Weston-super-Mare Crime Rate

Weston-super-Mare, a major seaside town in North Somerset, has an overall crime rate of 126.2 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly higher than the UK national average of 91.6, resulting in a safety score of 69/100. As a prominent tourist destination with a vibrant nightlife, the town experiences higher crime volumes than many of its more rural neighbours. However, the recent trend is stable, with a 1.9% decrease in year-over-year offences, indicating that crime levels are not currently on the rise. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of crime types, time-based patterns, and practical security advice to help residents and visitors navigate the local environment safely.

Weston-super-Mare's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 43.1% of all recorded incidents (4,730 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 14.0%, followed by public order offences at 10.9%. These figures are typical for a major seaside resort with a high volume of seasonal visitors and a vibrant nightlife.

Property crime in the town is a significant factor for residents, with an overall rate of 34.7 per 1,000 people. This includes 771 incidents of criminal damage and arson (7.0% of total crime), 694 shoplifting offences (6.3%), 346 vehicle crimes (3.1%), and 340 burglaries (3.1%). Other theft also accounts for 6.1% of total crime. For homeowners, the combined volume of burglary and vehicle crime suggests that while these are not the most frequent offences, they still represent over 600 incidents annually, necessitating robust property security. The high rate of shoplifting also indicates a substantial impact on the local retail economy.

The crime trend in Weston-super-Mare is currently stable, showing a 1.9% decrease in total offences year-over-year. This suggests that despite being a high-activity area, crime levels are being consistently managed. Looking at the monthly data for 2025, the crime rate per 1,000 residents started at 9.7 in January and showed a gradual increase through the spring.

The rate reached its highest points in May (11.8), August (11.4), and October (11.4). These peaks align with seasonal tourist seasons and school holidays, which is typical for a major seaside resort. By December, the rate had returned to a lower level of 9.9. This pattern indicates that while there are predictable seasonal spikes, there is no underlying surge in criminal activity. For residents, this stability is a positive sign, though the baseline rate remains higher than the national average, meaning that consistent safety precautions remain necessary throughout the year.

How To Keep Safe in Weston-super-Mare

With violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent crime type in Weston-super-Mare, personal safety is a primary concern for both residents and visitors. In a busy seaside resort, staying alert and taking proactive steps can significantly enhance your security.

Firstly, when enjoying the town's nightlife, stay in well-lit, busy areas and avoid walking alone on the beach or through quiet side streets after dark. Always travel with friends and use registered taxi services. Secondly, be mindful of your personal belongings in high-traffic retail and tourist areas; keep bags zipped and avoid displaying expensive electronics. Third, given the town's rate of anti-social behaviour, try to avoid unnecessary confrontations and report any concerns to the local authorities. Finally, if you are a car owner, always park in well-lit, secure areas and ensure no valuables are left on display, as vehicle crime is a notable local issue. Broadly, staying informed through local community safety groups or neighbourhood watch schemes is an excellent way to support collective security in the town.

Crime in Weston-super-Mare follows distinct patterns throughout the day, closely linked to the town's activity levels. Morning hours see a significant amount of theft (45%), likely as shops and businesses open. This trend intensifies in the afternoon, where theft-related offences peak at 48%, reflecting the busiest shopping and tourist hours.

In the evening, the pattern shifts as 'other' crimes, which include anti-social behaviour and public order offences, rise to 55%. This coincides with the town's nightlife activity. Night-time sees the most dramatic change, with vehicle crime becoming a dominant concern at 31% of offences, while burglary also peaks during this late-night period at 20%. These figures suggest that while retail theft is a daytime issue, property and vehicle security are the primary risks during the late-night and early-morning hours. Residents should be particularly vigilant about securing their homes and cars overnight.

When compared to its immediate surroundings, Weston-super-Mare stands out as the primary urban high-activity hub. Its crime rate of 126.2 is notably higher than nearby Locking (58.5) and Hutton (79.1). Interestingly, the newly developed area of West Wick shows an even higher rate of 175.5, while the village of Kewstoke shows exceptionally low reported figures in this dataset. This regional context highlights Weston-super-Mare as a central point of activity where urban safety challenges are more concentrated. For residents, these figures emphasize the importance of maintaining appropriate security measures that reflect the town's busy, high-density nature compared to the more tranquil neighbouring villages.

In an urban seaside town like Weston-super-Mare, where the property crime rate is 34.7 per 1,000, home security is a vital consideration. Traditional security systems, such as basic alarms or standard CCTV cameras, are primarily reactive. They alert you or provide footage only after an incident has occurred, such as a break-in or vehicle theft. In a busy area with high footfall, these reactive measures may not be enough to prevent loss or damage.

The scOS AI-powered security system offers a proactive alternative focused on prevention. By monitoring your property's boundaries in real-time, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to identify potential threats before they reach your door. Its ability to distinguish between normal activity and suspicious patterns reduces false alarms, while its autonomous response system can activate lights and speakers to deter a potential burglar during the critical 60 seconds they take to evaluate a target. In an area where burglary and vehicle crime combined account for nearly 700 incidents annually, moving from recording crime to actively preventing it provides the highest level of protection for your property and peace of mind.