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

Bath and North East Somerset’s crime rate in November 2023 stood at 6.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 12% below the UK average of 7.5. This relatively low rate contrasts with the area’s status as a tourist destination and historic city, where higher foot traffic and events like Bonfire Night might typically drive up crime. However, the most striking outlier in the data is the rate of shoplifting, which was 0.8 per 1,000 residents—45% above the UK average of 0.6. This may be linked to the timing of Black Friday sales, which often coincide with November and see a surge in retail crime. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 34.2% of all crimes, though they were 15% below the UK average. This could reflect the area’s relatively stable community environment, though the presence of a vibrant nightlife and university presence—such as the University of Bath—may still contribute to higher rates of violent crime than in more rural areas. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 13.1% of reported crimes, but this category was also 14% below the UK average, suggesting that local initiatives or policing strategies may be effective in mitigating such incidents. Seasonal factors, including the onset of dark evenings and the timing of Bonfire Night, may have influenced some crime patterns, though the overall rate remains lower than the national average.

November 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Anti-social behaviour fell by 27.7% compared to October, possibly reflecting the impact of shorter evenings and reduced social gatherings as the month progressed. Conversely, shoplifting rates remained higher than the UK average, with 0.8 incidents per 1,000 residents—45% above the national figure of 0.6. This discrepancy may be tied to the timing of Black Friday sales, which often see spikes in retail-related crimes. Meanwhile, possession of weapons increased by 75%, rising from four to seven incidents, a stark anomaly that could indicate shifting patterns in local criminal activity. The decrease in public order offences by 22.1% suggests that efforts to manage crowds during events like Bonfire Night may have had a measurable impact. Residents may find the drop in anti-social behaviour particularly noteworthy, as it could indicate a reduction in disturbances during the early part of the month.

Bath and North East Somerset recorded a crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents in November 2023, marking a 3.7% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.8. This slight decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns, as November’s shorter days and cooler temperatures may reduce opportunities for outdoor crime. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 44 reported crimes each day, a figure that, while consistent with local patterns, remains a stark reminder of the ongoing need for community vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 153 residents, a monthly aggregate that highlights the scale of exposure for individuals living in the area. This rate is lower than the UK average, but the local context—Bath’s mix of historic urban centres and quieter residential areas—means that crime distribution varies significantly across neighbourhoods. The population of 200,028 residents further contextualises these figures, as larger communities often see more incidents simply due to greater numbers of people, though Bath’s relatively low overall rate suggests effective policing or community initiatives may be at play.