Bath and North East Somerset Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Bath and North East Somerset recorded a crime rate of 6.8 per 1,000 residents in December 2025, placing it 2.9% below the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000. This marks a continued trend of relative safety compared to national benchmarks, though the area faces distinct challenges in specific crime categories. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 39.1% of all reported crimes—nearly 530 incidents—while anti-social behaviour followed at 16.0%, reflecting patterns often seen in urban centres with significant foot traffic and public spaces. These figures align with December's seasonal dynamics: the peak of Christmas shopping, extended dark evenings, and the holiday exodus from homes, which may contribute to increased incidents of violence and disorder. Property crimes accounted for just 33.4% of the total, a marked contrast to the national profile, suggesting that Bath's character as a historic town with a mix of residential and commercial areas may influence crime distribution. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, the area's crime profile reveals a combination of local geography and seasonal factors, with certain categories—such as shoplifting and public order offences—showing elevated rates compared to national averages. This data underscores the importance of context-specific analysis when interpreting crime statistics, as Bath's unique blend of tourism, heritage, and urban infrastructure shapes its crime profile in ways distinct from other regions.

December 2025 saw several significant shifts in Bath and North East Somerset's crime picture. Burglary rates fell by 32.9% compared to November, dropping from 85 to 57 incidents—a decline that may reflect increased home security measures during the holiday season or the temporary absence of residents on vacation. Conversely, bicycle theft surged by 300%, rising from 2 to 8 cases, potentially linked to increased cycling during darker winter months or the presence of high-value bikes in tourist areas. Drug-related crimes also rose by 20%, from 15 to 18, a figure that could be influenced by seasonal social patterns or changes in enforcement priorities. On the other hand, possession of weapons plummeted by 81.3%, from 16 to 3, a drop that may indicate successful community policing initiatives or reduced availability of illicit firearms. The area's violent crime rate remained above the UK average, with violence and sexual offences at 2.7 per 1,000—5% higher than the national figure. This discrepancy may be partly explained by Bath's status as a major tourist destination, where interactions between transient populations and local residents can sometimes lead to higher rates of aggression. Anti-social behaviour also exceeded the UK average by 18%, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in areas with high concentrations of nightlife or public amenities. While property crimes accounted for a relatively small share of the total, shoplifting rates were 23% above the national average, a statistic that could be connected to Bath's retail presence and the influx of shoppers during the holiday season.

Bath and North East Somerset's crime rate in December 2025 (6.8 per 1,000) represented an 8.9% decline from the previous month's rate of 7.4 per 1,000, reflecting a sustained reduction in overall criminal activity. This decrease aligns with the seasonal rhythm of the area, where the end of the academic term and the onset of winter holidays may reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 44 crimes per day in December, a figure that provides context for residents and visitors assessing local safety. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 148 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the previous month's equivalent (1-in-130) and suggests a measurable improvement in public safety. When scaled to the area's population of 200,028, the crime rate remains lower than the UK average, with the gap widening slightly in December compared to earlier months. This relative safety is particularly evident in categories like vehicle crime, which fell 46% below the UK average, and drug-related offences, which were 63% lower than national rates. However, the contrast is starker in violent crime, where Bath's rate of 2.7 per 1,000 remains 5% above the UK average—a disparity that may be influenced by the area's mix of urban and tourist environments. These comparative metrics offer a nuanced picture of Bath's crime profile, highlighting both areas of strength and persistent challenges that require targeted policy responses.