Machynlleth Crime Rate

Machynlleth's crime rate of 70.7 per 1,000 residents in 2026 is 22.3% below the UK average, making it one of the safer areas in the country. Despite this, public order crimes are 34% higher than the national average, highlighting a unique challenge. The town's safety score of 81/100, 2 points above the UK average, reflects effective crime prevention but also points to specific areas for improvement.

Machynlleth is a historic market town in Powys, known for its vibrant community, scenic landscapes, and proximity to the Cambrian Mountains. Its relatively small population and rural character contribute to a lower overall crime rate compared to urban centres. However, the town's mix of tourist attractions and local events may influence public order issues, while its quieter residential areas likely deter property crime. The presence of a university or student population is not explicitly noted, but the low rates of vehicle crime and shoplifting suggest limited commercial activity compared to larger towns.

Machynlleth's most notable crime trend is the 34% elevation in public order offences compared to the UK average, with 8.4 incidents per 1,000 residents. This may stem from the town's role as a tourist destination, where transient populations and local events could contribute to disorder. Violence and sexual offences are also 14% above the UK average (36.5 vs 32.1 per 1,000), linked to social gatherings in the evenings. Conversely, anti-social behaviour is 49% below the UK average (7.5 vs 14.7 per 1,000), indicating effective community engagement or policing. The sharp 200% year-on-year increase in burglary (2.8 vs 3.3 per 1,000) is puzzling, but may reflect targeted property vulnerabilities despite the low overall rate. This contrast highlights the area's unique balance between safety and specific risks.

Crime in Machynlleth has increased by 16.2% year-on-year, with a sharp 200% rise in burglary despite the rate remaining below the UK average. Monthly trends show a distinct peak in August 2025 (11.7 per 1,000/month), likely linked to summer tourism and extended daylight hours. The rise in violence and sexual offences (+27.9% YoY) may correlate with increased social activity during warmer months. Conversely, shoplifting and vehicle crime have declined, reflecting effective local measures or seasonal factors. This mixed pattern suggests targeted interventions are needed for rising categories while sustaining progress on others.

How To Keep Safe in Machynlleth

Given Machynlleth's elevated public order crime rate, residents should avoid high-traffic areas during late-night hours and report suspicious gatherings promptly. For violence and sexual offences, which are 14% above the UK average, avoid isolated paths during evening events. Burglary, though low, has surged by 200% YoY, so secure valuables in homes and use scOS's perimeter detection if available. Community engagement in public spaces can help reduce disorder, while maintaining situational awareness during peak crime times (evening and night) remains critical.

Crime in Machynlleth exhibits distinct temporal patterns. Burglary peaks at night (24% of incidents between 12am-6am), likely due to reduced visibility and fewer witnesses. Vehicle crime also rises sharply overnight (23% of incidents), possibly linked to parked vehicles in less monitored areas. Other crimes dominate evenings (61% of incidents between 6pm-12am), suggesting a correlation with nightlife or social activities. Theft, however, peaks in the afternoon (37% of incidents between 12pm-6pm), potentially tied to retail activity or daytime public spaces. These trends underscore the importance of situational awareness during high-risk periods.

Compared to the UK average, Machynlleth is 22.3% safer overall, with property crime rates 54.5% lower. This suggests the area is generally more secure than the national average, though specific categories like public order and violence remain elevated, requiring targeted community strategies.

For Machynlleth households, where public order crimes are 34% above the UK average, proactive security measures are essential, scOS's AI-driven perimeter monitoring can detect suspicious activity near homes, triggering lights and speakers to deter offenders. Its DVLA vehicle verification feature helps identify stolen or cloned plates near properties, addressing the 200% year-on-year rise in burglary. By shifting from passive recording to active deterrence, scOS aligns with Machynlleth's need to mitigate opportunistic crimes without compromising the town's character.