Wells Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Wells

Wells, a historic built-up area within Mendip with a population of 11,147, records an overall crime rate of 87.7 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure places Wells slightly below the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a generally safer environment. The area has a commendable safety score of 80 out of 100, which is above the national average of 78. Over the past year, Wells has experienced a stable crime trend, showing a slight decrease of 2.1% year-over-year. These statistics provide a clear overview of the current crime landscape in Wells, setting the stage for a more detailed examination of specific crime types and temporal patterns.

Crime Type Breakdown in Wells

In Wells, Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 379 crimes or 38.8% of the total, at a rate of 34.0 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by Shoplifting, with 160 reported incidents (16.4% of total, 14.3 per 1,000), and Anti-social behaviour, totalling 120 crimes (12.3% of total, 10.8 per 1,000). These three categories represent the most prevalent issues in the area.

Property-related crime in Wells, encompassing burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 30.7 per 1,000 residents. This is slightly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specific figures include burglary at 3.3 per 1,000 (37 crimes), vehicle crime at 1.4 per 1,000 (15 crimes), and other theft at 3.9 per 1,000 (43 crimes). Shoplifting is particularly high at 14.3 per 1,000 (160 crimes), and criminal damage and arson contributes 6.2 per 1,000 (69 crimes). For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest that while property crime is present, it is slightly below the national average, with particular vigilance advised for retail theft. Proactive security measures can help mitigate these risks.

Crime Trends in Wells

Wells has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with a minor decrease of 2.1% year-over-year. This indicates that the overall crime situation has remained largely consistent, with a slight improvement. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals some fluctuations. The rate was 8.2 in October 2024, peaked at 9.1 in November 2024, and then saw a dip to 5.7 in February 2025. There was a noticeable increase to 10.6 in August 2025 before a significant drop to 4.9 in September 2025. These monthly variations could be influenced by seasonal factors or specific local events. For residents, this stable yet slightly decreasing trend is generally reassuring, but the significant monthly fluctuations suggest the importance of staying informed about local developments.

Crime Time Patterns in Wells

An examination of crime patterns throughout the day in Wells reveals distinct concentrations. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are most prominent, accounting for 41% of crimes, alongside 15% for burglary. The afternoon period (12pm-6pm) sees theft peak at 41% and burglary at 24%, likely coinciding with increased commercial activity and unattended properties. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm-12am), other crime categories become more dominant at 61%, while theft reduces to 15% and burglary to 20%. Night-time (12am-6am) shows a shift, with "other" crimes remaining high at 47%, vehicle crime at 13%, and burglary peaking at 31%, reflecting vulnerability during overnight hours. This temporal distribution highlights the importance of adapting security measures to specific times of day.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When comparing Wells to its neighbouring areas, a clearer regional safety context emerges. Wells' overall crime rate of 87.7 per 1,000 and safety score of 80 are generally consistent with similar communities. For instance, Wookey Hole, a nearby village, would likely exhibit a lower crime rate due to its smaller population and rural setting. Upper Coxley and Coxley Wick, and Wookey, are also smaller communities that would typically report lower crime figures, reinforcing the pattern of reduced crime in less populated areas. South Horrington, another close community, would likely share similar characteristics to its direct neighbours. These comparisons illustrate that while Wells maintains a relatively good safety profile, some surrounding areas offer even lower crime rates, providing valuable context for residents and those considering moving to the region.

Protecting Your Property in Wells

Wells' property crime rate of 30.7 per 1,000 residents, while slightly below the UK average, highlights the ongoing importance of robust home security. It is vital for residents to consider how effectively their current security measures truly deter crime. Many traditional home security cameras simply record an incident after a break-in, providing footage for investigation rather than preventing the crime itself. For those seeking a more effective defence, a proactive approach to security is paramount.

Modern AI-powered home security operating systems, such as scOS, are engineered to prevent crime before it happens. By detecting potential threats at the property boundary, these systems intervene in real-time, disrupting a burglar's intent before they gain entry. This differs significantly from reactive systems that only alert you once an intrusion is underway. Professional-grade security acts as a strong deterrent; most burglars assess a property within 60 seconds, and a visibly advanced system can make them decide to move on.

Consider the benefits of multi-camera intelligence that monitors all angles simultaneously, or DVLA vehicle verification that can instantly flag suspicious vehicles with fake plates. Features like pattern learning ensure that the system intelligently distinguishes between routine activities and genuine threats, minimising false alarms. When a real threat is identified, an autonomous response, such as activating lights or engaging speakers, can effectively destroy the element of surprise for an intruder. By focusing on prevention and real-time intervention, you can significantly enhance the safety and security of your Wells home.