Bridport Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Bridport's built-up area in Dorset recorded 42 crimes in January 2026, translating to a crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents—38.2% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure places the area among the safer regions in England, particularly when compared to larger urban centres where property crimes often dominate. The breakdown of crimes reveals a stark contrast in crime types, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 54.8% of all incidents (23 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (10 cases, 23.8%) and criminal damage and arson (2 cases, 4.8%). This violent crime dominance is consistent with the area's character as a small, community-focused town where interpersonal conflicts may be more visible. However, the overall low crime rate is notable, with property crimes comprising just 16.7% of the total (7 cases), significantly below the UK average for property crimes. Seasonal factors likely played a role, as January's reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours may have suppressed shoplifting and burglary rates, while the post-holiday period may have contributed to increased anti-social behaviour. The data also shows that Bridport's rates for drug-related crimes, public order offences, and vehicle crime are all below UK averages, suggesting a lower prevalence of these issues in the area. This combination of factors—low property crime, stable violent crime trends, and seasonal influences—illustrates a community with relatively strong social cohesion and effective local policing, though the increase in violence and sexual offences warrants further analysis.

January 2026 saw a 9.5% rise in violence and sexual offences, climbing from 21 to 23 cases—a shift that may reflect seasonal factors such as shorter daylight hours and post-holiday social dynamics. Conversely, shoplifting and burglary both fell by 75% compared to December, with only one incident each, likely due to reduced retail footfall during the post-Christmas period. Vehicle crime surged by 100%, jumping from zero to one reported incident, a spike that could be linked to increased car usage during colder weather or targeted thefts in residential areas. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 11.1%, though it remains below the UK average. These fluctuations highlight the combination of seasonal trends and local demographics, with violent crime trends warranting closer attention given their significant share of the overall crime rate.

Bridport's crime rate in January 2026 fell to 4.2 per 1,000 residents, marking a 19.2% decline from the previous month's 5.3 per 1,000. This drop aligns with typical January patterns in built-up areas of Dorset, where post-holiday periods and reduced retail activity often correlate with lower crime volumes. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one reported crime per day over the month—a figure that, while low, underscores the importance of consistent local policing. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure translates to one crime occurring for every 236 residents. This rate is lower than the UK average, reflecting Bridport's relatively stable environment compared to larger urban centres. The population context also highlights that, despite the 42 total crimes recorded, the area's compact size and community-focused infrastructure may contribute to more efficient crime resolution and prevention strategies.