Rural Bath and North East Somerset Crime Rate

Rural Bath and North East Somerset is characterized by its high level of safety and low crime volume. The area boasts an impressive safety score of 89/100, significantly outperforming the UK average of 79/100. With an overall crime rate of 44.5 per 1,000 people, it is more than twice as safe as the national average of 91.7. While the area has experienced a modest 5.5% increase in crime year-over-year, the absolute numbers remain very low. This rural district offers a tranquil environment for its 16,819 residents, though the recent slight upward trend in statistics suggests that maintaining vigilance and property security remains important for the community.

In Rural Bath and North East Somerset, the crime profile is led by three primary categories. Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent, with 272 incidents making up 36.4% of all reports. Anti-social behaviour follows at 12.2%, with public order offences accounting for 9.1%. While these figures reflect the most common reports, the nature of a rural area makes property crime a significant concern for the community.

The property crime rate in these rural areas is 16.3 per 1,000 people. This is notably lower than the UK average, but it encompasses several high-impact crime types. Burglary is a prominent concern, occurring at a rate of 3.7 per 1,000 people and making up 8.3% of total crime. Other theft (8.2%) and criminal damage (7.5%) follow closely. Vehicle crime is also a factor at 2.4 per 1,000. In a rural context, these crimes often involve the theft of high-value equipment or targeted residential burglaries, meaning that while the volume is lower, the impact on victims can be substantial.

Rural Bath and North East Somerset has experienced a slight upward trend in crime over the past year, with a 5.5% increase in total reported incidents. Monthly data shows that crime rates remained relatively low and stable through the winter and spring, ranging from 2.7 to 3.7 crimes per 1,000 people.

However, there was a noticeable rise during the summer months of 2025. The crime rate climbed to 4.5 in June and July, peaking at 5.1 in August. This summer spike is often seen in rural areas as increased tourism and outdoor activity provide more opportunities for opportunistic crime. Following this peak, the rate dropped back to 2.9 in September before stabilizing around 3.6 to 4.1 in the autumn. Despite the annual increase, the area remains one of the safest in the region, with the overall crime volume still well below national averages.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Bath and North East Somerset

The most prevalent crime type in the rural areas of Bath and North East Somerset is violence and sexual offences. While these figures are low in volume, personal safety remains a priority for residents and visitors alike.

In a rural setting, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking on isolated footpaths or bridleways. Always let someone know your intended route and expected return time. If you are out after dark, carry a torch and stay on known routes. For homeowners, the rural nature of the area means that property can be isolated; ensure that all gates and outbuildings are securely locked with high-quality padlocks. Joining a local 'Farm Watch' or 'Village Watch' scheme can be highly effective, as these networks allow neighbours to share information about suspicious vehicles or activity quickly. Finally, ensure that your home is well-lit at night with motion-sensor lighting to deter opportunistic trespassers.

Crime in Rural Bath and North East Somerset follows distinct temporal patterns, with the risk profile shifting significantly between day and night. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the most common concern, making up 45% and 46% of crimes respectively. This likely relates to opportunistic thefts from vehicles or outbuildings while owners are away or occupied.

As night falls, the nature of crime becomes more targeted towards property. Between 12am and 6am, burglary and vehicle crime each account for 33% of all reported incidents. This is a much higher relative proportion than during daylight hours. The evening period also sees a high rate of burglary at 28%. These patterns suggest that while daytime crime is often opportunistic, the night-time hours present a specific threat to residential security and vehicles parked in isolated locations, necessitating robust overnight protection measures for rural property owners.

Rural Bath and North East Somerset serves as a peaceful benchmark for the region. Its crime rate of 44.5 per 1,000 is markedly lower than the more urbanised parts of the local authority, such as Keynsham (76.3) and Radstock (88.7). It also sits lower than Midsomer Norton (66.2). This comparison highlights the distinct safety advantage of the rural settlements versus the larger built-up areas nearby. For those seeking a low-crime environment, these rural parishes offer some of the highest safety scores in the county, providing a significant contrast to the busier transport and commercial hubs in the surrounding area.

In the rural reaches of Bath and North East Somerset, property crime (16.3 per 1,000) often takes a different form than in urban areas, with isolated properties and outbuildings becoming targets for burglary. Traditional security systems like basic CCTV or DIY doorbell cameras often fall short here, as they only record events once an intruder is already at the door. By then, the damage is often done.

For rural homeowners, scOS offers a proactive alternative. Its AI-powered multi-camera intelligence is designed to monitor large boundaries and detect threats long before they reach the home. It can distinguish between local wildlife and a person loitering near a barn or driveway, providing autonomous responses like activating high-intensity lighting or audio deterrents. This "prevention over reaction" model is crucial for rural safety, where police response times may be longer. By destroying the element of surprise and alerting you to threats at the property line, scOS ensures that your home remains the secure sanctuary it is intended to be.