Newtown (Powys) Crime Rate

Newtown (Powys) Crime Overview

Newtown (Powys) currently faces significant safety challenges, with an overall crime rate of 169.7 per 1,000 residents, which is nearly double the UK average of 91.6. This is reflected in its safety score of 57/100, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 79. Furthermore, crime in the town is on a sharp upward trend, increasing by 42.3% year-over-year. The property crime rate of 39.8 per 1,000 is also above the national average of 32.2. For the 11,301 residents of Newtown, these statistics indicate a high-risk environment where proactive security is essential. While violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime types, the overall volume of activity across all categories suggests a need for heightened vigilance.

Crime Breakdown in Newtown (Powys)

Newtown faces a significant challenge with violence and sexual offences, which constitute 47.9% of all recorded crime, totalling 918 incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 9.8% and public order offences at 9.0%. These figures indicate that nearly two-thirds of the town's crime is related to social and personal conduct, rather than traditional property theft.

However, property crime in Newtown is still substantial, with an overall rate of 39.8 per 1,000 people—higher than the UK average of 32.2. This category is led by 'other theft' (4.7%), shoplifting (3.4%), and burglary (3.4%). While burglary specifically occurs at a rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents, the combined impact of theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage creates a significant security concern for local homeowners. Criminal damage and arson alone account for 8.9% of all crime, suggesting that property vandalism is a frequent issue. For residents, this means that while violent crime is the most common, the risk to property is higher than in many other parts of Wales, necessitating robust residential security measures.

Crime Trends in Newtown (Powys)

The crime trend in Newtown is currently increasing at a significant rate, with total recorded offences rising by 42.3% year-over-year. This sharp upward trajectory is a major concern for the town, indicating a substantial shift in the local security environment.

Monthly data from 2025 shows that crime remained consistently high throughout the year. The rate started at 16.6 per 1,000 people in January and, despite some minor fluctuations, peaked at 17.0 in May. Unlike many other areas that see a significant summer spike followed by a winter dip, Newtown's crime rate stayed elevated, only dropping slightly to 11.9 in November before ending the year at 12.0. This persistent level of high activity suggests that crime in Newtown is not just a seasonal issue but a year-round challenge. Residents should be aware that the risk remains high throughout all months, necessitating constant vigilance and robust security measures.

How To Keep Safe in Newtown (Powys)

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Newtown, accounting for nearly 48% of all incidents. Given the high overall crime rate, residents should take several proactive steps to ensure their safety.

1. When walking through the town centre, especially during evening and night hours, stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid poorly lit shortcuts.
2. Ensure your home is fully secured with high-quality locks and visible security systems; the high property crime rate makes Newtown a target for opportunistic theft.
3. Be aware of your surroundings when using public transport or visiting busy retail areas, as public order offences and anti-social behaviour are also prevalent.
4. Report any suspicious activity or recurring anti-social behaviour to the police immediately to help manage the town's increasing crime trend.
5. If you own a vehicle, never leave valuables on display and consider additional security measures like steering locks, as vehicle crime is a persistent factor in the area.

Crime Patterns in Newtown (Powys)

Crime in Newtown follows a distinct temporal pattern, with different offences peaking at various times of the day. Theft and shoplifting are most common during the daylight hours, with 39% of thefts occurring in the morning and 40% in the afternoon. This aligns with the town's commercial activity and high footfall during business hours.

As evening approaches, the nature of crime shifts towards social-related offences. The period between 6pm and 12am sees a significant 62% of 'other' crimes, which includes anti-social behaviour and public order offences, likely linked to the town's nightlife. Property crime, however, reaches its highest intensity overnight. Between 12am and 6am, burglary accounts for 25% of incidents, and vehicle crime peaks at 16%. 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 perimeter protection.

Regional Crime Comparison

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Newtown's crime profile is exceptionally high. Its rate of 169.7 per 1,000 residents is more than triple that of nearby Kerry (49.9) and more than four times that of Abermule (38.9). Other surrounding areas like Caersws and Tregynon show no recorded crime in this dataset. This suggests that Newtown serves as a significant hub for criminal activity within the region. For those living in or considering moving to the area, Newtown represents a stark contrast to the very safe rural settlements that surround it, highlighting the importance of robust personal and property security within the town itself.

Proactive Security in Newtown (Powys)

With a property crime rate of 39.8 per 1,000 residents and an overall crime rate that is nearly double the national average, Newtown homeowners face a substantial risk. In such a high-activity area, traditional security measures like standard CCTV are often insufficient. These systems are reactive—they simply record the crime as it happens. In Newtown, where the 42.3% increase in crime suggests a more active criminal element, preventing the crime from occurring in the first place is the only way to truly protect your home.

The scOS AI-powered home security system offers a proactive solution designed for high-risk environments. By utilizing multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's perimeter in real-time, identifying suspicious individuals or vehicles before they even reach your door. Its autonomous response system can immediately activate deterrents, such as high-intensity lighting and audio warnings, to disrupt a criminal's intent. In Newtown, where burglary and vehicle crime are persistent issues, the ability of scOS to intervene and stop a threat at the boundary provides a level of security that traditional recording systems simply cannot match, ensuring your home does not become another statistic.