Presteigne Crime Rate

Presteigne experiences an overall crime rate of 56.9 per 1,000 people per year, which is notably lower than the UK average of 93.1. This contributes to a respectable safety score of 86 out of 100, comfortably above the national average of 78. Recent data indicates an increasing trend, with a 17.3% rise year-over-year. This introduction provides a comprehensive overview of crime statistics in Presteigne, detailing specific crime types, analysing recent trends, and offering practical safety guidance for its 2,620 residents.

In Presteigne, Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant crime category, accounting for 40.9% of all reported incidents, at a rate of 23.3 per 1,000 people. This is the most prevalent crime type, reflecting a significant portion of local law enforcement's focus. Following this, Criminal damage and arson makes up 13.4% of crimes (7.6 per 1,000), and Anti-social behaviour constitutes 12.8% (7.2 per 1,000), completing the top three. The overall property crime rate, which encompasses burglary, other theft, shoplifting, vehicle crime, and criminal damage and arson, stands at 19.9 per 1,000 people. This is lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9 per 1,000. Burglary specifically accounts for 11.4% of total crimes, at a rate of 6.5 per 1,000, and vehicle crime is 1.3% at 0.8 per 1,000. These figures suggest that while personal safety, particularly concerning violence, is a primary concern, residents and homeowners face a much reduced risk of property-related offences compared to the national picture.

Crime trends in Presteigne show an increasing pattern, with a 17.3% rise year-over-year. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a notable peak in July 2025 at 11.5 crimes per 1,000 residents. The rates were lower earlier in the year, such as November 2024 at 2.3, and settled around 3.8 towards October 2025. This upward trend indicates that crime is becoming more prevalent in the area. Residents should be aware of this trend and consider taking appropriate preventative measures to safeguard themselves and their properties.

How To Keep Safe in Presteigne

With Violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent crime in Presteigne, representing 40.9% of all incidents, it's crucial to prioritise personal safety.

1. Enhance Personal Awareness: Stay alert to your surroundings, especially when walking alone or in less familiar areas, particularly at night. Avoid distractions like mobile phones.
2. Travel in Groups: Whenever possible, travel with friends or family, particularly during evenings or in less familiar areas.
3. Secure Your Property: Ensure your home and outbuildings are well-secured with good locks and consider external lighting to deter potential offenders, especially with property crime present.
4. Report Incidents: Always report any suspicious behaviour or incidents to the local police to help them monitor and address concerns within the community.
5. Be Mindful in Public Spaces: Exercise caution in crowded areas or during events where public order incidents might occur.

Crime in Presteigne shows distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglary is notably prevalent across most periods, peaking in the Afternoon (42%) and particularly at Night (48%), suggesting residential properties are frequent targets. Violence and sexual offences, which likely contribute to the "Other" category, are also a significant concern, especially in the Evening (52%) and Night (38%). Theft is more common during morning and afternoon hours. This distribution highlights the need for vigilance particularly for property security throughout the day and night.

Presteigne, with an overall crime rate of 56.9 per 1,000 people, presents a mixed picture when compared to its neighbours. It is significantly safer than Knighton (121.8 per 1,000) but slightly higher than Kington (48.2 per 1,000). Data for Norton (Powys) and Lyonshall are reported as 0.0 crimes per 1,000, suggesting a data anomaly for direct comparison. This comparison indicates that Presteigne sits in the mid-range of safety within its immediate vicinity, suggesting that while it is safer than some, residents should be aware of varying crime levels in nearby settlements.

With Presteigne's property crime rate at 19.9 per 1,000 people, proactive security measures are paramount for homeowners. Relying solely on reactive security, such as traditional CCTV, often only provides footage after a break-in has occurred. To truly prevent crime, consider an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS. This system offers proactive protection by detecting threats at your property boundary, rather than after entry. Its multi-camera intelligence, DVLA vehicle verification, and pattern learning capabilities ensure that real threats are identified and deterred in real-time. By destroying the element of surprise with autonomous responses, scOS makes your property a less attractive target, significantly bolstering your home's defence against potential intruders in Presteigne.