Bath Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bath's crime rate in May 2023 stood at 8.3 per 1,000 residents, 3.8% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure reflects a built-up area with a mix of historic landmarks, tourist attractions, and retail hubs that shape its crime profile. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 32.8% of all crimes (262 incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (17.7%) and public order offences (10.3%). The seasonal context of May — with longer evenings, bank holidays, and increased outdoor socialising — likely contributes to the elevated levels of violence and public order crimes. While Bath's overall rate is slightly above the UK average, certain categories show stark contrasts: burglary (0.5 per 1,000) and shoplifting (0.8 per 1,000) are significantly above national rates, potentially driven by the city's tourism industry and high street retail presence. Conversely, vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000) is 56% below the UK average, a trend consistent with Bath's lower reliance on car transport compared to more industrial or commuter-focused areas. The data also highlights a shift in crime patterns, with anti-social behaviour and public order offences affecting Bath relative to the UK average, possibly linked to the city's dense urban fabric and the concentration of nightlife and social spaces in certain areas.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in May 2023 was a 266.7% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from 3 to 11 incidents. This surge, while significant, contrasts with a 62.5% decline in theft from the person, which fell from 8 to 3. The category showing the most extreme divergence from UK averages was burglary, which was 61% above the national rate (0.5 vs 0.3 per 1,000). Anti-social behaviour also stood out, with Bath's rate 13% higher than the UK average (1.5 vs 1.3 per 1,000). Meanwhile, vehicle crime in Bath was 56% below the UK average (0.2 vs 0.5 per 1,000), a figure that may reflect the city's lower car ownership rates compared to more industrial or commuter-focused areas. The 116.7% increase in bicycle theft — from 6 to 13 incidents — suggests a potential link to the city's cycling infrastructure and seasonal travel patterns. Residents may find the 32.8% share of violent crimes (262 incidents) particularly relevant, as this represents the largest single category in Bath's crime mix.

Bath's crime rate in May 2023 rose 34.8% compared to April's 6.2 per 1,000, reaching 8.3 per 1,000 — a 3.8% increase above the UK average. Daily crime activity averaged 26 incidents per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of reported incidents in a built-up area with a population of 96,241. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 121 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects the density of Bath's urban environment. This rate contrasts with surrounding rural areas, where lower population densities often correlate with different crime patterns. The surge in property crimes, particularly burglary and shoplifting, suggests a shift in criminal activity that may partly reflect seasonal factors such as longer evenings and increased foot traffic in retail zones. However, the drop in theft from the person by 62.5% indicates a potential reduction in opportunistic crimes during this period, possibly influenced by heightened police visibility or community initiatives.