Glastonbury Crime Rate

Glastonbury, situated in the Mendip local authority, presents a challenging crime environment with an overall crime rate of 155.8 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly higher than the UK average of 93.1, contributing to a safety score of 66/100. Most concerning is the recent trend, which shows a 14.6% increase in crime year-over-year. With a population of 8,916, the town experiences high volumes of violence and anti-social behaviour, alongside a property crime rate of 45.5 per 1,000. While Glastonbury is a vibrant cultural hub, these statistics indicate a heightened risk level that residents and visitors should be aware of. The following analysis explores the specific types of crime prevalent in the area and provides actionable advice for staying safe.

Crime in Glastonbury

Glastonbury faces a complex crime landscape, with a total crime rate of 155.8 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the UK average. The top three crime types are violence and sexual offences (35.1%), anti-social behaviour (18.7%), and shoplifting (13.6%). Violence and sexual offences occur at a rate of 54.7 per 1,000 residents, reflecting a high volume of reported incidents compared to regional norms. Public order offences also contribute significantly, making up 12.9% of the total.

Property crime is a major concern for residents and business owners, with a rate of 45.5 per 1,000 people. This includes shoplifting (189 incidents), criminal damage and arson (76 incidents), and burglary (29 incidents). The high rate of shoplifting and 'other theft' suggests that commercial areas are frequent targets. For homeowners, the burglary rate of 3.2 per 1,000 and vehicle crime rate of 2.6 per 1,000 indicate a persistent risk. Most theft-related crimes occur during the morning and afternoon, while burglary and vehicle crime see a notable increase during the night, accounting for 20% and 25% of their respective categories during those hours. This necessitates a robust approach to both commercial and residential security.

Glastonbury's crime trend is currently on an upward trajectory, with a significant 14.6% increase in total crimes year-over-year. This rising trend is reflected in the monthly data, which shows a climb from 11.4 crimes per 1,000 in November 2024 to sustained peaks of 16.4 in June and September 2025. While there was a brief dip to 9.2 in February 2025, the overall pattern suggests that criminal activity is becoming more frequent.

This increase is particularly evident in the summer and autumn months, which may be linked to the town's high seasonal visitor numbers. However, the sustained high rates into the latter half of 2025 indicate a broader systemic rise in crime. For residents, this means that historical safety levels may no longer be a reliable guide, and adopting more modern, proactive security measures is becoming increasingly necessary to protect property and personal safety in a changing local environment.

How To Keep Safe in Glastonbury

The most prevalent crime in Glastonbury is violence and sexual offences, making up 35.1% of all reports. Personal safety and awareness are paramount in managing this risk.

1. Stay Alert in Crowded Areas: High-footfall areas can attract various types of crime. Keep your belongings secure and stay aware of your surroundings, especially during festivals or busy market days.
2. Stick to Well-Lit Paths: When moving around the town at night, use main roads and well-lit pedestrian routes. Avoid shortcuts through isolated areas where visibility is poor.
3. Secure Your Commercial Property: With shoplifting being a top 3 crime, business owners should invest in proactive AI monitoring that can alert staff to suspicious behaviour before a theft occurs.
4. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: Glastonbury has high rates of ASB. Reporting these incidents helps the police map hotspots and increase patrols in the most affected neighbourhoods.
5. Use a Proactive Home Security System: Given the 14.6% rise in crime, traditional recording is no longer enough. Use a system that detects and deters intruders at the perimeter.

Crime in Glastonbury follows a clear cycle linked to commercial and social activity. Theft and shoplifting are heavily concentrated in the morning (51%) and afternoon (53%), aligning with retail opening hours. This makes the daytime the highest risk period for business owners. Conversely, violence and anti-social behaviour see a significant shift towards the evening, where 'other' crimes (often including ASB) account for 57% of incidents.

For residents, the night-time hours (12 am - 6 am) present the greatest risk for property-related offences. Vehicle crime peaks during this period, accounting for 25% of all such incidents, while burglary also rises to 20%. This suggests that while the town centre is busy with theft during the day, residential neighbourhoods become more vulnerable under the cover of darkness. Effective security must therefore be multi-faceted: high-alert monitoring for businesses during the day and robust perimeter protection for homes during the night.

In a regional context, Glastonbury has a significantly higher crime rate than its immediate neighbours. Its rate of 155.8 per 1,000 people is more than double that of Street (62.1) and nearly four times that of Coxley (38.2). Nearby rural areas like Edgarley and West Pennard maintain exceptionally low crime levels, often recording zero incidents. This disparity highlights Glastonbury's position as a focal point for criminal activity in the Mendip area, likely influenced by its high footfall and commercial centre. For those living in the region, Glastonbury represents the highest-risk urban settlement, making property and personal security a high priority for its residents.

Glastonbury's property crime rate of 45.5 per 1,000 people is well above the national average, making home security a critical concern. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, providing evidence only after a burglary or act of vandalism has occurred. In an area with an increasing crime trend, proactive protection is essential.

scOS provides an AI-powered security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. By watching all your cameras simultaneously with multi-camera intelligence, scOS identifies suspicious patterns at your property boundary. If a threat is detected, the system can autonomously engage deterrents like lights and speakers, destroying the element of surprise. This is particularly effective against the 20% of burglaries and 25% of vehicle crimes that happen at night in Glastonbury. Unlike DIY systems that merely notify you of a completed break-in, scOS intervenes in real-time, making your home a difficult target for opportunists and professional criminals alike.