Bath and North East Somerset Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

January 2026 presented a mixed picture for Bath and North East Somerset's crime profile. The overall crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents matched the UK average, but the distribution of incidents revealed significant local concerns. Violence and sexual offences dominated, comprising 41.1% of all crimes, 11% above the national average. This may reflect the area's status as a tourist destination and historic city, where late-night activity and transient populations could contribute to higher rates of violent incidents. Shoplifting and anti-social behaviour also remained notable, with the latter declining by 29.5% compared to December. Seasonal factors likely played a role: post-holiday periods typically see reduced retail footfall, which may explain the 12% below UK average rate for anti-social behaviour. However, the sharp rise in vehicle crime—up 37.8%—suggests a possible link to winter driving conditions or increased vehicle movements during the festive season. The area's character as a blend of urban tourism and rural surroundings may also explain the relatively low rates of burglary and bicycle theft compared to other regions. While the overall rate remained stable, the concentration of violent crime and specific spikes in certain categories warrant targeted community engagement and policing strategies.

January 2026 witnessed a stark 200% increase in possession of weapons, rising from 3 to 9 incidents. This sharp rise, though still low in absolute terms, signals a troubling trend that may reflect heightened tensions or unaddressed issues in specific communities. Concurrently, vehicle crime surged by 37.8% (45 to 62), potentially linked to post-holiday mobility patterns or changes in local enforcement. In contrast, theft from the person dropped by 50% (8 to 4), a decline that may be attributed to seasonal factors such as reduced foot traffic in retail areas. The crime mix also shifted: violence and sexual offences accounted for 41.1% of all incidents, 11% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour fell 29.5% to 153 cases. These figures highlight the need for targeted interventions in violent crime and continued vigilance around vehicle-related offences.

Bath and North East Somerset's crime rate in January 2026 fell to 6.6 per 1,000 residents, a 2.8% decrease from December's 6.8 per 1,000. This marks a slight improvement in overall safety, though the rate remains aligned with the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 42 crimes per day in January, reflecting a steady but not alarming level of activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 152 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to the population. While the rate has dipped slightly, the distribution of crime types reveals persistent patterns: violence and sexual offences remain high compared to the UK average, and anti-social behaviour has seen a notable decline. These shifts suggest that while some areas of concern are easing, others require continued attention from local authorities and residents alike.