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

Rural Bath and North East Somerset’s crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 in January 2026 places it 47.1% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, a position consistent with its character as a low-density built-up area within a largely rural county. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (28.3% of all crimes), anti-social behaviour (20.0%), and shoplifting (13.3%), reflecting a mix of interpersonal conflicts and retail-focused incidents. This profile aligns with the area’s seasonal context: January’s shorter days and reduced retail footfall likely contributed to lower outdoor crime rates, though the sharp rise in shoplifting may indicate targeted opportunism during post-holiday periods. The UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.5 per 1,000, meaning this area’s rate is 60% below national levels, a trend consistent with the area’s generally tranquil environment. However, the anomaly in burglary—0.5 per 1,000 compared to the UK’s 0.3 per 1,000—raises questions about local vulnerabilities, possibly tied to seasonal fluctuations in property security practices. The overall crime profile suggests a balance between routine community challenges and the protective effects of a rural setting, where proximity to natural spaces and lower population density may deter certain types of crime.

January 2026 saw a dramatic 300% increase in shoplifting, rising from 2 to 8 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in anti-social behaviour (from 6 to 12 cases), highlights shifting patterns in public space activity. Burglary also rose by 60% (from 5 to 8), though the area’s rate of 0.5 per 1,000 remains 79% above the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 66.7%, reflecting a possible reduction in winter-related incidents. The contrast between rising property crimes and declining violent offences—violence and sexual offences dropped to 17 from 21 in December—suggests a seasonal realignment in criminal priorities. For residents, the sharp rise in shoplifting may signal increased vulnerability in retail areas, particularly as post-holiday footfall declines.

The crime rate in Rural Bath and North East Somerset rose by 9.2% in January 2026 compared to the previous month’s 3.3 per 1,000, reaching 3.6 per 1,000. This increase, though modest, reflects shifts in local activity patterns during the post-holiday period. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately two crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that contextualises the low frequency of incidents in a built-up rural setting. Monthly exposure to crime in January meant one reported crime occurred for roughly every 280 residents, a statistic that underscores the relatively safe environment compared to larger urban areas. When considering the population of 16,819, this translates to a manageable level of risk for residents. rise from December suggests a need to monitor trends in specific crime categories. The absence of a UK-wide daily crime comparison ensures focus remains on local patterns rather than speculative national benchmarks.