Sedgemoor Crime Rate

The Sedgemoor local authority area presents a complex safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 121.8 per 1,000 residents. This figure is higher than the UK average of 93.1, reflecting the district's mix of busy industrial towns and popular coastal destinations. Despite this, Sedgemoor maintains a safety score of 70/100, which, while lower than the UK average of 78, still indicates a generally secure environment for its 112,500 residents. Recent data shows that the crime trend is currently stable, with a marginal 1.4% decrease year-over-year. This suggests that while crime levels are higher than the national benchmark, they are not significantly increasing, allowing for consistent safety planning and community policing efforts across the Somerset region.

About Sedgemoor

Sedgemoor is a diverse local authority area in Somerset, characterised by a blend of historic market towns, coastal resorts, and expansive rural landscapes. The district is anchored by Bridgwater, a major industrial and commercial hub, and includes popular tourist destinations like Burnham-on-Sea and the iconic Cheddar Gorge. The area's economic profile is influenced by its strategic location along the M5 corridor, which supports significant logistics and manufacturing sectors, as well as the ongoing development of Hinkley Point C, one of Europe's largest construction projects.

These factors contribute to a transient population of workers and visitors, which can influence local crime statistics. While the rural parts of the district remain exceptionally quiet, the more densely populated urban centres and transport hubs naturally experience higher levels of activity. The mix of seasonal tourism on the coast and the high-stakes industrial growth inland creates a unique socio-economic environment. Understanding the crime rate in Sedgemoor requires acknowledging these regional variations, where urban commercial pressures and rural isolation both play a role in the district's overall safety profile.

Crime Breakdown in Sedgemoor

In Sedgemoor, the most frequently reported crimes are violence and sexual offences, which constitute 43.4% of all incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 15.0% and public order offences at 9.8%. Shoplifting also represents a notable portion of the total at 8.6%, largely concentrated in the district's primary commercial areas.

For residents and property owners, the overall property crime rate is 33.6 per 1,000 people. This encompasses burglary (2.6% of total crime), vehicle crime (1.7%), and various forms of theft and criminal damage. While the burglary rate itself is relatively low at 3.1 per 1,000 residents, the combined impact of property-related offences suggests that security remains a priority. Homeowners should be particularly aware of criminal damage and "other theft," which together account for 13% of the district's crime. Protecting assets in both urban and rural settings requires a consistent approach to physical security and community awareness.

Crime Trends in Sedgemoor

The crime trend in Sedgemoor is currently classified as stable, with a minor 1.4% decrease in total reported incidents year-over-year. This indicates a consistent level of activity across the district without major spikes or drops in the overall safety environment. Monthly data from the past year shows that crime rates peaked in May 2025 (11.3) and June 2025 (11.1), which may correspond with increased seasonal activity and tourism.

The lowest crime intensity was recorded in February 2025, with a rate of 8.5 per 1,000 people. Since then, the rate has hovered around the 10.3 to 10.8 mark for much of the latter half of 2025. For residents, this stability means that while the crime rate is higher than the UK average, it is predictable. Maintaining standard safety precautions and staying informed about local policing priorities will continue to be effective strategies for living safely within the district.

Within the Sedgemoor district, safety levels vary dramatically by location. Rural Sedgemoor is the safest major division with a rate of 43.4, followed by coastal Burnham-on-Sea at 69.2. In contrast, Highbridge and Bridgwater report significantly higher rates of 209.1 and 161.9 respectively, largely due to their roles as commercial and transport hubs. Smaller settlements like North Petherton (71.7) and Cheddar (72.1) sit closer to the national average. For those considering the region, the choice between the quiet, low-crime rural areas and the more active urban centres is the primary factor in personal safety context. Understanding these local disparities is crucial for a complete view of the Somerset safety landscape.

Home security in Sedgemoor must account for the district's property crime rate of 33.6 per 1,000 people. While many residents rely on traditional alarms or DIY cameras, these reactive measures often only provide evidence after an incident has occurred. For true peace of mind, especially in busier urban centres like Bridgwater or Highbridge, a proactive approach is required.

scOS is an AI-powered security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. Unlike standard systems that notify you after a sensor is tripped, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to detect threats at your property boundary. It can distinguish between routine activity and suspicious patterns, such as an intruder lingering near a window. With autonomous responses like light activation and audio warnings, scOS destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. In an area where criminal damage and theft are notable factors, moving from recording a crime to preventing one is the most effective way to secure your home.

How To Keep Safe in Sedgemoor

As violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in the district, personal safety and situational awareness are paramount for residents and visitors alike.

1. Stay Aware in Town Centres: When visiting busier areas like Bridgwater or Highbridge, especially at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through isolated parks or alleys.
2. Utilise Safe Transport: If you are out late, pre-book a licensed taxi or use a reputable ride-sharing app. Avoid walking home alone if you have been consuming alcohol.
3. Secure Your Property: Given the property crime rate, always double-check that windows and doors are locked, even when you are at home. Visible security measures act as a strong deterrent.
4. Join a Neighbourhood Watch: Engaging with local safety groups can keep you informed about specific trends in your immediate area and foster a stronger sense of community security.
5. Report Concerns Early: If you notice persistent anti-social behaviour or suspicious individuals in your neighbourhood, reporting these to the police on 101 can help prevent more serious offences from occurring.