Bath and North East Somerset Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bath and North East Somerset recorded a crime rate of 6.0 per 1,000 residents in August 2023, 25.9% below the UK average of 8.1. This figure, which reflects a continued trend of lower-than-national crime levels, is shaped by the area’s unique demographic and geographic profile. As a historic city with a significant tourism sector, Bath experiences seasonal fluctuations in crime patterns, particularly during August—a peak holiday month when tourism surges and local homes may be temporarily unoccupied. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 31.9% of all incidents, though these rates were 28% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 19.9% of crimes, while public order offences contributed 10.3%. These figures align with Bath’s character as a mixed urban-rural area, where high foot traffic in the city centre may drive anti-social behaviour, while the surrounding countryside’s lower population density limits opportunities for property crimes. Seasonal context further influences these numbers: August’s warm weather and increased visitor numbers may contribute to a higher incidence of violence and anti-social behaviour, while the same season’s empty homes likely exacerbate burglary risks. Despite these challenges, the area’s overall crime rate remains lower than the UK average, a consistent feature of Bath’s safety profile. This data illustrates the interplay between local geography, tourism, and seasonal rhythms in shaping crime trends, offering a nuanced picture of public safety in the region.

August 2023 marked a significant 33.3% increase in possession of weapons, the most dramatic month-on-month swing, rising from 6 to 8 incidents. This spike contrasts with steep declines in other categories, including a 46.2% drop in drug-related crimes and a 40% reduction in other unspecified crimes. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 31.9% of total crimes, but they were 28% below the UK average, reflecting a persistent trend in Bath’s lower violent crime rates. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 10.2%, suggesting localized tensions or seasonal factors may have contributed. Meanwhile, burglary increased by 18.8%, potentially linked to August’s peak holiday season and the associated risk of empty homes. These shifts underscore the combination of seasonal patterns and community-specific dynamics, with some categories defying national trends.

August 2023 saw Bath and North East Somerset’s crime rate fall to 6.0 per 1,000 residents, a 3.2% decrease from the previous month’s 6.2. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed during summer months, when tourism and seasonal events may temporarily reduce opportunities for certain crimes. Daily crime figures for August averaged 39 incidents, a rate that remains consistent with prior months despite the overall drop. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 168 residents, reflecting a relatively low exposure compared to UK averages. This monthly exposure metric, while not directly comparable to daily figures, provides a useful snapshot of how often residents encounter crime in their communities. The population-scaled perspective highlights that Bath’s low crime rate—25.9% below the UK average—continues to position it as a safer area, though fluctuations in specific crime categories, such as the rise in possession of weapons, suggest localized factors may be at play.