Bristol Crime Rate

The Bristol local authority district currently records an overall crime rate of 140.7 per 1,000 residents, which is considerably higher than the UK national average of 91.6. The area has a safety score of 68/100, where a higher score indicates a safer environment (the UK average is 79/100). Recent data from January 2025 to December 2025 shows that the crime trend in Bristol is stable, with a negligible year-over-year increase of 0.2%. Despite its high incident volume, the city remains a major economic and cultural hub. However, with a property crime rate of 49.2 per 1,000 (well above the UK average of 32.2), safety and security are important considerations for those living and working in the city.

Bristol is a major city and local authority in South West England, known for its historic port, vibrant arts scene, and diverse economic base spanning aerospace, media, and technology. As a regional capital, it has high population density and a large transient population, including over 50,000 students. The city features a busy commercial centre, significant transport hubs like Temple Meads, and a renowned nightlife economy centered around areas like Harbourside and Gloucester Road. These factors contribute to its crime profile, as the high volume of people and commercial activity naturally correlates with higher reported incidents of theft, anti-social behaviour, and public order offences compared to more rural neighbouring districts.

In Bristol, the crime landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 35.3% of all reports, at a rate of 49.6 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, making up 15.0% of incidents, followed by public order offences at 10.2%. These figures reflect the challenges of a major metropolitan area with a high density of people and an active night-time economy.

Property-related crime in Bristol is significant, with an overall rate of 49.2 per 1,000 people per year. This includes other theft (11.2 per 1,000), shoplifting (11.2 per 1,000), and vehicle crime (7.3 per 1,000). Burglary occurs at a rate of 5.0 per 1,000, while criminal damage and arson contribute 6.7% to the total. This high property crime rate, which is well above the UK average of 32.2, indicates that theft and property protection are major concerns for local residents and businesses.

For homeowners and residents, these statistics highlight the importance of robust security. While violent crime is the top category, the cumulative volume of theft and vehicle crime means that opportunistic property offences are a frequent occurrence. Ensuring that homes, vehicles, and personal belongings are properly secured is essential for navigating the safety landscape of the city.

The crime trend in Bristol is currently stable, with a tiny 0.2% increase in total crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. This suggests that the city's crime levels are holding steady. Monthly data from 2025 shows a general upward trend in the latter half of the year. The year began with a crime rate of 10.6 per 1,000 in January and a low of 9.8 in February.

Activity increased throughout the spring and summer, peaking in October with a rate of 13.7 per 1,000. The months of September, November, and December also saw higher-than-average rates, ranging from 11.9 to 13.2. This end-of-year increase is a common pattern in urban areas and may be linked to shorter daylight hours and the festive season. For Bristol residents, this stability means that while crime is a persistent factor, there is no evidence of a sudden surge, allowing for consistent long-term safety planning.

Bristol serves as the primary urban and economic centre for the region, and its crime figures reflect this role. When compared to surrounding local authorities like South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, and the Forest of Dean—all of which reported crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 in this period—Bristol's rate of 140.7 stands out. Even compared to Newport and Stroud, Bristol remains the area with the highest incident volume. This is typical for a major city surrounded by more suburban and rural districts, as the concentration of commerce, transport, and nightlife in Bristol naturally draws higher levels of reported activity.

With a property crime rate of 49.2 per 1,000 people in Bristol, homeowners are facing a higher risk than in many other UK cities. Traditional security, such as standard CCTV cameras or basic alarm systems, is reactive by nature. These systems are designed to alert you after a break-in has occurred or provide footage of a crime that has already happened. In a busy city like Bristol, you need a system that stops crime before it starts.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system offers a proactive alternative. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundary, scOS can detect a potential threat the moment someone enters your perimeter. It uses pattern learning to recognise your family and deliveries, ensuring you only receive alerts for real threats. If a suspicious individual is detected, scOS can autonomously trigger responses like lights and speakers to destroy the element of surprise. This visible, intelligent deterrence makes burglars move on to an easier target, providing you with real prevention rather than just a recording of your loss.

How To Keep Safe in Bristol

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Bristol, accounting for 35.3% of all reported incidents. To stay safe, especially in the city centre and nightlife areas like Harbourside or Stokes Croft, it is best to travel in groups and stick to well-lit, busy streets. Always plan your route home in advance and use licensed transport.

Anti-social behaviour is also prevalent (15.0%), so being aware of your surroundings and avoiding known 'hotspots' during late hours is advisable. With property crime being high, always ensure your home and vehicle are securely locked. For those living in the city, joining a local Neighbourhood Watch can provide valuable community insights and an extra layer of security. Keeping valuables out of sight when in public spaces will also help reduce the risk of opportunistic theft. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the local police to help maintain a safer environment for everyone across the local authority.