Ystradgynlais Crime Rate

Ystradgynlais is a significant urban settlement in Powys, holding a safety score of 67/100. The area's overall crime rate is 123.2 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 91.6. While the local crime trend is increasing, with a 35.0% rise over the past year, Ystradgynlais remains a secure environment compared to many larger urban hubs. This analysis, based on data from Jan 2025 to Dec 2025, provides a detailed breakdown of the types of crime occurring locally, helping residents and homeowners understand the specific safety patterns in their community and take appropriate precautions where necessary.

In Ystradgynlais, violence and sexual offences are the most common reports, with 73 incidents accounting for 54.1% of all local crime. This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 15.6% and drugs at 7.4%. These figures show that personal safety and public order are the primary areas of police activity in the town.

The overall property crime rate in Ystradgynlais—which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—is 30.1 per 1,000 people. This is very close to the UK average of 32.2. Burglary specifically occurs at a rate of 6.4 per 1,000 residents. For homeowners, the prevalence of criminal damage and burglary suggests that properties are common targets for both opportunistic theft and vandalism, necessitating robust security measures to protect local homes.

Ystradgynlais's crime rate has increased by 35.0% year-over-year. A look at the monthly data for 2025 reveals a fluctuating pattern. The year started with a rate of 17.3 in January, followed by a very quiet March (5.5).

Activity picked up significantly in the summer, with July recording the year's highest rate of 25.6. The latter part of the year remained relatively active, ending with a rate of 3.7 in December. This peak in mid-summer suggests a specific period of increased activity that residents should be aware of. Despite the overall increase, the final months of the year showed rates that are still well below national averages. The 35.0% increase indicates that while Ystradgynlais remains safe, there is a gradual upward trend in reported incidents that warrants continued community vigilance.

How To Keep Safe in Ystradgynlais

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Ystradgynlais, accounting for over 50% of all reports. While the area is generally safe, it is always wise to practice good personal safety habits. Stick to well-lit areas when walking at night and remain aware of your surroundings in public spaces.

Since criminal damage and drugs are also top concerns, residents should focus on maintaining a secure property exterior. Ensure that gates are locked and that no items are left out that could be targeted for vandalism. The data shows that burglary risk is high in both the afternoon (14%) and at night (16%), so double-checking that all doors and windows are locked is essential. Additionally, although vehicle crime is very low, always ensure your car is locked and that no valuables are left inside. For those with driveways, using them rather than on-street parking can further reduce risk. Finally, staying active in local community groups or neighbourhood watch schemes can help you stay informed about any suspicious activity in the Ystradgynlais area. Awareness and community cooperation are vital in keeping crime rates low.

Crime in Ystradgynlais follows a clear temporal cycle. During the morning and afternoon, theft is a significant factor, accounting for 29% and 32% of reports respectively. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most likely when people are out and about or at work.

As the day transitions into the evening and night, the nature of crime shifts heavily toward 'other' offences, including criminal damage and drugs. Burglary risk is high in the afternoon (14%) but remains significant into the night, where it peaks at 16%. Most notably, vehicle crime is extremely low during the day and night. The 'other' category is most prevalent in the evening, making up 79% of all reports during that time. This indicates that public order and other social-related crimes are most likely during the late-night hours.

In the local context, Ystradgynlais is the primary hub of activity among its immediate neighbours. Nearby rural areas such as Abercrave and Cwm-twrch Uchaf recorded 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people, while Ystalyfera (78.3) and Seven Sisters (88.1) are notably safer. As a larger settlement and local hub at the head of the Swansea Valley, Ystradgynlais naturally sees more reports than smaller villages. Even with its higher relative activity, Ystradgynlais's property crime rate remains below the national average, making it a viable place to live for those who prefer an urban setting.

Ystradgynlais's property crime rate of 30.1 per 1,000 people is close to the national average, and the 35.0% increase in overall crime suggests that residents should be proactive about security. Criminal damage and burglary are top concerns, and the risk of burglary peaks significantly during the night. Traditional security systems like Ring or Nest are reactive—they record an event as it happens but often don't prevent it.

For Ystradgynlais homeowners, scOS provides a proactive alternative. This AI-powered home security operating system monitors all your cameras in real-time to identify threats at the property boundary. It can distinguish between family members, delivery drivers, and intruders, ensuring you only receive alerts for real threats. If an intruder is detected, scOS can act autonomously by engaging lights or speakers to deter them before they ever reach your door. This type of prevention is crucial for protecting homes in an area where burglary risk jumps to 16% during the late-night hours.