Bath's overall crime rate of 112.2 incidents per 1,000 residents is notably higher than the UK national average of 91.6, representing approximately 22% more crime than the typical British town or city. Between January and December 2025, Bath recorded this elevated rate across its population of 96,241, though the city has seen a modest improvement with a 4.3% decline year-over-year. Despite the higher crime rate, Bath maintains a safety score of 75 out of 100, which is only marginally below the national average of 79, suggesting that whilst crime is more frequent, the severity and nature of offences remain comparable to other urban areas.
When examining specific crime categories, Bath exceeds national benchmarks across multiple types of offending. Property crime occurs at 42.9 incidents per 1,000 residents compared to the national average of 32.2, representing a 33% elevation. This is largely driven by shoplifting (16.0 per 1,000) in the city's busy retail districts and other theft (8.9 per 1,000) affecting tourists and residents alike. Violent crime, including violence and sexual offences, stands at 40.9 per 1,000 overall, with violence and sexual offences specifically at 38.5 per 1,000—higher than many comparable heritage cities. Anti-social behaviour (16.4 per 1,000) and public order offences (10.6 per 1,000) also contribute to the elevated statistics.
Several contextual factors explain Bath's above-average crime rate. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and major tourist destination, Bath attracts over 5 million visitors annually, substantially inflating the effective population density in the city centre and creating increased opportunities for acquisitive crime. The city's vibrant night-time economy around Kingsmead Square and George Street generates alcohol-related incidents that contribute to violence and anti-social behaviour statistics. Additionally, Bath's affluence and concentration of high-end retailers make it an attractive target for organised crime groups. These tourism and economic factors mean that comparing Bath's rate directly to residential-focused towns can be somewhat misleading.