Bridport Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bridport’s crime rate in April 2023 was 5.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 21.3% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This figure highlights the area’s position as a relatively low-crime built-up area within Dorset, where the combination of rural surroundings and small-town infrastructure may contribute to a more stable environment. The top three crime types—anti-social behaviour (32.8% of total), violence and sexual offences (31.0%), and criminal damage and arson (10.3%)—reflect a mix of community-level tensions and property-related incidents. Anti-social behaviour, in particular, dominated the crime picture, with its rate of 1.9 per 1,000 significantly exceeding the UK average of 1.2 per 1,000 by 61%. This disparity may be linked to Bridport’s role as a tourist destination, where seasonal influxes of visitors during Easter and spring weather could amplify social friction in public spaces. Meanwhile, violent crimes were 31% below the UK average, a trend consistent with lower population density and stronger local social cohesion. The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter, warmer weather, and increased outdoor activity—likely influenced the distribution of crimes, with anti-social behaviour and public order offences rising as foot traffic in town centres and recreational areas grew. However, property crimes such as burglary and vehicle crime remained well below national averages, suggesting that environmental factors like limited commercial zones or community engagement initiatives may help mitigate these risks. Overall, the data illustrates a town where crime is largely contained to specific categories, with local conditions playing a key role in shaping the profile of incidents reported.

April 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with anti-social behaviour increasing by 18.8% compared to March, driven by a rise in reported incidents from 16 to 19. This category alone contributed 32.8% of all crimes, significantly higher than the UK average of 1.2 per 1,000 (61% above). Conversely, shoplifting fell sharply by 66.7%, from three to one incident, possibly linked to Easter-related changes in retail activity or visitor patterns. Theft from the person saw a 100% increase, with one reported case, highlighting a vulnerability in personal safety that residents may wish to monitor. Meanwhile, vehicle crime and burglary remained well below UK averages, at 78% and 67% lower respectively, reflecting the area’s lower density and stronger community vigilance. These fluctuations illustrate how local dynamics—such as seasonal tourism or event-driven foot traffic—can influence crime trends in ways that diverge from national statistics.

Bridport's crime rate in April 2023 stood at 5.9 per 1,000 residents, a 15.9% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.0 per 1,000. This downward trend aligns with broader patterns seen in similar rural and semi-urban areas during spring, where seasonal transitions may reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. Locally, the daily crime count averaged two incidents per day over the month, a figure that reflects the area’s relatively low overall crime profile. When scaled to the population of 9,913, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 171 residents, a ratio that underscores the area’s comparative safety compared to national averages. This statistic is particularly meaningful for residents, as it provides a tangible sense of risk without overstating the likelihood of encountering crime in everyday life. The consistency of this low exposure rate, even amid fluctuations in specific crime types, suggests a stable local environment with established community policing or environmental factors that deter criminal activity.