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

The crime profile of Bath and North East Somerset in July 2024 reveals a distinct balance between violent offences and property-related incidents, shaped by the area's character as a historic tourist destination and university town. With a crime rate of 7.7 per 1,000 residents—8.3% below the UK average—this area demonstrates a pattern consistent with its seasonal rhythms. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 36% of all reported crimes, the highest category, likely reflecting increased foot traffic during peak summer tourism and the concentration of nightlife in the city centre. Anti-social behaviour followed at 16.9%, a figure that aligns with the presence of both university students and tourists in shared spaces. This mix contrasts with areas where property crimes dominate, suggesting a different dynamic here driven by human interaction in public spaces. Public order offences, at 10.3% of total crimes, were 25% above the UK average, a figure that may be partially explained by the high volume of events and festivals in July. These include the Bath International Music Festival and other summer celebrations that draw crowds to the historic city centre. The data also shows shoplifting at 0.7 per 1,000, slightly above the UK average, which could be linked to the retail presence along the Royal Crescent and other high-street areas. Burglary and vehicle crime were both below UK averages, a trend consistent with the area's relatively low levels of residential deprivation compared to other parts of the country. This suggests that the city's economic profile, characterised by tourism and cultural institutions, may contribute to lower rates of property-related crime. The seasonal context of July—schools out, festivals in full swing, and a surge in both domestic and international visitors—adds further weight to the interpretation of these figures, indicating that the crime mix is not static but reflective of the area's unique character during peak summer months.

July 2024 saw significant shifts in specific crime categories, with 'other crime' increasing by 120% compared to June, a jump from 10 to 22 incidents. This category, which includes unclassified offences, may reflect the challenges of policing during large-scale events or the complexity of reporting in a tourist-heavy environment. Possession of weapons also rose sharply, up 83.3% to 11 incidents, a figure that could be tied to the increased presence of both residents and visitors during summer months. Conversely, theft from the person dropped by 38.5% to 8 incidents, due to heightened awareness among tourists and the presence of security measures in popular areas. The crime mix in July shifted towards violent offences, which now constitute 36% of all reported crimes, compared to 28% in the previous month. This increase in violent crime aligns with the UK average for this category, which stood at 2.9 per 1,000. However, public order offences—such as noise complaints and anti-social behaviour—were 25% above the UK average, a figure that may be partially explained by the high volume of events in July. For residents, the most notable takeaway is the 120% increase in 'other crime' incidents, which could indicate a need for targeted policing strategies during peak tourist periods. This data also highlights that Bath and North East Somerset's crime profile remains distinct from the national average, particularly in categories like burglary and vehicle crime, which were both 13% and 21% below UK averages respectively. These figures suggest that the area's economic and social characteristics—centred around tourism, heritage, and education—may contribute to a different crime profile compared to other parts of the UK.

The crime rate for Bath and North East Somerset in July 2024 rose by 9.0% compared to June, moving from 7.1 to 7.7 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, aligns with the seasonal pattern of rising crime during the summer months when tourism peaks. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 50 crimes per day in July, a figure that is likely influenced by the transient nature of the population during this period. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 129 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places the area within the lower end of the UK spectrum. This figure, while seemingly high, must be contextualised within the area's unique demographic profile. Bath's population of 200,028 includes a significant number of students and tourists, both of whom may contribute to the crime mix in ways that differ from more static residential communities. The previous month's rate of 7.1 per 1,000 was already below the UK average of 8.4, and this trend continues in July, albeit with a slight upward tick. This suggests that the area's overall safety remains a key differentiator, even during periods of increased activity. The comparison with the UK average also highlights specific categories where Bath performs better. For instance, burglary and vehicle crime were both below the UK average, a trend that may be attributed to the area's relatively low levels of deprivation and the presence of effective community policing initiatives. These factors, combined with the city's economic profile, contribute to a crime profile that is distinct from many other parts of the country.