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

The crime mix in Rural Bath and North East Somerset during September 2023 reveals a distinct pattern shaped by both seasonal rhythms and the area’s rural character. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 30.4% of all reported crimes, followed by public order (12.5%) and criminal damage and arson (12.5%). This distribution contrasts with typical urban centres, where property crimes often dominate. The low overall crime rate of 3.3 per 1,000 residents—58.8% below the UK average—suggests that the area’s rural nature, with lower population density and fewer commercial hubs, may contribute to its relatively safer profile. However, the prominence of violent crime and public order offences raises questions about local dynamics, such as the impact of seasonal transitions. September, with its back-to-school and university freshers period, likely influences these trends, as increased social activity in residential areas and town centres may drive both alcohol-related incidents and disputes. The low prevalence of property crimes, such as burglary (8.9%) and shoplifting (8.9%), further aligns with the area’s characteristics, where retail presence is sparse compared to urban centres. This balance of crime types reflects a community where interpersonal conflicts and public disturbances are more common than theft or vandalism, a contrast to the UK average where property crimes are more frequent. The data also highlights the area’s resilience: even with a 7.8% month-on-month rise in overall crime, it remains significantly safer than the national average, illustrating the combination of geography, demographics, and seasonal factors in shaping local crime patterns.

September 2023 saw a sharp 250% increase in public order offences, rising from 2 to 7 incidents. This jump, though unexpected, may partly reflect the return of students to local universities and the associated social activity typical of the month. Concurrently, violence and sexual offences rose by 30.8%, with 17 reported cases—still 64% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000. Shoplifting also increased by 25%, climbing from 4 to 5 incidents, possibly linked to back-to-school shopping patterns. However, other theft and vehicle crime both declined: other theft fell by 57.1%, and vehicle crime dropped by 40%, suggesting targeted efforts or seasonal shifts in criminal activity. Anti-social behaviour remains 70% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may reflect the area’s rural character and lower population density. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime in the region, with some categories rising while others decline despite the overall low rate.

The crime rate in September 2023 rose by 7.8% compared to August, moving from 3.1 to 3.3 per 1,000 residents. This slight increase, while notable, remains far below the UK average of 8.0. On a daily basis, the area experiences approximately two crimes per day, a figure that reflects the low overall rate despite the month-on-month rise. Over the course of September, one crime was reported for every 300 residents, a monthly exposure that underscores the area’s continued safety relative to national trends. When scaled to the local population of 16,819, this means 56 crimes were reported across the entire month—equivalent to less than 1% of the population experiencing a crime. This context is critical for residents: even with a small uptick, the area remains significantly safer than the UK average, with most crime types falling well below national benchmarks. The increase in violent crime, for instance, still sits 64% below the UK average, illustrating the persistent gap between this rural area and broader trends in urban centres.