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

Bath and North East Somerset recorded a crime rate of 7.9 per 1,000 residents in May 2024, placing it 6.0% below the UK average of 8.4. This figure, while slightly higher than the previous month’s rate of 7.3, reflects a consistent trend of relative safety compared to the national benchmark. The area’s crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences (39% of all crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (15.8%) and public order incidents (10.1%). These patterns align with Bath’s character as a tourist destination and historic urban centre, where nightlife and foot traffic contribute to higher rates of violent and disorderly incidents. The seasonal context of May—marked by bank holidays, longer evenings, and increased outdoor socialising—likely influenced the rise in violence and public order offences. Conversely, shoplifting and drug-related crimes saw declines, possibly due to warmer weather and reduced indoor retail activity. The UK average comparison highlights that Bath’s relatively low crime rate may be supported by its compact urban layout, which facilitates policing and community engagement. However, the sharp increase in 'other crime' suggests potential gaps in addressing non-specific offences, which warrant further scrutiny. The mix of crime types illustrates the interplay between local geography, seasonal rhythms, and the area’s dual identity as both a tourist hub and a residential community.

May 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with increases in 'other crime' (+241.7%) and robbery (+100.0%)—both rising sharply from previous levels. This surge in non-specific crimes may reflect seasonal changes, such as increased foot traffic during May bank holidays and extended evening socialising. Conversely, shoplifting dropped by 40.6% compared to April, likely due to warmer weather reducing the appeal of indoor retail environments. Violence and sexual offences remained the largest single category, at 3.1 per 1,000, 9% above the UK average. This discrepancy may be linked to Bath’s tourism-driven nightlife, where higher concentrations of visitors could contribute to such incidents. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remained 17% below the UK average, suggesting effective local policing in managing disturbances. The sharp decline in drug-related crimes (-35.0%) could indicate targeted interventions or seasonal factors affecting illicit activity.

Bath and North East Somerset's crime rate rose by 8.6% in May 2024 compared to the previous month, moving from 7.3 to 7.9 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, contrasts with the area’s continued position below the UK average. Locally, 51 crimes were reported daily on average, reflecting the district’s population density and urban-rural mix. Over the course of May, one crime occurred for every 127 residents—a figure that, while lower than the UK’s typical monthly exposure, highlights the need for ongoing vigilance. The population context reveals that Bath’s compact urban core and surrounding villages create a unique crime profile, where foot traffic and tourism influence patterns differently than in larger cities or rural regions. This monthly exposure rate, when contextualised with the area’s 200,028 residents, underscores that while crime remains relatively low, fluctuations in specific categories like violence and anti-social behaviour warrant attention.