Weston-super-Mare Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Weston-super-Mare’s crime rate in April 2023 stood at 8.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 18.7% above the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This coastal town, known for its bustling promenade and seasonal tourism, saw a pronounced emphasis on violent and anti-social crimes, which together accounted for nearly 60% of all reported incidents. Violence and sexual offences, at 304 cases (39.3% of total crimes), were 35% higher than the UK average for this category, reflecting patterns often observed in areas with high foot traffic and transient populations. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common crime, was 44% above the UK average, potentially linked to the Easter holidays and increased outdoor activity during spring. Public order offences, though lower in absolute numbers, also exceeded UK rates by 41%, suggesting a possible correlation with the town’s lively social environment. Seasonal factors, including Easter-related events and the onset of warmer weather, may partly explain the elevated rates of violent crime and anti-social behaviour, though local demographics and the town’s character as a tourist destination likely contribute significantly. The data illustrates a combination of transient visitors, local community dynamics, and the physical layout of the built-up area, which includes both residential zones and commercial hubs.

April 2023 saw notable shifts in crime trends for Weston-super-Mare, with possession of weapons increasing by 133.3% compared to March, a stark rise from three to seven incidents. This jump, while small in absolute terms, may signal heightened tensions or a shift in criminal activity patterns during the Easter period. Shoplifting also rose by 32%, from 50 to 66 cases, potentially influenced by increased retail activity during the Easter holidays. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 61.5%, from 13 to five incidents, which could reflect seasonal changes in cycling habits or improved security measures at local hotspots. The town’s violent crime category remained significantly above the UK average, with violence and sexual offences at 3.5 per 1,000 residents—35% higher than the national figure. This disparity highlights the area’s unique challenges, particularly in managing public spaces that attract both residents and visitors. Burglary rates dropped by 56%, from 25 to 11 cases, a decrease that may be attributed to the Easter break reducing opportunities for residential intrusions. These fluctuations illustrate the dynamic nature of crime in a coastal town, where seasonal events and tourism can both amplify and mitigate specific types of criminal activity.

Weston-super-Mare’s crime rate in April 2023 was 8.9 per 1,000 residents, a 6% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 9.5 per 1,000. This decline, though modest, may reflect the natural ebb and flow of crime during the Easter holiday period, when some residents temporarily leave the area. On a daily basis, the town experienced an average of 26 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the volume of incidents within the local population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 112 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while higher than the UK average, provides a tangible measure of risk for local households. Comparing this to the UK context, the town’s population of 87,022 means that its crime profile is influenced by the higher-than-average rates of violent and anti-social crimes. This contrast with the UK average underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas where violent crime and anti-social behaviour are concentrated. The daily crime count, while seemingly high, must be balanced against the town’s characteristics as a tourist destination, where transient populations can contribute to elevated rates of certain offences. These figures, when viewed through a local lens, offer insight into the specific challenges faced by Weston-super-Mare compared to the national picture.