Rural Bath and North East Somerset Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Rural Bath and North East Somerset recorded a crime rate of 4.3 per 1,000 residents in February 2026, marking a 32.8% reduction compared to the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure underscores the area's generally lower crime profile, consistent with its rural character and limited urban density. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 32.9% of all reported crimes, followed by property crimes (34) and violent crimes (24). The dominance of violence-related offences may reflect the area's built-up nature within a rural setting, where higher population concentrations in towns like Bath could contribute to such incidents. Seasonal factors also appear relevant, as February—typically a low-point for outdoor activity—may have suppressed certain crime types, such as vehicle theft or public order disturbances, which often peak during warmer months. However, the rate of violence and sexual offences remains 40% below the UK average, suggesting local factors, such as community cohesion or effective policing, likely play a role. Property crimes, while lower than the UK average for some categories, showed notable variations: burglary rates were 180% above the UK average, linked to the area's historical buildings and tourist attractions, which may present unique vulnerabilities. Conversely, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour were significantly below the UK average, indicating successful local initiatives or deterrents in place. These patterns highlight the combination of geography, demographics, and policing strategies in shaping crime trends.

February 2026 saw a 50% decrease in shoplifting compared to January, with incidents dropping from 8 to 4. This reduction may be attributed to increased foot traffic monitoring in retail areas or seasonal retail strategies during the pre-spring lull. Anti-social behaviour also fell sharply by 75%, from 12 to 3, potentially reflecting the impact of winter holidays reducing social gatherings in public spaces. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson surged by 166.7%, rising from 3 to 8 incidents, a stark contrast to other categories. This increase could be tied to colder weather driving more indoor activities, or unexplained factors requiring further scrutiny. Public order offences also rose by 166.7%, from 3 to 8, linked to heightened enforcement or shifts in community dynamics. Burglary rates in the area were 180% above the UK average, a figure that contrasts sharply with the 66% reduction in shoplifting. This discrepancy suggests targeted vulnerabilities in property security, related to the area's heritage sites or transient populations. For residents, the 50% drop in shoplifting offers a tangible example of how seasonal patterns and local interventions can influence crime trends, even as other categories show contrasting movements.

The crime rate in February 2026 (4.3 per 1,000) represents a 21.6% increase from the previous month's rate of 3.6 per 1,000, though it remains significantly below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 3 crimes per day, a figure that, while modest, reflects the concentrated nature of the built-up area within a rural landscape. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 230 residents, a ratio that places the area in the lower quartile of UK crime exposure figures. This monthly aggregate suggests that, despite the 21.6% rise from January, the overall risk for residents remains comparatively low. The population context further highlights this: with 16,819 residents, the 73 reported crimes equate to a manageable scale of policing and community response. However, the 180% above-average burglary rate raises questions about the effectiveness of property crime prevention in specific locations, such as historic homes or tourist attractions. While the increase from January is notable, the area's crime profile still diverges from the UK average in multiple categories, illustrating how local characteristics—such as rural isolation, tourism, or built-up infrastructure—shape distinct crime patterns. For residents, the 50% drop in shoplifting and 75% decrease in anti-social behaviour demonstrate that targeted efforts can yield measurable results, even as other areas require attention.