Bridport Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Bridport’s overall crime rate in April 2025 stood at 6.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 22.1% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This performance contrasts with the national trend, reflecting the area’s unique character as a coastal town with a mix of historic residential areas and a bustling high street. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime picture, contributing 45.8% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.0% and other theft at 10.2%. The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter and spring weather—likely contributed to increased outdoor activity, which may have influenced patterns in violent and public order offences. Violent crime rates in Bridport were 3% above the UK average (2.7 per 1,000), while anti-social behaviour rates were 25% below the national figure (1.0 per 1,000). This divergence suggests that local factors, such as community engagement initiatives or the town’s compact layout, may play a role in moderating certain crime types. The relatively low rates of burglary (0.1 per 1,000) and shoplifting (0.1 per 1,000)—85% and 63% below UK averages respectively—align with Bridport’s profile as a town with fewer commercial premises and a strong sense of local identity. These figures underscore the importance of understanding how geographic and demographic characteristics interact with crime trends, even within a relatively safe area.

April 2025 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with other theft, drugs, and vehicle crime each increasing by 100% compared to March. This jump in other theft—from 0 to 6 incidents—suggests a potential shift in criminal activity, possibly linked to seasonal changes or new patterns in unreported property crimes. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 80% (from 5 to 1), indicating a possible impact of Easter-related retail strategies or increased police visibility during the month. Anti-social behaviour also decreased by 41.2% (from 17 to 10), which may reflect the effects of community-focused initiatives or the quieter pace of life outside peak tourist seasons. While violent crime remained elevated at 3% above the UK average, the town’s rates for criminal damage and arson (47% below the UK average) and burglary (63% below) highlight a stark contrast to national trends. These discrepancies suggest that local policing efforts, community cohesion, or the town’s physical layout may be effective in deterring certain types of crime. For residents, the 100% increase in vehicle crime—a category often linked to commuter parking or high-traffic areas—might warrant closer attention to personal vehicle security during the Easter period.

Bridport’s crime rate in April 2025 (6.0 per 1,000) marked an 11.2% increase from March’s 5.4 per 1,000, though it still remains well below the UK average. Translating this into daily terms, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day in April, a figure that may feel more tangible to residents than abstract statistics. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 168 residents, a ratio that, while not negligible, underscores the town’s relative safety compared to larger urban centres. With a population of 9,913, Bridport’s crime statistics must be interpreted through the lens of its compact size and community-oriented infrastructure. The 1-in-168 monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average, which typically sees higher frequencies in densely populated areas. This comparison is particularly meaningful for local residents, who may perceive crime as a distant concern despite the 11.2% month-on-month rise. The town’s demographic profile—as a coastal town with a strong sense of local identity—likely contributes to lower rates of property crime and burglary, which are often more prevalent in areas with higher transient populations. These factors collectively illustrate Bridport as a place where crime, while not absent, is managed through a combination of geographical characteristics and community-focused approaches.