Bridport Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 saw an unexpected surge in 'other theft' crimes in Bridport, rising 250% from January. This spike overshadowed the area's generally lower crime profile compared to the UK average. Bridport's overall crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 residents placed it 7.8% below the national average of 6.4, a consistent trend for this built-up area within Dorset. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences (37.9% of all reported crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (31.0%). These figures contrast with the UK average for anti-social behaviour, which was 98% lower in Bridport. The seasonal context of February—typically a winter month with reduced outdoor activity—may partly explain the lower burglary and vehicle crime rates compared to busier periods. However, the sharp rise in 'other theft' defies usual patterns, suggesting potential shifts in criminal activity that require closer examination. Bridport's crime profile remains characterised by a balance between violent incidents and community-focused issues, with anti-social behaviour emerging as a significant local concern. The area's relatively low property crime rate (20.7% of total crimes) aligns with its inland location, where retail and tourist attractions are less concentrated than in coastal or urban centres. This data reinforces Bridport's position as a generally safer area compared to the UK, though targeted increases in specific crime types warrant attention.

The most striking month-on-month change was the 250% increase in 'other theft' crimes, jumping from 2 to 7 incidents. This category, which includes unclassified thefts not falling under shoplifting or burglary, saw a dramatic rise that outpaced all other crime types. Concurrently, possession of weapons rose 100% from zero to two incidents, marking a first for this category in Bridport's recorded crime data. These increases contrast with the 38% rise in the overall crime rate compared to January, which was driven by a combination of violent and anti-social offences. Anti-social behaviour remained significantly higher than the UK average (98% above), with 18 incidents reported in February. This category's prevalence may be linked to Bridport's built-up area dynamics, where community spaces and local amenities could contribute to such incidents. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson were 57% below the UK average, a trend consistent with the area's lower industrial activity. Residents might find the 1-in-171 resident monthly exposure rate (based on 58 crimes over 9,913 residents) a useful benchmark for understanding local crime frequency in relation to population size.

Bridport's February 2026 crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 residents marked a 38% increase from the previous month's rate of 4.2. This rise, while notable, still kept Bridport 7.8% below the UK average. Locally, the daily crime count averaged 2 incidents per day over the 28-day period, a figure that translates to a monthly exposure rate of 1 crime for every 171 residents. This exposure rate, while low by UK standards, reflects Bridport's smaller population and lower overall crime density compared to larger urban centres. The previous month's rate (4.2) was lower, suggesting February's increase may be linked to seasonal factors such as the end of winter holidays or changes in community activity patterns. When compared to the UK's broader context, Bridport's crime profile shows distinct characteristics: while violent crime rates are in line with national trends, anti-social behaviour and other theft categories diverge significantly. The area's lower property crime rates (20.7% of total crimes) align with its inland geography, which differs from coastal or urban areas where retail and tourist activity might drive higher theft rates. These comparisons highlight Bridport's unique position within the UK's crime profile, where local factors such as population density and economic activity shape distinct patterns.