Bridport Crime Rate

Bridport's crime profile reveals a striking paradox: while its overall rate is 16% below the UK average, robbery has surged by 100% YoY. This sharp increase in a relatively safe area highlights the unpredictable nature of crime trends. Bridport's crime rate of 76.4 per 1,000 residents stands in stark contrast to its neighbours, with a 167% higher rate than Loders, the safest nearby town. Despite this, the area's safety score of 82/100 reflects effective local policing and community engagement.

Bridport is a historic market town in Dorset, known for its coastal location and mix of residential and commercial areas. Its proximity to the coast and rural surroundings may contribute to a blend of urban and rural crime patterns. The town's relatively high population density and retail activity could explain elevated anti-social behaviour and property crime rates, while its small-town character may foster community vigilance.

The most surprising finding is the 100% year-on-year increase in robbery, despite Bridport's robbery rate remaining 83% below the UK average. This sharp rise may reflect isolated incidents or temporary factors such as seasonal tourism. Anti-social behaviour, though 27% above the UK average, has declined by 6% YoY, likely due to community policing efforts or increased reporting. Vehicle crime, at 64% below the UK average, may be suppressed by the town's compact layout and limited commuter parking. Notably, shoplifting is 39% below the UK average, potentially due to effective retail security measures.

Bridport's overall crime rate decreased by 10.1% year-on-year, but robbery saw an alarming 100% increase, with 2 incidents (0.2 per 1,000) reported in 2025-2026. This spike, despite remaining below the UK average, suggests isolated incidents or temporary factors. Most other crime types declined, including vehicle crime (-50.0% YoY) and anti-social behaviour (-6.0% YoY). The monthly trend showed a peak in May 2025 (9.9 per 1,000/month), likely linked to increased tourism, followed by a sharp drop in January 2026 (4.2 per 1,000/month), possibly due to holiday-related reduced activity.

How To Keep Safe in Bridport

Avoid isolated areas after dark, as 37% of other crimes occur between midnight and 6am. For anti-social behaviour, which is 27% above the UK average, report incidents promptly to Dorset Police. During the afternoon (12pm-6pm), when 53% of thefts occur, secure valuables in public spaces. Use scOS's vehicle verification feature for parked cars, as vehicle crime peaks at night (26% of night-time incidents). Stay vigilant in the evening (6pm-12am), when 24% of burglaries occur.

Crime in Bridport shows distinct time-of-day patterns. Theft peaks in the afternoon (53% of theft cases between 12pm-6pm), aligning with retail activity. Vehicle crime spikes at night (26% of night-time incidents), possibly linked to isolated parking areas. Burglary is most common in the evening (18% of evening cases) and night (24% of night-time cases), reflecting opportunistic timing. Other crimes, such as public order issues, are most prevalent in the night (37% of night-time cases), potentially tied to late-night social activity.

Bridport's crime rate (76.4 per 1,000) is 118% higher than Bradpole (35.1 per 1,000) and 167% higher than Loders (28.6 per 1,000). This disparity may reflect differences in population density and economic activity. While Loders' low crime rate likely benefits from its rural character, Bridport's urban layout and market town status may contribute to higher crime levels despite its overall safety score being 3 points above the UK average.

For Bridport residents, scOS's proactive boundary detection and DVLA vehicle verification can help prevent burglaries and vehicle crime. With vehicle crime at 64% below the UK average, scOS's real-time monitoring of parked vehicles could be particularly valuable. Its behavioural pattern learning feature can reduce false alarms for anti-social behaviour, which is 27% above the UK average but falling. The system's autonomous deterrence capabilities, such as automated lighting, may help deter opportunistic crimes during the night when 37% of other crimes occur.