Bath Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Bath’s crime rate in January 2025 reached 10.6 per 1,000 residents, significantly above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000 (49.3% higher). This marks a continuation of elevated crime levels in the area, which has long been a tourist and cultural hub. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (284 cases, 27.7% of total crimes), shoplifting (247 cases, 24.1%), and anti-social behaviour (110 cases, 10.7%). These figures align with Bath’s character as a historic city with a mix of urban and tourist activity, which likely contributes to higher rates of public order offences and theft. The sharp increase in shoplifting—319% above the UK average (0.6 per 1,000)—suggests that retail areas may be under particular pressure, possibly due to the post-holiday period and reduced footfall. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences, though common, were only 20% above the UK average, indicating that Bath’s rate of violent crime is not higher than expected for a city of its size and character. Seasonal context also plays a role: January’s shorter days and reduced outdoor activity may have shifted crime patterns toward indoor spaces, though this does not fully explain the surge in bicycle theft. The data also highlights a stark contrast in property crime versus violent crime: shoplifting and anti-social behaviour dominate the property category, while violence and sexual offences account for the largest share of violent crime. These patterns are consistent with Bath’s profile as a destination with both residential and commercial areas, where retail theft and public order issues are more likely to occur. However, whether these trends are directly linked to the city’s tourism sector or other local factors. For now, the most striking finding remains the disproportionate rise in shoplifting, which may require targeted interventions in retail zones.

January 2025 saw dramatic month-on-month changes in specific crime categories. Bicycle theft surged by 150%, rising from 4 to 10 incidents—a sharp increase that may reflect heightened activity during colder weather or changes in commuter patterns. Vehicle crime also rose sharply, increasing by 86.5% from 37 to 69 cases, likely tied to seasonal factors such as reduced visibility and increased indoor activity. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 50%, with incidents dropping from 104 to 52, possibly due to reduced outdoor activity during shorter days. Other notable shifts include a 76.9% rise in 'other crime' and a 40% decline in possession of weapons. Shoplifting, which accounted for 24.1% of all crimes, remains 319% above the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), suggesting persistent challenges in retail areas. Violence and sexual offences, the most common category (27.7% of total crimes), were 20% above the UK average, underscoring a local trend that warrants further analysis. For residents, the surge in bicycle theft may be particularly concerning, as it directly impacts daily commutes and personal safety.

Bath's crime rate in January 2025 rose by 3.3% compared to December 2024, moving from 10.3 to 10.6 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, places the area 49.3% above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. On a daily basis, Bath experienced approximately 33 crimes each day in January—a figure that, while locally relevant, does not align with a UK-wide daily comparison. Monthly exposure data reveals that over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 94 residents. This statistic, though not directly comparable to national figures, provides a tangible sense of the scale of crime for Bath’s population of 96,241. The slight upward trend contrasts with the previous month’s data, suggesting that while overall crime remains elevated, it has not yet accelerated sharply. Factors such as post-holiday transitions and seasonal shifts in activity patterns may have contributed to this change.