Hay, Powys: Safety
Safety
Hay's crime rate is well below the UK average, and it's getting better. In 2024, there were 42.3 crimes per 1,000 people here, compared to 91.6 across the UK — less than half the national rate. The figure did rise to 53.6 per 1,000 in 2025, but 2026 data shows a sharp drop to 28.0, the lowest of the three years.
Anti-social behaviour is notably low compared to UK norms. Vehicle crime is minimal too — just 1 incident in 2025 and none so far in 2026.
Hay compares well against both national and Welsh averages. The most recent figures show crime is falling.
Source: police-recorded crime (data.police.uk), 2024, 2025 and 2026 so far; population from ONS
Insights powered by
Crime rate comparison
2024
2025
2026 so far
Hay
Crimes/1,000 people
53.6
Lower than
UK average
98.8
Lower than
Regional average
96.6
Higher than
Golden Valley North
32.5
Higher than
Glasbury
25.6
Higher than
Gwernyfed
39.8
Protect what matters most
Our building and contents insurance is designed to give you peace of mind.
Get a quote
Types of Crime
This neighbourhood
Regional average
- Violent offences52%39%
- Anti-social behaviour11%15%
- Public order8%10%
- Criminal damage and arson8%9%
- Burglary6%3%
- Drugs3%3%
- Other crime3%3%
- Other theft3%5%
- Shoplifting2%7%
- Vehicle crime1%4%
- Bicycle theft1%1%
- Possession of weapons1%1%
