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

Bath and North East Somerset recorded a crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents in January 2026, placing it 2.9% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure, while slightly lower than the national benchmark, reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal dynamics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 41.1% of all crimes, making them the most prevalent category, followed by anti-social behaviour (11.6%) and shoplifting (8.8%). The seasonal context of January, with its post-holiday lull and shorter daylight hours, may partly explain the overall decline from December's rate, though this trend is offset by sharp increases in specific categories. Bath's unique profile as a historic town with a blend of urban and semi-rural characteristics likely influences these patterns — the city's tourism industry and cultural landmarks may drive both crime and policing focus, while semi-rural areas could contribute to lower vehicle crime rates due to fewer high-traffic zones. The 8% increase in violence and sexual offences above the UK average may be linked to Bath's reputation as a university city and tourist destination, where transient populations and social venues could create conditions for such crimes. However, the 19% reduction in vehicle crime compared to the UK average could indicate effective local policing strategies targeting car-related theft in areas with high tourist activity. The 50% decrease in theft from the person, though modest in absolute terms, might reflect heightened awareness among visitors during the post-holiday period, a trend consistent with Bath's seasonal tourism patterns. Overall, the crime picture in January 2026 underscores both the challenges and successes of local crime prevention efforts in a region with a unique demographic and geographic profile.

Possession of weapons rose sharply by 200% in January, jumping from 3 to 9 incidents — a surge that demands vigilance in public spaces. This increase, though modest in absolute terms, signals a shift in criminal activity patterns that may reflect seasonal factors or unmet policing needs. Concurrently, vehicle crime increased by 37.8%, rising from 45 to 62 incidents, a trend that could be linked to post-holiday vehicle movements or unsecured parking in tourist areas. Meanwhile, theft from the person fell by 50%, dropping from 8 to 4 cases — a decline that may reflect heightened awareness during the post-holiday period. The crime mix also shows notable divergence from UK averages: violence and sexual offences (8% above UK levels) and public order offences (19% above) dominate, while anti-social behaviour (14% below UK levels) and vehicle crime (19% below) show marked reductions. Residents should be particularly alert to the 200% increase in weapons possession, which may indicate a need for enhanced community safety measures. The rise in vehicle crime, combined with Bath's high volume of tourist traffic, suggests a need for improved vehicle security awareness in areas like the historic city centre and surrounding rural roads.

Bath and North East Somerset's crime rate in January 2026 fell by 2.8% compared to December 2025, moving from 6.8 to 6.6 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns typical of January, when reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours often correlate with lower outdoor crime activity. On a daily basis, 42 crimes were reported across the district — a figure that, while localised, offers context for residents assessing risk. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 152 residents, a metric that translates to roughly a 0.6% chance of experiencing crime. This rate is slightly below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000 but remains consistent with the area's historical profile as a mix of urban and semi-rural environments where community engagement and policing strategies have historically tempered crime trends. The population-scaled perspective underscores that while individual incidents matter, the overall exposure remains proportionate to national benchmarks. Bath's tourism-driven economy and year-round foot traffic in historic sites may explain why crime remains stable despite seasonal fluctuations, with targeted interventions in high-traffic areas likely contributing to this consistency.