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

Bath and North East Somerset’s crime rate in May 2023 stood at 6.2 per 1,000 residents, 22.5% below the UK average of 8.0. This figure reflects a combination of local characteristics and seasonal dynamics. The area’s crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences (35.3% of all reported crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (16.9%) and public order offences (9.9%). These patterns align with the city’s historic and tourist-driven environment, where high foot traffic and open spaces may contribute to incidents of violence and disorder. The seasonal context of May—longer evenings, bank holidays, and increased outdoor socialising—likely influences the rise in certain categories, such as public order offences. However, the area’s crime rate remains significantly lower than the UK average, with violent crime 21% below national levels and anti-social behaviour 17% below. The relatively low rates of vehicle crime (56% below the UK average) and burglary (3% below) further illustrate the impact of local initiatives, such as community policing and the city’s compact urban layout, which may reduce opportunities for certain types of crime.

The most striking shift in May 2023 was the 142.9% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from 7 to 17 incidents. This surge, though still below the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000, signals a potential concern for local authorities. Bicycle theft also saw a 77.8% rise, with 16 reported cases, outpacing the UK average by 25%. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 70%, from 10 to 3 incidents—a drop that may reflect heightened awareness during the Easter holiday period. The balance between violent and property crimes remained relatively even, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 35.3% of all crimes. Violent crime rates in the area were 21% below the UK average, a trend consistent with the city’s focus on community policing and its relatively low levels of street-level disorder.

Bath and North East Somerset's crime rate in May 2023 rose by 24.1% compared to the previous month, reflecting a shift in patterns. The daily crime count averaged 40 incidents per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity in a city with a mix of historic and modern spaces. Over the course of May, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 160 residents—a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relative safety of the area despite the upward trend. This rate remains significantly below the UK average, but the increase from April highlights seasonal fluctuations. With longer evenings and bank holidays, the combination of outdoor drinking and socialising may partly explain the rise in certain crime types, though the overall profile remains more favourable than national benchmarks. The population context further illustrates that even with a 24% increase, the per-capita risk remains low compared to other regions.