Bradford Abbas Crime Rate

Bradford Abbas presents a unique statistical profile, with an overall crime rate of 95.6 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly above the UK average of 91.7. Despite this, the area maintains a robust safety score of 84/100, significantly higher than the national average of 79. This discrepancy is largely explained by the high concentration of shoplifting, which accounts for over half of all recorded incidents. While the area has seen a substantial 50.8% increase in crime year-over-year, residential crimes like burglary and vehicle crime remain remarkably low. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of these statistics, temporal patterns, and advice on how to stay safe in Bradford Abbas.

In Bradford Abbas, shoplifting is the most significant crime by a wide margin, accounting for 55.6% of all recorded offences (53.2 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by violence and sexual offences at 12.9% and anti-social behaviour at 12.4%. The overall property crime rate—which includes shoplifting, burglary, theft, and vehicle crime—is high at 67.7 per 1,000 people. This is more than double the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. The concentration of shoplifting suggests that local businesses are the primary targets for criminal activity in the area. For residents, while burglary and vehicle crime are relatively low (each representing just 1.7% of total crime), the high volume of theft-related activity in the settlement indicates a need for robust security measures, particularly for those operating commercial premises or living near retail hubs.

Bradford Abbas has seen a significant 50.8% increase in crime over the last year, a trend largely driven by a rise in shoplifting. Monthly data shows a steady climb in crime rates from December 2024 (6.5 per 1,000) through the spring, peaking in April 2025 at 14.0 per 1,000. While the rates fluctuated through the summer and autumn, they remained relatively high before dropping to a low of 2.2 in November 2025. This volatility suggests that the area may be experiencing specific waves of retail-related crime. For residents and business owners, this upward trend highlights the importance of staying vigilant and investing in robust security measures to counter the increased criminal activity in the area.

How To Keep Safe in Bradford Abbas

The primary crime concern in Bradford Abbas is shoplifting, which accounts for a staggering 55.6% of all recorded offences. For local business owners, it is vital to implement strong loss prevention strategies. This includes ensuring staff are trained in surveillance, using clear signage about security measures, and arranging store layouts to minimise blind spots. High-value items should be kept in secure displays or near the checkout area.

For residents, although burglary and vehicle crime are low (each at 1.7%), the high volume of general theft in the area suggests that opportunistic criminals are present. Always ensure that your home and car are locked, and do not leave any items of value visible in your vehicle or garden. During the night, when burglary and vehicle crime percentages rise, ensure that your external security lighting is functional and that your alarm system is set. Engaging with a local business or neighbourhood watch group can also help you stay informed about recent trends and suspicious activity in the Bradford Abbas area.

The temporal patterns of crime in Bradford Abbas are heavily influenced by the high volume of shoplifting. During the morning and afternoon, theft accounts for a consistent 63% of all crimes, coinciding with retail opening hours. This makes the daytime the most active period for criminal activity in the settlement. However, as the shops close and evening sets in, the nature of crime shifts. Evening 'other' crimes (including public order and ASB) rise to 47%. The night-time period (12am - 6am) sees a significant change, with burglary (21%) and vehicle crime (22%) reaching their peak levels. This indicates that while the daytime is high-risk for commercial theft, the night-time presents a more specific threat to residential property and vehicles, requiring different security focuses depending on the time of day.

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Bradford Abbas is the most active area for recorded crime. Its rate of 95.6 per 1,000 is higher than Barwick and Stoford (84.0), while other nearby settlements like Thornford, Nether Compton, and Yetminster all recorded no crimes (0.0) during the same period. This suggests that Bradford Abbas serves as a local hub for commercial activity, which in turn attracts higher levels of retail-related crime. For those looking for a residential area with more amenities, Bradford Abbas offers a higher activity level, whereas the surrounding villages provide a more tranquil, virtually crime-free environment.

Bradford Abbas has an exceptionally high property crime rate of 67.7 per 1,000 residents, driven primarily by shoplifting. For both homeowners and business owners, this high level of theft-related activity necessitates a move beyond traditional, reactive security. Standard CCTV or DIY doorbell cameras are often 'too little, too late,' providing only footage of a theft after the perpetrator has left. A proactive system like scOS is designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using AI to monitor multiple cameras simultaneously, scOS can detect suspicious behaviour at your property or business boundary. It can autonomously trigger deterrents like high-intensity lights or audible warnings, stopping a criminal in their tracks. In an area like Bradford Abbas, where opportunistic theft is so prevalent, the ability of scOS to intervene in real-time offers a level of protection that simple recording devices cannot match.