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

Violence and sexual offences accounted for nearly a third of all reported crimes in Bath and North East Somerset in September 2024, making this the dominant category driving the area’s crime profile. With a total crime rate of 7.3 per 1,000 residents—5.2% below the UK average of 7.7—the local authority district outperforms the national benchmark. The prevalence of violent crime may partly explain this dynamic, as Bath’s historic town centre and proximity to the University of Bath create environments where interpersonal conflicts and alcohol-fuelled incidents are more likely. September, a transitional month with the return of students and the start of term, likely contributes to increased social activity in nightlife areas, which often correlate with higher rates of violence. Meanwhile, shoplifting (12.8% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (12.2%) highlight the influence of retail spaces and public areas, though both categories exhibit divergent UK comparisons: shoplifting is 32% above the national average, while anti-social behaviour is 23% below. This contrast suggests that while Bath’s retail sector may face challenges with theft, community-focused policing or local initiatives could be effectively managing anti-social conduct. The seasonal context of September—back-to-school routines, shorter evenings, and the start of the tourist season—adds complexity to the crime picture, as these factors may influence both the frequency and type of incidents reported.

September 2024 saw a 22.2% increase in shoplifting, with 187 incidents reported—32% above the UK average. This surge may reflect heightened foot traffic in Bath’s historic shopping districts during the post-summer tourist season. Conversely, vehicle crime fell sharply by 41.0%, from 83 to 49 incidents, marking a significant departure from the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This decline could be linked to fewer holiday-related vehicle movements or improved security measures in car parks. Other notable shifts included an 18.9% rise in other thefts, tied to increased retail activity, and an 18.2% increase in criminal damage and arson, which may correlate with seasonal maintenance or property-related disputes. Anti-social behaviour also dropped by 19.5%, from 221 to 178 incidents, though this decrease remains unexplained by the data. For residents, the sharp drop in vehicle crime offers a tangible benefit, suggesting that local efforts to secure parking areas or deter theft may be showing results. However, the rise in shoplifting underscores the need for continued vigilance in retail zones, particularly as Bath’s tourism sector remains a key economic driver.

Bath and North East Somerset’s crime rate in September 2024 (7.3 per 1,000) represents a 3.7% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.6, indicating a modest but measurable downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 49 crimes per day, a figure that, while lower than the UK average in some categories, reflects the unique character of Bath as a mix of urban and rural spaces. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 137 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is slightly below the UK average when considering Bath’s population of 200,028. This statistic provides context for residents, showing that while crime is present, it is not concentrated compared to the national picture. The comparison to the previous month also highlights the volatility of crime trends: while overall rates are declining, specific categories like shoplifting and other theft are rising. This contrast may reflect targeted interventions in areas with higher crime rates or seasonal fluctuations in activity. The population-scaled perspective further illustrates that Bath’s crime profile is shaped by its demographic mix, with the university and tourism sectors influencing both the types and frequencies of incidents reported.