Mendip Crime Rate

The Mendip local authority area in Somerset maintains a strong safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 87.6 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average of 93.1. This is reflected in a high safety score of 79/100, slightly surpassing the national average of 78/100. The crime trend in the district is currently stable, showing a marginal 1.4% decrease year-over-year, indicating a consistent security environment. While violence and sexual offences make up the largest portion of reported incidents, property crime remains a notable factor for local homeowners. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of the crime breakdown, monthly trends, and practical security recommendations to help residents and businesses stay safe in this largely rural and historic district.

Mendip is a largely rural and picturesque local authority district in Somerset, characterised by the rolling Mendip Hills, historic market towns, and significant tourist attractions. The area includes major settlements like Frome, Wells, Glastonbury, and Shepton Mallet. Its crime statistics are influenced by a mix of factors, including its popularity as a tourism destination—particularly during the world-famous Glastonbury Festival—and its role as a regional hub for agriculture and light industry. The population is a blend of long-term residents and a transient population attracted by seasonal tourism and events. Economic factors remain relatively stable, though the rural nature of much of the district can lead to specific challenges regarding rural crime and the policing of isolated properties. The district's transport links to Bristol and Bath also contribute to its demographic and economic profile, influencing the types of incidents reported to local police.

In Mendip, the most frequently reported crimes are violence and sexual offences, which account for 41.8% of the total (36.4 per 1,000 people). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 13.5%, followed by public order offences at 10.4%. Property-related crime is also a significant factor, with a combined rate of 26.1 per 1,000 people. Within this category, shoplifting (8.9%), criminal damage and arson (6.9%), and burglary (3.7%) are the most prominent. For residents, this means that while personal safety and public order are the primary focus of local policing, property security remains a vital concern. The burglary rate of 3.2 per 1,000 and vehicle crime rate of 2.1 per 1,000 suggest that homeowners and car owners should maintain consistent security standards to protect their assets from opportunistic theft.

The crime trend in Mendip is currently stable, with a slight 1.4% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. Monthly data shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout the year, with a low point in January and February 2025 at 6.2 per 1,000. There was a notable increase during the summer months, with June 2025 recording the highest rate of 8.4 per 1,000, followed by August at 8.2. This seasonal peak likely correlates with increased tourism and major events in the district, such as the Glastonbury Festival. The rates settled back to 7.4 per 1,000 in the autumn months of September and October. For residents, this indicates a generally consistent safety environment with a predictable increase in activity during the peak summer season.

Mendip's crime statistics place it as a relatively safe district within Somerset. While its overall rate of 87.6 per 1,000 is lower than the national average, it serves as a regional context for its constituent towns like Frome, Wells, and Glastonbury. The district's stable trend (-1.4%) suggests a consistent policing approach across the Mendip Hills and market towns. Compared to more urbanised neighbouring authorities, Mendip offers a more secure statistical profile, making it an attractive area for those seeking a balance between rural tranquility and the safety of established communities. Its high safety score of 79/100 further reinforces its reputation as one of the more secure administrative areas in the South West.

In Mendip, where property crime sits at 26.1 per 1,000 people, traditional security often fails to provide true peace of mind. Most CCTV systems are reactive, providing footage only after a burglary or act of criminal damage has occurred. For residents in the district's market towns and rural villages, proactive protection is a more effective solution. scOS uses AI-powered intelligence to monitor property boundaries in real-time, detecting potential threats before they reach your home. This is particularly important for the 3.7% of crimes that are burglaries. By identifying intruders at the perimeter, scOS can trigger autonomous responses—such as floodlights or audible warnings—to deter criminals before they can cause damage. For Mendip homeowners, moving from reactive recording to proactive AI detection means stopping crime before it starts, ensuring your property is actively defended rather than just monitored.

How To Keep Safe in Mendip

With violence and sexual offences being the most common crime type in Mendip (41.8%), personal safety should be a primary concern. When walking in urban centres like Frome or Wells at night, stick to well-lit paths and avoid isolated areas. Anti-social behaviour is also significant at 13.5%, so it is wise to report persistent issues to the local council or police to help them target resources. For property owners, the 26.1 per 1,000 property crime rate highlights the need for basic home security. Ensure all doors and windows are locked when you are out, and consider using timer switches for lights to give the impression that someone is home. In rural parts of the district, joining a Farm Watch or Neighbourhood Watch scheme can provide an extra layer of community-led protection and help deter opportunistic thieves targeting outbuildings or vehicles.