Bridport Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Bridport during May 2023 reveals a combination of violent and property crimes, shaped by both local dynamics and seasonal factors. With a total crime rate of 6.8 per 1,000 residents—15% below the UK average—the area’s profile is characterised by a strong presence of violence and sexual offences, which accounted for nearly 30% of all reported crimes. This was followed closely by anti-social behaviour, making up 26.9% of the total, and criminal damage and arson at 11.9%. The dominance of violent crime in Bridport’s mix may reflect the town’s role as a market town with a mix of commercial and residential areas, where public spaces and social interactions could contribute to higher rates of violence. However, the UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.8 per 1,000, meaning Bridport’s rate is 28% lower than the national figure. This discrepancy could be attributed to the town’s relatively smaller population and the presence of community initiatives that may mitigate some forms of violence. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour in Bridport is 35% above the UK average, a figure that may be influenced by the town’s proximity to natural landscapes and the potential for outdoor socialising during May’s longer evenings. The seasonal context of May—marked by bank holidays and extended daylight—likely played a role in shaping these patterns, as increased social activity can both drive anti-social behaviour and create opportunities for property crimes. Overall, Bridport’s crime profile in May 2023 illustrates a balance between localised factors and broader national trends, with the town’s unique character as a market town within a rural county influencing the types and rates of crime reported.

May 2023 saw a dramatic increase in burglary, which rose by 300% from 1 to 4 incidents, a jump that outpaced all other crime types. Shoplifting also surged by 200%, moving from 1 to 3 reported cases, while drug-related offences doubled from 0 to 1. These sharp increases in property crimes contrast with a slight 5.3% decrease in anti-social behaviour, which fell from 19 to 18 incidents. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, contributing 29.9% of all crimes, but their rate of 2.0 per 1,000 was 28% below the UK average. Conversely, anti-social behaviour was 35% above the UK average, with 1.8 per 1,000 incidents, suggesting localised factors such as social gatherings or public spaces may be influencing this trend. For residents, the surge in burglary highlights the need for heightened awareness in securing homes, particularly as the month’s bank holidays and extended evenings may have created opportunities for opportunistic crimes.

Bridport’s crime rate in May 2023 rose by 15.6% from the previous month’s 5.9 per 1,000 to 6.8 per 1,000, marking a notable shift in the local crime profile. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while modest, reflects the concentrated nature of incidents in specific areas. When scaled to the population of 9,913 residents, this translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 148 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure metric provides a clear snapshot of how frequently residents may encounter crime, though it does not account for variations in reporting or localised hotspots. The increase in the overall rate aligns with broader seasonal patterns, as May’s longer evenings and bank holidays may have influenced outdoor activity and socialising, contributing to the rise in certain crime categories. This context helps residents contextualise the numbers, offering a more nuanced understanding of how broader societal rhythms intersect with local crime trends.