Midsomer Norton Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Midsomer Norton’s crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 in October 2023 places it 40% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, highlighting a consistently safer profile compared to national trends. This built-up area within Bath and North East Somerset shows a distinct crime picture, with violence and sexual offences dominating at 31 cases (45.6% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (13.2%) and criminal damage and arson (10.3%). These figures contrast sharply with UK averages, where violence and sexual offences are 19% higher and anti-social behaviour is 53% higher. The seasonal context of October—shorter days, the transition to British Summer Time, and Halloween—likely contributes to patterns in violent crime and anti-social behaviour, though local factors such as community engagement and policing strategies may also play a role. Property crime, though lower than UK averages for most categories, saw burglary rise to 0.4 per 1,000 (18% above the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000), suggesting localized vulnerabilities. The overall balance of crime types reflects a mix of urban and semi-rural characteristics, where retail and community hubs may drive certain offences while lower population density limits others. This month’s data reinforces Midsomer Norton’s position as an area with relatively low crime, though targeted efforts to address rising burglary rates may warrant attention.

October 2023 saw a sharp 500% increase in burglary cases, rising from 1 to 6, marking the most significant month-on-month jump in the area. Other theft also surged by 200%, growing from 1 to 3, while drugs-related offences doubled from 0 to 1. These increases contrast with declines in public order offences (down 33.3%) and criminal damage and arson (down 12.5%), which may reflect seasonal shifts or targeted interventions. Violence and sexual offences remained the dominant category, with 31 cases (2.2 per 1,000), 19% below the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour, at 9 cases (0.6 per 1,000), was 53% below the UK average, potentially linked to local community engagement efforts. Burglary’s 18% above the UK average for this category stands out as a notable outlier, suggesting localized risks such as vulnerable properties or targeted activity. Residents may find the 33.3% drop in public order offences, which includes noise complaints and anti-social gatherings, particularly relevant as it indicates potential success in managing community tensions during the Halloween period.

Compared to the previous month, Midsomer Norton’s crime rate rose by 15.1% from 4.2 to 4.8 per 1,000, though it remains well below the UK average. This increase, however, is tempered by the area’s consistently lower baseline rates. On a daily basis, 2 crimes were reported per day in October, a figure that may seem low but reflects the area’s small population of 14,128. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 208 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than many comparable towns. This statistic underscores the area’s relatively safe environment, even as specific categories like burglary rose sharply. When contextualized against the UK average, Midsomer Norton’s performance in most crime categories—particularly anti-social behaviour (53% below UK average) and shoplifting (83% below)—highlights effective local policing or community initiatives. However, the 18% above UK average for burglary suggests a need for targeted measures, possibly tied to specific vulnerabilities in property security or transient populations. These figures, while modest in absolute terms, offer a nuanced picture of safety that balances overall low rates with localized challenges.