Bath and North East Somerset Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Bath and North East Somerset, 6.4 crimes were reported in February 2024, placing the area 9.9% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This rate translates to a 1-in-156 chance of experiencing a reported crime over the course of the month, a figure that may partly reflect the area’s unique demographic and geographic profile. As a historic city with a mix of urban and rural landscapes, Bath’s crime profile is shaped by its tourism industry, cultural heritage sites, and commuter flows. Violent crimes accounted for nearly 40% of all incidents, with 502 reports of violence and sexual offences, mirroring national trends where such offences often dominate crime statistics. However, the area’s property crime rate was lower than the UK average, with shoplifting emerging as a significant concern—1.0 per 1,000 residents, 85% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This disparity may be linked to Bath’s high foot traffic in retail zones, where anti-social behaviour and public order offences also contributed to the crime mix. The winter season, with its low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull, likely contributed to reduced opportunities for outdoor crimes but may have concentrated certain types of offences in high-traffic areas. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, the prominence of shoplifting highlights the need for targeted interventions in retail sectors, which form a critical part of Bath’s economy.

February 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with public order offences rising by 9.3% compared to January, reflecting increased incidents in high-traffic areas such as the historic city centre. Shoplifting also increased by 7.3%, reaching 191 incidents—a rate 85% above the UK average. This spike may be tied to seasonal factors, as February’s low outdoor activity could drive more indoor retail crime. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 40%, from 10 to 6 incidents, due to colder weather deterring outdoor activity. The area’s drug-related crime dropped sharply by 47.8%, from 23 to 12 reports, a trend that may align with seasonal patterns or local initiatives. Meanwhile, possession of weapons surged by 300%, with reports rising from 2 to 8, a stark contrast to the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000 residents. This increase warrants careful monitoring, as such offences are typically rare in Bath’s relatively low-risk environment. The balance between violent and property crimes remained skewed, with violence and sexual offences comprising nearly 40% of all reported incidents—a proportion consistent with national data but amplified by local factors such as the presence of universities and tourist hubs. These fluctuations underscore the importance of context-specific crime prevention strategies, particularly in retail and public spaces.

Bath and North East Somerset’s crime rate in February 2024 (6.4 per 1,000 residents) marked a 3.5% decline from the previous month’s rate of 6.7 per 1,000, reflecting a slight downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 44 crimes per day, a figure that, while consistent with Bath’s historical patterns, highlights the need for ongoing vigilance in high-risk zones. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 156 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many UK regions but still requires attention in specific categories. For instance, the area’s shoplifting rate (1.0 per 1,000) was 85% higher than the UK average, emphasizing the need for targeted measures in retail environments. In contrast, crimes such as burglary and vehicle crime were below the UK average, with rates of 0.3 per 1,000 and 0.3 per 1,000 respectively, suggesting that Bath’s urban infrastructure and community policing efforts may contribute to these lower figures. The population context also plays a role: with 200,028 residents, the absolute number of crimes (1,284) is manageable but underscores the importance of localized strategies. These comparisons reveal that while Bath’s overall crime rate is favorable, certain categories demand focused attention to maintain the area’s safety profile.