Bath Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Bath’s crime rate in February 2026 stood at 9.9 per 1,000 residents, marking a 54.7% increase above the UK average of 6.4. This urban centre, renowned for its historic architecture and tourist appeal, continues to face challenges in managing crime, particularly in areas with high foot traffic and seasonal fluctuations. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 34.8% of total crimes, followed by shoplifting (17.9%) and anti-social behaviour (14.8%). The dominance of violent crime over property crime contrasts with some UK regions but aligns with Bath’s character as a hub for both residents and visitors. Seasonal factors may play a role: February, a winter month with reduced outdoor activity, often sees shifts in crime patterns. While shoplifting and anti-social behaviour typically rise during periods of high tourist presence, the sharp increase in these categories this month suggests potential influences beyond seasonal trends, such as changes in retail operations or policing strategies. The city’s historic core, with its mix of boutique shops and cultural venues, may contribute to persistent shoplifting rates, though the 210% disparity with the UK average for this category highlights a unique local dynamic. Similarly, anti-social behaviour’s 65% above the UK average could reflect the pressures of a densely populated built-up area with limited public space for informal social interactions. The seasonal context of February—a pre-spring lull—may also influence crime patterns, with some categories experiencing temporary dips or surges due to shifting visitor numbers or local events. However, the overall trajectory of Bath’s crime rate underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas and continued monitoring of trends that diverge from national norms.

February 2026 saw a sharp 81.9% month-on-month increase in shoplifting, with incidents rising from 94 to 171. This surge, 210% above the UK average, suggests heightened retail crime pressures in Bath’s historic high streets and tourist zones. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 43.4%, reaching 142 incidents—a 65% jump over the UK average—which may reflect the challenges of managing public spaces in a densely populated built-up area. Possession of weapons increased by 200%, from 3 to 9 cases, a stark anomaly that could signal emerging trends or underreporting in previous months. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 66.7%, with only one reported incident this month, a 100% drop below the UK average. This decline may be linked to increased police patrols or seasonal factors, such as fewer outdoor events in winter. Violent crime remained the dominant category, at 34.8% of all incidents, with rates 51% above the UK average. The contrast between violent crime and property crime highlights a unique profile for Bath compared to other UK areas, where property crime often dominates. For residents, the most immediate concern is the sharp rise in shoplifting, which could impact local businesses and necessitate enhanced security measures. The data also shows that vehicle crime and drugs-related incidents were below the UK average, suggesting some areas of relative success in crime prevention or different local demographics influencing these categories.

Bath’s crime rate in February 2026 rose by 21.7% compared to the previous month’s rate of 8.2 per 1,000 residents, underscoring a recent upward trend. On a daily basis, the area recorded 34 crimes per day—a figure that, while not directly comparable to UK-wide data, reflects the intensity of crime in this built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 101 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the frequency of incidents in a population of 96,241. This rate is higher than the UK average, which suggests that Bath’s unique characteristics—its historic core, tourist appeal, and urban density—contribute to a distinct crime profile. The population-scaled perspective reveals that residents face a higher likelihood of encountering crime compared to the UK average, particularly in categories such as violence and shoplifting. While the previous month’s rate was lower, the current figures indicate a growing challenge for local authorities. For context, Bath’s rate is 54.7% above the UK average, a disparity that may be attributed to the city’s reliance on tourism, which can increase opportunities for certain types of crime. The comparison to the previous month also shows that the rise in crime is not isolated to specific categories but reflects a broader increase across violent and property-related incidents. Residents and businesses must remain vigilant, as the monthly exposure rate indicates that crime remains a consistent presence in daily life, requiring sustained efforts to address underlying factors.