Presteigne Crime Rate

Presteigne Crime Overview

Presteigne is a safe and secure town, boasting a high safety score of 85/100, which is significantly better than the UK average of 79. The overall crime rate stands at 61.5 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 36.4% rise in total offences year-over-year. Despite this increase, the property crime rate remains low at 20.6 per 1,000 people, compared to the UK average of 32.2. For the 2,620 residents of Presteigne, the town offers a high quality of life with relatively low risk, though the recent upward trend in crime and the notable burglary rate suggest a need for continued awareness and proactive security measures.

Crime Breakdown in Presteigne

Presteigne's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 41.0% of all recorded incidents, totalling 66 crimes. This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 14.9% and anti-social behaviour at 13.0%. These figures indicate that nearly 70% of reported crime in the town is related to personal safety and social conduct.

Property crime in Presteigne occurs at a rate of 20.6 per 1,000 people, which is notably lower than the UK average of 32.2. This category is led by burglary (10.6% of total crime), criminal damage (14.9%), and 'other theft' (4.3%). Burglary occurs at a rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than some neighbouring areas and represents a significant portion of the town's crime. The relatively high prevalence of burglary and criminal damage suggests that property-related offences are a frequent concern. For residents, this means that while violent crime is the most common report, protecting the home from break-ins and vandalism is a key priority for maintaining a secure and stable household. Overall, Presteigne remains a safe environment, but property security is a notable factor.

Crime Trends in Presteigne

The crime trend in Presteigne is currently increasing, with total recorded offences rising by 36.4% year-over-year. This upward trajectory is a concern for the town, indicating a shift in the local security environment.

Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout the year. The rate started at 3.1 per 1,000 people in January and reached its peak of 11.5 in July. This mid-summer peak is common in towns with seasonal activity. Following the summer, the rate declined to 3.8 in December. Although the rates dropped towards the end of the year, 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 Presteigne

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Presteigne, accounting for 41% 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; the notable burglary rate in Presteigne makes robust home protection a priority.
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 outbuildings and garages, as these can be targets for opportunistic theft and criminal damage, which are consistent factors in the local crime profile.

Crime Patterns in Presteigne

Crime in Presteigne follows a distinct temporal pattern, with different offences peaking at specific times of the day. Theft is most common during the daylight hours, with 22% of thefts occurring in the morning and 21% 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 55% 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 a significant 46% of incidents. This indicates that while the town is busy during the day, properties 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, Presteigne remains a very safe choice. Its crime rate of 61.5 per 1,000 residents is much lower than nearby Knighton (113.9) and Kington (49.7). Other neighbouring settlements like Norton and Lyonshall show no recorded crime in this dataset. This highlights that while Presteigne has seen an increase in activity, it is still significantly more secure than some of the larger nearby towns. For residents and those considering a move to the area, Presteigne represents a high-safety environment that compares favourably to both its immediate urban neighbours and the wider national landscape.

Proactive Security in Presteigne

While Presteigne enjoys a low property crime rate of 20.6 per 1,000 residents, the 36.4% increase in overall crime and the notable burglary rate are clear signals 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 Presteigne, where burglary is a significant portion of local crime, 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.