North Somerset Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2024, North Somerset recorded a crime rate of 7.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 11.9% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This overall figure masks a distinct imbalance between crime types: violent crimes (707 incidents) far outpaced property crimes (491 incidents), with violence and sexual offences alone accounting for 42.6% of all reported crimes. This dominance of violent crime contrasts with the UK average, where violent offences make up 32.2% of total crimes. The local profile reflects a shift in crime dynamics, with violence and sexual offences recorded at 3.2 per 1,000 (13% above the UK average) and anti-social behaviour at 1.0 per 1,000 (31% below the UK average). Seasonal factors likely contributed to these patterns, as May’s longer evenings and bank holidays may have increased outdoor socialising and associated tensions. While property crimes such as shoplifting and vehicle crime remained relatively low compared to the UK average, the concentration of violent crime suggests a need to consider local factors such as population density, public spaces, and community engagement. The data aligns with North Somerset’s character as a mixed area with urban centres and rural pockets, where high-traffic zones may drive certain crime types while lower-density areas see fewer property-related incidents. This month’s figures highlight the importance of contextualising crime rates within both national benchmarks and local conditions.

May 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with theft from the person surging by 300% (from 1 to 4 incidents) and shoplifting rising by 53.6% (from 84 to 129). These increases, though small in absolute terms, may indicate emerging trends such as opportunistic theft during extended evening hours. Public order offences also rose by 47.7% (from 130 to 192), potentially linked to May’s bank holidays and increased outdoor drinking. Conversely, robbery rates fell by 46.2% (from 13 to 7), and other crime categories like 'other crime' dropped by 35.7% (from 28 to 18), suggesting some areas of localised improvement. Violent crime remained the dominant category, with North Somerset’s rate of 3.2 per 1,000 (13% above the UK average) underscoring a persistent challenge. Anti-social behaviour, however, was lower than the UK average (1.0 vs 1.4 per 1,000), reflecting effective community policing or lower population density in certain areas. For residents, the sharp rise in theft from the person—a crime type that often occurs in crowded public spaces—may warrant heightened awareness during peak social hours.

North Somerset’s crime rate in May 2024 (7.4 per 1,000) marked an 11.3% increase from the previous month’s rate of 6.7 per 1,000, indicating a recent upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 54 crimes per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 135 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides context for local residents, showing that while the overall crime rate remains below the UK average, the pace of increase suggests ongoing monitoring is necessary. The population context further highlights the significance of these numbers: with 224,578 residents, even small absolute changes in crime counts can reflect broader shifts in community safety. For example, the 300% rise in theft from the person—though only four incidents—may signal a concentrated issue in specific locations. Comparing North Somerset’s performance to the UK average also reveals disparities: while violent crime remains elevated (13% above the UK rate), categories like anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime are significantly lower (31% and 36% below, respectively). This mixed profile suggests that local initiatives targeting high-risk areas may be effective, while other challenges—particularly in violent crime—require sustained attention.