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

Bath and North East Somerset recorded a crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 in November 2023, 12% below the UK average of 7.5. This figure highlights a notable divergence in crime patterns compared to the national context, particularly in shoplifting rates, which stood at 0.8 per 1,000—45% above the UK average of 0.6. The area’s most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 34.2% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (13.1%) and shoplifting (11.5%). These figures may partly explain the area’s distinct profile, shaped by its status as a historic tourist destination and a hub for cultural and retail activity. The higher-than-average shoplifting rate aligns with seasonal factors, such as Black Friday shopping, which could have intensified retail-related crime. Conversely, the lower-than-average rate of violence and sexual offences might reflect the area’s relatively low population density compared to major urban centres, combined with the presence of community-focused policing initiatives in high-traffic areas. November’s context—marked by Bonfire Night, darker evenings, and the early start of the festive season—may have influenced patterns of anti-social behaviour and public order offences, though these remained below the UK average. The data suggests a combination of local characteristics and national trends, with Bath and North East Somerset maintaining a crime profile that balances the pressures of tourism and retail activity against the benefits of community engagement and environmental factors.

Month-on-month changes reveal a mixed picture of shifting crime trends. Anti-social behaviour fell by 27.7% (238 to 172), likely reflecting the impact of early winter weather reducing outdoor gatherings, while public order offences dropped by 22.1% (136 to 106), possibly due to increased policing around Bonfire Night. Conversely, possession of weapons rose sharply by 75.0% (4 to 7), an unusual spike that may warrant further local scrutiny, though no direct causal link is evident from the data. Drugs offences also increased by 33.3% (12 to 16), linked to seasonal factors or transient populations. Shoplifting remained 45% above the UK average, with 150 incidents reported—a figure that may be influenced by the Black Friday shopping period, which saw a surge in retail activity. Burglary, at 0.4 per 1,000, was 18% above the UK average, due to the area’s mix of historic homes and modern housing stock, which could present distinct vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, vehicle crime was 40% below the UK average (0.3 vs 0.5), a trend consistent with the area’s lower population density and reduced commuter traffic compared to larger urban centres. These shifts illustrate how local conditions interact with broader national patterns, offering insights into the unique challenges and opportunities for crime prevention in Bath and North East Somerset.

The crime rate in Bath and North East Somerset for November 2023 (6.6 per 1,000) was 3.7% lower than the previous month’s rate of 6.8 per 1,000, indicating a modest but consistent decline. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 44 crimes per day—a figure that, while lower than some major urban areas, remains a tangible reminder of the need for vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 153 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, when contextualised against the local population of 200,028, underscores the importance of community-based crime prevention strategies. This figure is particularly relevant for residents, as it provides a clear sense of the frequency of crime relative to population size. When compared to the UK average, the area’s overall crime rate is 12% lower, a distinction that may be attributed to its unique blend of historic character, tourism-driven economic activity, and relatively low population density. The daily crime count and monthly exposure rate also highlight the significance of local policing efforts, particularly in areas with high foot traffic such as the town centre and major tourist attractions. These metrics offer a practical reference for residents and local authorities, enabling more targeted interventions and resource allocation. The comparison with the previous month further illustrates the fluctuating nature of crime, with November’s figures suggesting a slight but meaningful improvement in public safety.