Pensford Crime Rate

Pensford is a safe and tranquil urban settlement in Bath and North East Somerset, boasting a high safety score of 89/100. Its overall crime rate stands at 48.8 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6. The area is also benefiting from a downward trend, with a 5.1% decrease in crime year-over-year. While violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crime types, the overall volume remains low. Property crime is relatively rare, though residents should be mindful of specific time patterns for vehicle crime. This report provides a detailed analysis of Pensford's crime statistics, trends, and practical safety advice for the local community.

Crime in Pensford

Crime in Pensford is primarily composed of violence and sexual offences, which account for 33.9% of all recorded incidents (16.6 per 1,000 residents). Vehicle crime is the second most common category at 12.5%, followed by public order offences, 'other theft', and anti-social behaviour, each making up 10.7% of the total. These figures suggest that the majority of police activity in the village involves personal safety and community order.

Property crime as a whole—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, criminal damage, and robbery—occurs at a rate of 19.1 per 1,000 people. Within this category, vehicle crime is the most frequent property-related offence with 7 incidents. 'Other theft' follows with 6 incidents, and criminal damage and arson recorded 5 incidents. Burglary is very rare, with only 1 incident reported in the last year. For homeowners, the burglary rate of 0.9 per 1,000 is exceptionally low, but the prevalence of vehicle crime, especially during the night when 55% of night-time crime is vehicle-related, is a significant pattern. Residents should focus their security efforts on perimeter protection and vehicle safety, particularly during the evening and night. Robust security measures for cars and outbuildings are the most effective way for residents to protect their property.

Crime Trends in Pensford

Pensford is currently experiencing a positive downward trend in criminal activity, with total offences decreasing by 5.1% year-over-year. This reduction, starting from an already low crime base, reinforces the area's status as a safe residential location.

The monthly trend data for 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout the year. The year began with a rate of 5.2 per 1,000 in January, followed by 4.4 for February and March. A peak occurred in May, reaching 7.0 per 1,000, before dropping back to a consistent rate of 3.5 for much of the summer and autumn. The year ended with a low of 1.7 in December. This pattern of a higher initial month followed by sustained lower rates suggests an improving safety environment. In a small settlement like Pensford, these figures indicate a stable and secure community with no significant emerging crime issues.

How To Keep Safe in Pensford

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Pensford, followed by vehicle crime and public order offences. While the overall volume of crime is low, taking these practical steps can help you maintain your security.

1. Secure Vehicles at Night: With 55% of night-time crime involving vehicles, ensure your car is parked in a garage or a well-lit driveway. Use physical deterrents like steering locks to discourage opportunistic thieves.
2. Be Vigilant in the Afternoon: 56% of afternoon crimes are theft-related. Always lock your doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a short walk or a trip to the local shops.
3. Protect Against Evening Vandalism: Evening hours (6pm-12am) see a rise in 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour. Motion-activated lighting can be a simple way to discourage loitering and opportunistic damage around your property.
4. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB accounts for over 10% of local crime. Reporting incidents to the local council or police helps maintain the village's peaceful atmosphere and ensures public spaces remain safe.
5. Secure Outbuildings: 'Other theft' is one of the top crime types. Ensure that sheds and garages are fitted with high-quality padlocks and that valuable garden equipment is not left visible from the road.

The timing of crime in Pensford reveals a distinct pattern between daytime theft and night-time vehicle risk. During the morning and afternoon, theft-related offences are the most common, accounting for 49% and 56% of crimes in those periods respectively. This suggests that opportunistic theft is the primary concern during the hours when local activity is at its peak.

In contrast, the risk to vehicles increases significantly as the day ends. Vehicle crime risk peaks during the night (12am to 6am), with 55% of all offences occurring during this window. This is followed by the evening period (6pm to 12am), where vehicle crime accounts for 23% of incidents. Evening hours are also more likely to feature 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 46% of the total. Interestingly, burglary remains consistently low across all time periods, peaking slightly at 7% in the afternoon and night. For residents, this data indicates that while personal property is most at risk during the day, vehicles require the most protection during the hours of darkness.

Pensford is part of a cluster of villages with varying safety profiles. It is notably more secure than nearby Whitchurch (66.3) and Clutton (59.0). However, it is less safe than Bishop Sutton (24.0) and the exceptionally quiet neighbour of Chew Magna, which recorded 0.0 crimes. For residents, Pensford offers a very secure environment that is consistent with the rural character of the region, while being significantly safer than the larger urban centres in Somerset. The decreasing crime trend further enhances its reputation as a safe place to live.

In Pensford, the property crime rate is 19.1 per 1,000, and while burglary is low, the data shows that vehicle crime is a significant concern, especially at night (55%). This suggests that the primary threat to residents' property is outside the home. Traditional security systems like standard CCTV or doorbell cameras are reactive; they record the crime as it happens but rarely stop it.

scOS provides a proactive alternative. As an AI-powered security operating system, it uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries in real-time. It can distinguish between a delivery and a potential intruder, activating an autonomous response like lights or audible warnings the moment a boundary is breached. For Pensford homeowners, this means threats to vehicles and outbuildings are deterred before they can act. In a safe area where crime is the exception, a proactive system ensures your property remains a difficult target, providing a level of security that traditional recording-only systems cannot match.