Rural Bath and North East Somerset Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

July 2023 marked a continuation of the low crime trend in Rural Bath and North East Somerset, with an overall crime rate of 2.4 per 1,000 residents — 71.1% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This built-up area within Bath and North East Somerset, which balances rural tranquillity with urban amenities, saw violence and sexual offences account for 39% of all crimes, followed by criminal damage and arson (12.2%) and anti-social behaviour (9.8%). These figures align with the area’s character as a relatively safe region with limited industrial activity and strong community policing. Seasonal factors likely influenced the crime profile, as July is typically a peak month for tourism and outdoor events. The dominance of violence-related crimes may reflect increased social interactions during festivals, though the rate remains significantly lower than the UK average for this category. Property crimes, while present, were also well below national levels, with burglary and vehicle crime each at 7.3% of total crimes. This suggests effective local measures in protecting homes and vehicles, possibly through community engagement or targeted patrols. The low rate of shoplifting (2.4% of crimes) contrasts with the UK average, reflecting the area’s smaller retail footprint compared to major urban centres. Overall, the data illustrates a community where crime remains a minor concern, with seasonal fluctuations not overwhelming the area’s generally secure environment.

July 2023 saw significant shifts in crime patterns, with bicycle theft rising by 100% compared to June, though this remained a rare occurrence at just 2.4% of total crimes. Concurrently, shoplifting dropped by 80% — from five incidents in June to one in July — suggesting seasonal changes in retail activity or increased enforcement during summer months. The overall crime mix remained skewed toward violent crimes, which accounted for 39% of all incidents, a proportion lower than the UK average for this category (64% below). Anti-social behaviour, at 9.8% of crimes, was also 86% below the UK average, potentially reflecting the area’s community-focused policing and lower population density. Burglary rates fell by 50% compared to June, from six to three incidents, aligning with the broader trend of declining crime. For residents, the sharp reduction in shoplifting is a concrete indicator of improved retail security or reduced opportunities during the summer season. These changes highlight the area’s responsiveness to both seasonal dynamics and targeted interventions, though the rise in bicycle theft may warrant closer attention to outdoor storage practices during peak tourism periods.

The crime rate in July 2023 (2.4 per 1,000) marked a 32.8% decrease from June’s rate of 3.6 per 1,000, reflecting a sustained downward trend. On a daily basis, this equates to roughly one crime reported per day across the built-up area’s 16,819 residents — a figure that underscores the area’s relative safety compared to the UK average. Monthly exposure calculations reveal that over the course of July, one reported crime occurred for every 410 residents, a statistic that, while not negligible, places the area in stark contrast to the UK’s average monthly exposure of approximately 1-in-120 residents. This disparity highlights the effectiveness of local initiatives in maintaining low crime levels, particularly in an area that balances rural and urban characteristics. The population-scaled perspective further illustrates that even with the 100% increase in bicycle theft, the absolute number of such incidents remains minimal in a community of this size. These figures suggest that while no area is entirely immune to crime, the combination of geographical factors, community policing, and seasonal management appears to create a resilient environment where crime remains a peripheral concern for most residents.