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

In October 2023, Bath and North East Somerset recorded a crime rate of 6.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 15% below the UK average of 8.0. This figure reflects a balanced mix of property and violent crime, with property crimes (516 incidents) slightly outnumbering violent crimes (440 incidents). The top two categories—violence and sexual offences (32.4% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (17.5%)—highlight the area’s ongoing challenges with interpersonal conflict and public disorder. Seasonal factors such as the clocks going back and darker evenings may have contributed to the rise in anti-social behaviour and burglary, as outdoor visibility decreases and Halloween-related activity increases. The lower-than-average violent crime rate (2.2 per 1,000) compared to the UK average (2.7 per 1,000) suggests that Bath’s historic urban environment, with its compact town centre and strong community engagement, may act as a deterrent to more severe offences. Meanwhile, the slight edge in property crime could be linked to the area’s tourist appeal, which drives retail activity and, consequently, shoplifting and burglary risks. The overall stability in the crime rate, despite seasonal pressures, indicates that local policing strategies and environmental design—such as well-lit public spaces and community watch initiatives—may be playing a role in maintaining safety.

October 2023 saw notable shifts in Bath and North East Somerset’s crime profile, with theft from the person rising by 57.1% (7 to 11 incidents) and burglary increasing by 48% (50 to 74). These spikes may reflect seasonal factors such as Halloween-related activity or increased foot traffic in retail areas. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 25.3% (190 to 238), a trend consistent with the start of darker evenings and the return of university students to the area. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 42.9% (7 to 4), and other crime decreased by 33.3% (21 to 14), potentially indicating the effectiveness of local enforcement efforts or a shift in criminal activity towards more discreet offences. The area’s violent crime rate (2.2 per 1,000) remains 19% below the UK average, highlighting a persistent gap between local and national trends that may be linked to Bath’s relatively safe urban environment or strong community policing.

Bath and North East Somerset maintained a stable crime rate of 6.8 per 1,000 residents in October 2023, matching the previous month’s figure. Daily crime activity averaged 44 incidents per day, reflecting the area’s consistent exposure to crime despite seasonal fluctuations. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 147 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly risk for local households. With a population of 200,028, the rate remains lower than the UK average, suggesting effective community policing or demographic factors such as the area’s mix of historic urban centres and quieter residential zones. The stability in the crime rate contrasts with the UK-wide trend of rising violent crime, though Bath and North East Somerset’s violent crime rate remains 19% below the national average. This suggests local initiatives or environmental factors—such as the area’s compact urban layout and strong community engagement—may help mitigate crime risks, even during periods of transition like the start of the darker evenings.