Bath Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Bath's December 2024 crime statistics reveal a total of 991 reported crimes, equating to 10.3 crimes per 1,000 residents. This rate is 45.1% above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000, highlighting a marked disparity in Bath's crime profile compared to national benchmarks. The top three crime categories were violence and sexual offences (30% of total), shoplifting (19.6%), and anti-social behaviour (11.6%). These figures align with Bath's character as a historic urban area with a strong tourist presence and a vibrant retail sector. The surge in shoplifting—now 251% above the UK average—likely reflects the seasonal impact of Christmas shopping, which intensifies demand on retail spaces and increases opportunities for theft. Anti-social behaviour, at 28% above the UK average, may be exacerbated by the city's high foot traffic and the concentration of nightlife in certain districts, particularly during the festive season. Violence and sexual offences, though 21% above the UK average, may be influenced by the convergence of tourists and local residents during December, combined with the effects of dark evenings and reduced visibility. The city's relatively high crime rate compared to the UK average suggests that local factors, such as the density of commercial activity and the transient nature of its population, contribute to a distinct crime profile. These patterns are consistent with Bath's role as a major tourist destination, where the influx of visitors during peak seasons can amplify both opportunities for crime and the challenges of maintaining public order.

December 2024 saw significant increases in specific crime categories, with drugs-related offences rising by 110% (from 10 to 21) and criminal damage and arson doubling (from 52 to 104). These spikes align with seasonal factors, such as holiday-related disturbances and potentially increased property neglect during festive closures. Conversely, bicycle theft plummeted by 78.9% (from 19 to 4), possibly due to reduced outdoor activity during colder weather or increased vehicle security measures. The city's violent crime rate—297 incidents, or 3.1 per 1,000 residents—remained 21% above the UK average, a persistent challenge in Bath's historic urban core. Shoplifting (194 incidents) was 251% above the UK average, reflecting the impact of Christmas shopping peaks on retail areas. Residents might find the 43.7% rise in shoplifting particularly relevant, as it could influence local policing strategies and retail security protocols.

Bath's crime rate in December 2024 remained stable compared to the previous month, with a negligible -0.1% change, maintaining the same rate of 10.3 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, Bath experienced approximately 32 crimes per day in December, a figure that translates to roughly one reported crime for every 97 residents over the course of the month. Given Bath's population of 96,241, this highlights a relatively high exposure to crime compared to the UK average, where the monthly exposure would be significantly lower. The population-scaled perspective underscores the need for targeted interventions, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or seasonal vulnerabilities. While the rate is stable, the concentration of certain crime types—such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour—suggests that community-specific factors, including the city's tourist appeal and retail presence, may play a role in shaping these figures.