North Somerset Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

North Somerset recorded a crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents in May 2023, 22.5% below the UK average of 8.0. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal dynamics. Violent crimes dominated the landscape, accounting for 38.2% of all reported incidents, with 535 cases of violence and sexual offences alone. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 18.6% of the total, while public order offences contributed 10.9%. These statistics contrast with the UK averages, where North Somerset's violent crime rate was 14% lower than the national average. The seasonal context of May—characterised by bank holidays, longer evenings, and increased outdoor drinking and socialising—likely influences these patterns. The rise in violent crime may be partly explained by the extended hours of daylight and the associated increase in public activity, particularly in areas with high foot traffic. Conversely, property-related crimes, while still significant, were less prevalent, with shoplifting and vehicle crime both showing declines compared to previous months. This shift in the crime balance may indicate a focus on addressing public safety concerns rather than property protection. However, the overall rate remains lower than the UK average, suggesting that local policing strategies, community engagement, or demographic factors may contribute to this trend. The data also highlights the importance of seasonal considerations in crime prevention, with May's extended evenings and social events likely playing a role in the types of incidents recorded.

May 2023 saw a significant surge in 'Other crime', which increased by 233.3% compared to April, rising from 6 to 20 incidents. This category, which includes offences not falling under more specific classifications, highlights a potential shift in the types of incidents being reported. Concurrently, theft from the person more than doubled, with a 100% increase from 3 to 6 cases. This could indicate heightened concerns around personal safety in public spaces, possibly linked to the longer evenings and increased socialising typical of May. In contrast, shoplifting and vehicle crime both declined, with shoplifting dropping 16.8% and vehicle crime falling 22.7%. These decreases may reflect the impact of targeted policing efforts or seasonal changes in retail activity. The dominance of violent crime—accounting for 38.2% of all reported incidents—suggests a continued focus on addressing public safety concerns, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or late-night activity.

North Somerset's crime rate in May 2023 rose 6.1% compared to April, moving from 5.9 to 6.2 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, suggests a slight uptick in reported incidents. On a daily basis, 45 crimes were recorded each day in May, a figure that translates to roughly one crime occurring for every 160 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides context for residents, highlighting the frequency of incidents in a way that daily statistics might obscure. With a population of 224,578, the local crime rate remains 22.5% below the UK average, but the upward trend warrants attention. The balance between property and violent crime also shifts slightly, with violent offences continuing to dominate the landscape. While this rate is lower than the national average, the local context—such as the influence of longer evenings and increased social activity during May—may contribute to the pattern observed.