Bridport Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Bridport's crime profile in September 2024 reveals a notable outlier in the form of violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 34.4% of all recorded crimes—significantly lower than the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000 residents (Bridport: 2.2 per 1,000). This category's 16% deficit compared to the national rate suggests a broader trend of reduced violent crime in the built-up area, potentially influenced by the town's compact nature and community policing efforts. The overall crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents places Bridport 15.6% below the UK average, a position reinforced by lower rates in other categories such as shoplifting (12% below UK average) and criminal damage and arson (11% below). However, the data also highlights areas of concern: anti-social behaviour in Bridport is 28% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect the social dynamics of a small town where community interactions are more frequent. Seasonal factors in September—such as the start of the academic year and the transition into cooler weather—likely played a role in shaping these patterns. The town's proximity to natural landscapes and its role as a commuter hub may also influence crime distribution, with property crimes (22 incidents) and violent crimes (22 incidents) evenly split. This balance between property and violent crime contrasts with larger urban centres where one category often dominates. The lower violent crime rate, combined with the relatively high proportion of anti-social behaviour, illustrates a community where interpersonal disputes and public order issues are more prevalent than serious violence. This profile aligns with Bridport's character as a historic market town with a mix of residential and commercial areas, where localised tensions may manifest differently than in more densely populated regions.

September 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with public order offences surging by 100% (from 2 to 4 incidents) and criminal damage and arson rising by 66.7% (from 3 to 5). These increases contrast sharply with a 44.4% decline in anti-social behaviour, which dropped from 27 to 15 incidents—a reduction that may reflect seasonal changes as the area transitions into a quieter period following university freshers' week. The breakdown of crime types reveals striking contrasts with UK averages: anti-social behaviour in Bridport is 28% above the national rate, while shoplifting is 12% below. This divergence highlights the unique character of Bridport, where its compact built-up area may amplify certain types of incidents while mitigating others. For residents, the 100% increase in public order offences is a specific data point that could inform local awareness campaigns or community engagement initiatives. Meanwhile, the 66.7% rise in criminal damage and arson may warrant closer examination of environmental or economic factors influencing such crimes in the area.

Bridport's crime rate in September 2024 (6.5 per 1,000 residents) marks a 24.6% decrease from August's 8.6 per 1,000, reflecting a sustained trend of lower crime levels compared to the previous month. This decline aligns with a broader pattern observed in the built-up area, where community-focused policing strategies and seasonal factors may have contributed to reduced incidents. Locally, the average daily crime count stands at approximately 2 crimes per day, translating to a monthly exposure rate of 1 reported crime for every 155 residents. While this figure is lower than the UK average, it underscores the importance of contextualising Bridport's data within its unique demographic and geographic profile. The population of 9,913 residents further shapes the interpretation of these statistics, as smaller communities often experience more pronounced fluctuations in crime rates due to fewer incidents overall. This monthly exposure rate provides a tangible measure for residents to assess their personal risk, though crime patterns can vary significantly between urban and rural areas within the same region.