Newtown (Powys) Crime Rate

Newtown is a significant urban hub in Powys with an overall crime rate of 173.2 per 1,000 people. This figure is substantially higher than the UK average of 91.7, resulting in a safety score of 56/100. The town has experienced a sharp 51.5% increase in reported crime year-over-year, a trend that is a primary concern for the local community. The property crime rate is also elevated at 40.2 per 1,000, which is higher than the national benchmark of 32.3. While Newtown serves as a central commercial and social centre for the region, these statistics indicate a higher level of criminal activity than in the surrounding rural areas. Residents and business owners are advised to be proactive regarding their personal and property security in light of these figures.

In Newtown, the crime landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 48.0% of all recorded incidents (83.2 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 10.2%, followed by public order offences at 8.9%. These figures indicate that personal safety and public conduct are the primary areas of concern for local law enforcement.

Property-related crime, including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 40.2 per 1,000 people. This is higher than the UK average of 32.3, suggesting that residents in Newtown face a greater risk to their property than in many other parts of the country. Criminal damage and arson make up 8.5% of total crime, while burglary and shoplifting also contribute significantly. For homeowners and business owners, this data highlights the importance of robust security measures to protect against both vandalism and theft. The relatively high property crime rate, combined with the prevalence of violence, underscores the need for proactive safety and security strategies within the urban area.

Crime in Newtown is currently on a sharp upward trend, with a 51.5% increase in total reported offences compared to the previous year. Monthly data shows that crime rates remained high throughout 2025, starting at 15.5 per 1,000 in December 2024 and reaching a peak of 17.0 in May 2025. Although there was a slight decline towards the end of the year, with November recording 11.9, the overall annual volume represents a significant rise. This trend suggests a substantial increase in criminal activity or a major shift in reporting practices that residents should be aware of. The consistently high rates throughout the year indicate that the town is facing persistent safety challenges, and community-wide vigilance is more important than ever to help reverse this trend.

How To Keep Safe in Newtown (Powys)

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Newtown, accounting for 48% of all reported incidents. To stay safe, it is important to remain vigilant, especially in the town centre during the evening or late-night hours. Stick to well-lit, busy streets and avoid walking alone in secluded areas or along the river paths after dark. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences are also prevalent; residents are encouraged to report any persistent issues to local community officers to help maintain a safe environment. For homeowners, ensuring that your property is well-secured with high-quality locks and visible security measures is vital, as criminal damage and burglary rates are higher here than in surrounding areas. Motion-activated lighting can be an effective deterrent against both vandalism and opportunistic theft. Additionally, always ensure your vehicle is locked and valuables are removed, particularly if parking in public areas overnight. Joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme can also help you stay informed about local safety initiatives.

Crime in Newtown follows clear temporal patterns, with different offences peaking at specific times of the day. The evening hours (6pm - 12am) see the highest overall activity, particularly for 'other' crimes like public order and anti-social behaviour, which make up 61% of reports during this period. This likely coincides with the town's social and nightlife activities. Night-time (12am - 6am) is a critical period for property crime, with burglary accounting for 25% of incidents and vehicle crime rising to 15%. Morning and afternoon hours are dominated by theft-related offences (41% to 42%), reflecting activity in the town's commercial and retail areas. Burglary also remains a significant risk in the afternoon at 20%, likely targeting homes while residents are at work. Overall, the data suggests that while public order issues peak in the evening, the hours of darkness and the mid-afternoon require the most vigilance regarding property and home security.

Newtown acts as a major urban centre, and its crime rate of 173.2 per 1,000 reflects this status when compared to its more rural neighbours. Nearby areas like Kerry (51.3 per 1,000) and Abermule (37.0 per 1,000) are significantly safer, while surrounding villages like Caersws and Tregynon report very low crime figures. This regional context shows that criminal activity in this part of Powys is heavily concentrated in Newtown. For those considering the area, Newtown offers more amenities and transport links but comes with a higher crime profile than the quieter, surrounding settlements, making robust security a more pressing priority for residents.

In Newtown, where the property crime rate is 40.2 per 1,000—well above the national average—relying on traditional security measures may not be enough. Most standard home security systems, such as Ring or Nest, are reactive; they record footage of a crime while it is happening or after the fact. For residents in a higher-crime urban area, proactive protection is essential. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that detects threats at the property boundary before a break-in occurs. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your entire property simultaneously, identifying suspicious behaviour and flagging real threats. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can identify unknown cars instantly, while autonomous responses—such as activating deterrent lights and speakers—can stop an intruder in their tracks. In an area like Newtown, where criminal damage and burglary are more frequent, a proactive system like scOS provides the professional-grade deterrence needed to prevent your home from becoming a statistic.