Weston-super-Mare Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Weston-super-Mare's crime rate in September 2024 stood at 12.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 55.8% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This figure highlights a significant divergence from national trends, particularly in violent crime. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35.5% of all reported crimes, with a rate of 4.3 per 1,000 — 64% above the UK average. This category's prominence may be linked to the area's character as a coastal town with a vibrant nightlife and seasonal activity, such as the start of the academic year and university freshers' week. These factors could contribute to increased social interactions in public spaces, elevating incidents of violence. Shoplifting also emerged as a notable concern, with a rate of 1.7 per 1,000 — 150% above the UK average — likely influenced by the town's retail presence along its high streets and coastal tourist attractions. Public order offences, at 1.4 per 1,000 — 150% above the UK average — may reflect heightened activity in areas frequented by both residents and visitors during the transition from summer to autumn. Seasonal context, such as back-to-school routines and the gradual reduction in daylight hours, may further amplify tensions in public spaces. The overall crime profile underscores the need for targeted measures in high-risk areas, particularly those with dense foot traffic or late-night activity.

September 2024 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories. Robbery rates increased by 41.7%, rising from 12 to 17 incidents — a sharp upward trend that may be tied to seasonal shifts in public behaviour or increased alcohol consumption in late-night venues. Public order offences also rose by 15.5%, from 103 to 119, suggesting potential challenges in managing crowds during events or in areas with high visitor turnover. Shoplifting incidents climbed by 13.5%, reaching 151 — a figure that, while below the peak of previous months, remains significantly above the UK average. Conversely, theft from the person dropped by 80%, from 5 to 1, possibly reflecting improved security measures or a decrease in pedestrian traffic during the early evening. Drug-related offences fell by 28.6%, from 14 to 10, a decline that may align with the end of summer holidays and reduced transient populations. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of local crime patterns, with some categories responding to seasonal rhythms while others remain elevated. For residents, the most immediate concern may be the continued above-average rates of violence and sexual offences, which suggest a need for community-focused initiatives in high-risk areas.

Weston-super-Mare's crime rate in September 2024 decreased by 8.6% compared to August 2024, when the rate was 13.1 per 1,000. This decline, though modest, indicates a slight easing in overall criminal activity over the past month. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 35 crimes per day — a figure that, while not directly comparable to national averages, provides a clear snapshot of local exposure. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 83 residents, a monthly aggregate that underscores the frequency of incidents relative to the population. This rate is higher than the UK average, which implies that residents face a greater risk of experiencing crime compared to the national population. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that certain categories, such as violence and sexual offences, are concentrated in this area. While the decrease from August may reflect the end of summer events or a natural fluctuation in crime patterns, the persistent above-average rates highlight the need for sustained community engagement and policing strategies. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or late-night activity, as the overall crime profile remains elevated compared to the UK.