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

For every 1,000 residents in Weston-super-Mare, 9.6 crimes were reported in December 2023—a rate 33.3% above the UK average of 7.2. This figure translates to a risk of approximately one crime per 104 residents over the course of the month, a daily reality marked by 27 reported incidents. The town's crime profile was dominated by violent crimes, which accounted for 40.9% of all reported incidents, far exceeding their share in other areas. This emphasis on violence may be linked to the town's seasonal rhythms: December, with its long evenings and festive crowds, creates conditions where disputes and anti-social behaviour are more likely to escalate. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.2 per 1,000, and shoplifting, at 1.1 per 1,000, were also elevated, reflecting the pressures of a high-traffic retail environment and the lure of unattended goods during the holiday rush. While the UK average for shoplifting is 0.5 per 1,000, Weston-super-Mare's rate was 124% higher, a disparity that likely stems from the town's role as a tourist destination and the concentration of retail outlets along its main thoroughfares. The seasonal context—dark evenings, empty homes over holidays, and the peak of Christmas shopping—adds complexity to the crime picture, with these factors potentially amplifying existing vulnerabilities in the area's social fabric.

December saw a 200% increase in theft from the person, rising from one to three incidents—a sharp spike that may reflect heightened holiday activity or increased foot traffic in retail areas. Meanwhile, possession of weapons rose by 66.7%, a trend consistent with seasonal partying and the closure of homes during the festive period. In contrast, burglary fell by 26.1%, potentially linked to fewer homes being unoccupied over the Christmas holidays. The town's violent crime rate—3.9 per 1,000—stood 49% above the UK average, a disparity that may be influenced by the area's coastal tourism and transient population. Shoplifting, at 1.1 per 1,000, was 124% above the UK average, suggesting that retail areas remain vulnerable despite the month's festive focus on spending.

Weston-super-Mare's crime rate in December 2023 dropped by 6.9% compared to November, falling from 10.4 to 9.6 per 1,000 residents. This monthly decline aligns with the typical seasonal dip in late winter, though the overall rate remains significantly above the UK average. Locally, 27 crimes were reported daily in December, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents in a town centre reliant on tourism and retail. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 104 residents, a monthly aggregate that highlights the persistent presence of crime in daily life. This rate, while lower than the previous month, still underscores the need for vigilance in areas with high foot traffic or limited surveillance. The population context—87,022 residents—means that even small shifts in crime patterns can have measurable impacts on community safety perceptions.