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

For a population of 200,028, the 1,302 crimes reported in March 2024 equate to 6.5 crimes per 1,000 residents, placing Bath and North East Somerset 15.6% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This rate reflects a balance between higher-than-average violent crime and significantly lower property crime. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 36.0% of all crimes, a category that sits 14% below the UK average. This could be partly explained by the area's character as a historic city with a strong focus on tourism and cultural heritage, where violent crime may be mitigated by community engagement and visitor-focused policing. Shoplifting, however, emerged as a notable concern, with 203 incidents (15.6% of total crimes)—64% above the UK average. This aligns with Bath’s status as a retail and tourist hub, where high foot traffic in historic centres and shopping districts may create opportunities for such offences. Anti-social behaviour, at 14.9% of all crimes, also remained 14% below the UK average, reflecting effective local initiatives targeting public order in key areas. Seasonal factors in March—such as the transition to longer evenings and the impact of clock changes—may have influenced patterns, with increased visibility of outdoor spaces contributing to both higher shoplifting and lower burglary rates compared to winter months.

March 2024 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with drugs-related offences surging by 50% (12 to 18) and robbery increasing by 40% (10 to 14). These rises may reflect the impact of seasonal transitions, with warmer evenings potentially encouraging illicit activity in the city’s nightlife areas. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 75% (8 to 2), a drop that could indicate successful policing efforts or reduced demand during this time of year. Vehicle crime also declined by 26.1% (69 to 51), linked to changes in commuting patterns as the academic term progressed. Shoplifting remained a stark outlier, with rates 64% above the UK average—highlighting the need for targeted interventions in Bath’s retail corridors. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson rose by 33.3% (63 to 84), a trend that may be connected to increased property maintenance during the spring season or specific local incidents. Theft from the person, though lower than the UK average, fell by 37.5% (8 to 5), a decline that could be attributed to heightened awareness or improved security measures in high-risk areas. These fluctuations underscore the combination of local dynamics and broader national trends in shaping Bath’s crime profile.

The crime rate in March 2024 (6.5 per 1,000) was 1.4% higher than the previous month’s rate of 6.4 per 1,000, indicating a stable trend over the short term. On a daily basis, 42 crimes were reported each day—equivalent to roughly one in every 154 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure statistic provides context for residents: while the figure may seem high, it remains significantly lower than the UK average when scaled to Bath’s population. The area’s performance in specific categories is also noteworthy. For instance, violent crime rates (2.3 per 1,000) are 14% below the UK average, a contrast to shoplifting’s 64% surplus. This disparity highlights Bath’s unique characteristics, such as its tourism-driven economy, which may drive retail crime while simultaneously fostering community cohesion that deters violence. When compared to other areas, Bath’s lower burglary and vehicle crime rates (38% and 36% below the UK average, respectively) suggest that its urban design—characterised by historic architecture and pedestrian-friendly zones—may limit opportunities for such offences. These comparative figures offer residents a clearer understanding of their local safety context, showing that while certain challenges persist, Bath’s crime profile is broadly aligned with national trends in ways that reflect both its strengths and vulnerabilities.