Wells Crime Rate

Wells, an urban settlement in Mendip, maintains a respectable safety profile with an overall crime rate of 86.8 per 1,000 residents. This figure sits below the UK average of 93.1, contributing to a high safety score of 80/100, which exceeds the national average of 78. Recent data indicates a stable trend, with a modest year-over-year decrease in reported incidents of 3.4%. While Wells serves as a commercial and tourism hub for the surrounding Somerset countryside, its crime statistics reflect a community that is generally safer than many comparable UK towns. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of local crime types, temporal patterns, and practical safety advice for those living in or visiting the city.

In Wells, the most prevalent offences are violence and sexual offences, which account for 39.0% of all reported incidents. This is followed by shoplifting at 16.0% and anti-social behaviour at 12.6%. Property crime, which encompasses burglary, various thefts, and vehicle offences, maintains a rate of 29.5 per 1,000 residents, sitting comfortably below the UK average of 32.9. For local homeowners, this suggests that while the area is generally secure, there is a consistent requirement for vigilance regarding retail-related theft and opportunistic property crimes. Burglary specifically accounts for 3.5% of total crime, reflecting a relatively low but persistent risk that necessitates standard domestic security measures.

The crime trend in Wells is currently described as stable, with a year-over-year decrease of 3.4%. Analysis of the monthly trendData reveals significant fluctuations throughout the year. Crime rates peaked in August 2025 at 10.6 per 1,000, possibly coinciding with increased summer tourism and local events. Conversely, the lowest activity was recorded in September 2025 (4.9) and February 2025 (5.7). The most recent data for October 2025 shows a rate of 7.2 per 1,000, which is consistent with the annual average. These patterns suggest that while certain months see spikes in activity, the long-term outlook for Wells remains consistent and manageable for local law enforcement and residents alike.

How To Keep Safe in Wells

The most common crime in Wells is violence and sexual offences, often linked to the evening economy and public spaces. To stay safe, always plan your route home in advance and stick to well-lit, busy streets. If you are out in the city centre during the evening, remain aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in isolated areas like the cathedral precincts or local parks after dark.

For those concerned about property safety, ensure that all windows and doors are securely locked, even when you are at home. Given the prevalence of shoplifting and theft in the commercial centre, keep personal belongings secure and out of sight when in crowded areas. Using a personal safety app or carrying a personal alarm can provide an extra layer of security when moving through the city at night.

Crime in Wells follows distinct temporal patterns. The morning and afternoon periods are heavily influenced by the town's retail activity, with theft-related offences accounting for 44% of all crimes during these hours. As the day progresses into the evening, 'other' crimes, which often include anti-social behaviour and public order issues, rise to 63% of the total. Night-time (12am - 6am) sees a significant shift in risk profile; while overall crime volume may be lower, the likelihood of burglary (25%) and vehicle crime (15%) peaks during these hours. This suggests that while daytime risks are primarily commercial, night-time risks are more residential and vehicle-focused.

When compared to its immediate rural neighbours, Wells naturally reports higher crime figures due to its status as an urban centre. Nearby villages such as Wookey Hole, Wookey, South Horrington, and Upper Coxley all report a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people, reflecting their small, quiet residential nature. While the contrast with Wells' rate of 86.8 is sharp, it is important to contextualise this: Wells hosts the majority of the region's retail, nightlife, and public services, which inevitably attracts a higher volume of reported incidents. For those seeking a regional perspective, Wells remains a very safe urban option compared to larger Somerset towns.

With a property crime rate of 29.5 per 1,000, residents of Wells should consider the limitations of traditional security. Standard CCTV and doorbell cameras are reactive; they provide evidence of a crime only after it has occurred. In an area where shoplifting and 'other theft' are prominent, professional-grade protection is essential. The scOS operating system transforms security from reactive recording to proactive prevention. Using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS identifies potential threats at the boundary of your property, not just at the door. By recognising familiar faces and routines, it eliminates false alarms while providing autonomous responses—such as activating lights or speakers—to deter intruders before they can act. For Wells homeowners, this level of proactive deterrence is the most effective way to ensure that local property crime statistics do not include their own homes.