Bristol Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In July 2024, Bristol’s per-capita crime rate of 12.4 per 1,000 residents placed it 47.6% above the UK average, underscoring a significant disparity between the city and the national profile. This figure translates to a tangible risk for residents, with one in every 80 people in the city experiencing a reported crime over the course of the month. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 35.3% of all incidents, a rate 54% higher than the UK average. This dominance of violent crime is consistent with Bristol’s status as a densely populated urban centre, where social interactions and the concentration of nightlife venues may contribute to higher rates of interpersonal conflict. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 14.2% of incidents and remaining 24% above the UK average, likely reflecting the city’s vibrant cultural scene and the challenges of managing public spaces during peak tourist periods. The seasonal context of July—marked by festivals, open-air events, and the end of the school term—may have amplified these trends, as increased foot traffic and prolonged evening activities create environments conducive to certain types of crime. While property crimes accounted for 38% of the total (2326 incidents), the most striking disparities were in violent crime and anti-social behaviour, which far outpaced national averages. These figures highlight the need for targeted interventions in areas with high concentrations of nightlife and public gatherings, as well as the importance of community engagement in mitigating the risks associated with urban living during peak summer months.

July 2024 saw a 17.4% increase in shoplifting compared to June, with 588 incidents reported. This rise aligns with the city’s seasonal context, as summer months often bring more foot traffic to retail areas, potentially creating opportunities for theft. Bicycle theft also rose by 26.1%, reaching 140 incidents—a 233% increase over the UK average. This spike may be linked to the city’s cycling infrastructure and the influx of tourists during festivals and events. Meanwhile, possession of weapons fell by 26.5%, a decline that could reflect targeted policing efforts or seasonal changes in criminal activity. The drop in drugs-related crimes by 6.3% to 75 incidents suggests a possible shift in illicit activity patterns. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, with a rate 54% above the UK average, highlighting the need for continued focus on addressing violent crime in urban settings.

Bristol's crime rate in July 2024 rose by 3.9% compared to June, reflecting a slight upward trend in reported incidents. With 6146 crimes recorded over the month, this equates to roughly 198 crimes per day, a figure that underscores the persistent presence of criminal activity in the city. When contextualised against the local population of 494,399, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 80 residents, a ratio that, while concerning, does not immediately suggest an overwhelming risk to individuals. This rate is higher than the previous month’s 12.0 per 1,000, yet the city’s crime profile remains shaped by its character as a major urban centre with a dense population and a mix of commercial, residential, and recreational spaces. The daily crime count, while significant, is a snapshot of a city where crime is often concentrated in specific areas or during particular times, rather than being uniformly distributed. This pattern is consistent with Bristol’s geography, where high foot traffic in the city centre and the presence of tourist attractions may contribute to certain types of crime, particularly during peak summer periods.