Bristol Crime Rate

The Bristol Local Authority District (LAD) recorded an overall crime rate of 138.9 per 1,000 people for the period between December 2024 and November 2025. This figure is notably higher than the UK national average of 91.7, resulting in a safety score of 68/100, where a higher score indicates a safer environment (UK average is 79/100). Despite being above the national average, the crime trend in Bristol has remained stable over the last year, showing a marginal decrease of 1.3%. This suggests that while Bristol faces the typical challenges of a large metropolitan area, the situation is not currently escalating. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of crime types and seasonal patterns to help residents and visitors understand the local safety landscape.

Bristol is a major urban centre and the largest city in South West England, serving as a significant economic and cultural hub. Its crime statistics are influenced by its high population density and its role as a regional transport nexus. The city's vibrant nightlife, particularly in the city centre and areas like Gloucester Road and Clifton, contributes to higher reports of public order and alcohol-related incidents. Additionally, Bristol's status as a major employer in the aerospace, media, and financial sectors attracts a large transient daily population of commuters and visitors, which can inflate crime rates relative to the resident population. The presence of two major universities also creates a significant student population, influencing the demographic profile and certain types of opportunistic property crime. Economic disparities across different neighbourhoods, ranging from affluent suburbs to more deprived inner-city areas, further contribute to the complexity of the local crime landscape, reflecting the challenges typical of a large, diverse metropolitan area.

The crime landscape in Bristol is primarily characterised by violence and sexual offences, which account for 35.5% of all reported incidents, with 24,350 crimes recorded annually. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 15.0% and public order offences at 10.3%. These figures reflect the challenges of policing a large, densely populated urban environment with a significant nighttime economy.

Property crime remains a significant concern for residents and homeowners, with a combined rate of 48.4 per 1,000 people. This category includes other theft (8.0%), shoplifting (7.8%), and criminal damage and arson (6.7%). Vehicle crime and burglary also contribute notably to the total, at 5.3% and 3.5% respectively. For homeowners, the frequency of property-related offences, particularly vehicle crime and burglary, necessitates a proactive approach to security. While violence and sexual offences represent the largest volume, the cumulative impact of theft and criminal damage suggests that properties are frequently targeted, making robust physical and digital security measures essential for peace of mind in the city.

Analysis of the monthly trend data for Bristol reveals a relatively stable but fluctuating crime pattern throughout the year. Starting at 10.2 crimes per 1,000 in December 2024, the rate saw a gradual increase through the spring, reaching 12.1 in May 2025. A notable peak occurred in the autumn, with the crime rate climbing to 12.6 in September and hitting its highest point of 13.7 in October 2025. By November 2025, the rate had slightly subsided to 12.8.

The year-over-year change is a marginal decrease of 1.3%, indicating that while there are seasonal peaks—particularly in the late autumn—the overall volume of crime is not significantly rising. For residents, this means that while the environment remains consistent, they should be particularly vigilant during the October peak, which may correspond with longer nights and specific seasonal events. The stability of the trend suggests that current law enforcement efforts are managing to contain crime levels despite the high baseline rate.

When comparing Bristol to its immediate neighbours, the city stands out as having a significantly higher crime rate. Nearby areas such as South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, and North Somerset all report crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 people in the comparative data, highlighting the stark difference between the urban core of Bristol and its more suburban or rural surroundings. Further afield, areas like Newport, Stroud, and the Forest of Dean also maintain much lower crime profiles. This regional context shows that Bristol carries the vast majority of the region's reported incidents, a common pattern where a central city serves as the primary hub for employment, nightlife, and transport for a wide geographical area.

With a property crime rate of 48.4 per 1,000 people in Bristol, homeowners are faced with a tangible risk of theft, burglary, and vehicle crime. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or standard alarm systems, are often reactive—they provide evidence after a crime has already been committed. In an environment like Bristol, where crime levels are higher than the national average, proactive protection is a more effective strategy.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system is designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your entire property boundary simultaneously, identifying potential threats in real-time. Unlike DIY cameras that may alert you to a delivery driver or a stray cat, scOS learns your family's routines and only triggers for genuine concerns. If an intruder is detected, the system can autonomously engage deterrents like high-intensity lighting or audio warnings. This immediate response destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on, often causing them to move on before they even attempt to enter your home. Investing in proactive AI detection transforms your security from a witness into a guardian.

How To Keep Safe in Bristol

The most prevalent crime type in Bristol is violence and sexual offences, which often occur in crowded urban areas or near nightlife districts. To stay safe, always plan your route home in advance and try to stay with friends when out in the evening. Stick to well-lit, busy streets and avoid taking shortcuts through quiet parks or alleyways late at night.

Given the high rate of property crime, ensure your home and vehicle are always locked, even when you are nearby. Use a 'Faraday pouch' for keyless entry car fobs to prevent signal boosting thefts, which are increasingly common in urban areas. When using public transport or walking through the city centre, keep your personal belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings, especially when using your phone or withdrawing cash. Finally, consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about specific issues in your local area and to help build a more resilient community.