlights that while Machynlleth has seen an increase in activity, it is still relatively secure compared to larger urban centres, but more active than the very quiet rural villages that surround it. For residents and those considering a move to the area, Machynlleth represents a balanced safety profile that compares favourably to the wider national landscape.

Proactive Security in Machynlleth

While Machynlleth enjoys a very low property crime rate of 15.9 per 1,000 residents, the 31.9% increase in overall crime is a clear signal for homeowners to review their security. Traditional reactive security—like standard CCTV that only records a crime—is often less effective because by the time you see the footage, the event has already passed. For true peace of mind, proactive prevention is the only real solution.

The scOS AI-powered home security system is designed to stop crime before it happens. By monitoring your property's perimeter in real-time, scOS uses intelligent multi-camera analysis to identify potential threats, such as unauthorized vehicles or suspicious movement, long before a break-in is attempted. Its autonomous response system can activate lights and audio alerts to deter criminals immediately. For residents in Machynlleth, where the trend in crime is rising, the ability of scOS to intervene and prevent a crime autonomously is an invaluable asset for protecting your home and family, ensuring you remain part of the town's high safety statistics.