Welshpool Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Welshpool's crime rate in October 2024 reached 10.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 25.9% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure, while not extreme, highlights a significant deviation from national trends, particularly in the category of violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 46.4% of all crimes. These incidents occurred at a rate of 4.7 per 1,000—76% above the UK average—and may be influenced by local factors such as the area's small population and the seasonal context of October, with darker evenings and the approach of Halloween potentially increasing opportunities for such crimes. The breakdown of offences reveals a mixed picture: while property crimes (26 incidents) and violent crimes (32 incidents) were the most common, the proportion of violent crimes was higher than the UK average, which typically sees a greater share of property-related incidents. This imbalance could reflect a combination of local demographics, such as a younger population or transient communities, and the impact of seasonal factors like reduced daylight hours. The overall crime rate, though elevated, is tempered by the fact that some categories, such as anti-social behaviour, were 46% below the UK average, suggesting that certain aspects of Welshpool's social fabric may contribute to lower levels of disorderly conduct. These patterns underscore the complexity of crime dynamics in a built-up area within Powys, where rural-urban contrasts and seasonal rhythms likely play a role in shaping monthly trends.

October 2024 saw sharp increases in criminal damage and arson (+150%), bicycle theft (+100%), and shoplifting (+100%) compared to September, though these categories remain below the UK average for some types. Violence and sexual offences—accounting for 46.4% of all crimes—were 76% above the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000, a stark outlier that may partly explain Welshpool's overall elevated rate. Conversely, anti-social behaviour and drugs-related crimes both declined significantly, with drugs-related offences dropping by 87.5% to just 1 incident. The contrast between rising property crimes and falling violent crimes suggests a possible shift in criminal activity patterns. For residents, the 100% increase in bicycle theft is a tangible concern, as it may signal a need for increased vigilance in securing personal property during the darker evenings of October.

Welshpool's crime rate in October 2024 stood at 10.2 per 1,000 residents, a 14.8% decrease from the previous month's rate of 12.0 per 1,000. This decline, while modest, contrasts with the broader trend of rising crime rates in some areas. On a daily basis, Welshpool experienced approximately 2 crimes per day in October, a figure that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban centres. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure means that over the course of October, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 98 residents—a statistic that highlights the area's comparatively lower risk profile despite its overall rate being above the UK average. This population-scaled perspective is particularly useful for residents assessing their personal risk, as it contextualises the numbers within the local demographic. The reduction from November 2024 to October 2024 may reflect seasonal factors, such as the end of the university term or the impact of darker evenings on outdoor activity, though these remain speculative without further data.