Highbridge Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Highbridge

Highbridge, a built-up area with a population of approximately 4,395 residents, experiences a high overall crime rate of 213.2 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is substantially higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. Consequently, Highbridge holds a safety score of 49 out of 100, which is below the UK average safety score of 78/100, indicating areas where safety could be improved. However, the area has experienced a positive trend over the past year, with a notable decrease of 13.6% in crime year-over-year. This introduction provides a snapshot of Highbridge's crime landscape, which will be further elaborated upon in the following sections detailing specific crime types, trends, and comparisons with nearby areas.

Crime Type Analysis in Highbridge

The crime profile of Highbridge is heavily influenced by violence and sexual offences, which stand as the most common crime type with 405 incidents, representing 92.2 per 1,000 residents and 43.2% of all crimes. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent concern, with 134 reported crimes (30.5 per 1,000, 14.3% of total), highlighting issues related to public nuisance and disorder. Shoplifting ranks as the third highest crime, with 129 incidents (29.4 per 1,000, 13.8% of total), reflecting challenges in retail security within the area.

Property-related crime in Highbridge is a significant concern for residents and homeowners, with a rate of 62.8 per 1,000 people per year. This is substantially higher than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. This category includes burglary (20 crimes, 4.5 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (49 crimes, 11.2 per 1,000), other theft (54 crimes, 12.3 per 1,000), vehicle crime (14 crimes, 3.2 per 1,000), bicycle theft (5 crimes, 1.1 per 1,000), robbery (4 crimes, 0.9 per 1,000), and theft from the person (1 crime, 0.2 per 1,000). The elevated property crime rate underscores the importance of robust security measures to protect homes and personal belongings in Highbridge.

Crime Trends in Highbridge

Highbridge has experienced a positive crime trend over the last year, with a significant decrease of 13.6% year-over-year. This downward shift indicates a notable improvement in overall safety compared to the previous 12-month period. Analysing the monthly trend data reveals some fluctuations, but with an overall decreasing pattern. The crime rate per 1,000 residents saw a low of 10.5 in February 2025, following a high of 22.1 in March and April 2025. The rate in September 2025 was 13.9 per 1,000, which is lower than the rates observed in the initial months of the period. These patterns suggest that efforts to reduce crime are yielding results. For residents, this decreasing trend is reassuring, contributing to a sense of enhanced safety and well-being within the community.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Highbridge

Crime patterns in Highbridge show distinct variations throughout the day, offering insights into when certain offences are more likely to occur. The morning period (6am-12pm) sees a notable prevalence of theft, accounting for 55% of crimes, often associated with commercial activity and people commuting. Burglary also accounts for 8% of incidents, suggesting that properties left unattended during the start of the working day can be vulnerable.

During the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains the dominant crime type at 58%, likely due to increased foot traffic and shopping activities. Burglary rises to 13%, as more homes may be empty. As the day transitions into the evening (6pm-12am), the crime landscape shifts significantly. Theft reduces to 25%, while 'Other' crimes, which can include public order and anti-social behaviour, become more prominent at 54%. Burglary remains a concern at 13%. This period often correlates with increased social activity and nightlife.

The night hours (12am-6am) present a different set of risks. Burglary peaks at 19%, and vehicle crime sees its highest proportion at 24%, as properties are often unattended and vehicles are parked overnight. Theft drops to 14%, but 'Other' crimes remain high at 42%. These patterns highlight the importance of securing homes and vehicles during the overnight period when residential areas are quieter.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When considering the regional context, Highbridge's crime rate can be compared to several nearby areas. Edithmead and Huntspill, both smaller rural settlements, typically exhibit lower crime rates, highlighting Highbridge's comparatively higher crime incidence. Burnham-on-Sea, a larger coastal town nearby, generally has a significantly lower overall crime rate than Highbridge, positioning Highbridge as an area with more elevated crime concerns within its immediate vicinity. East Huntspill also tends to have a lower crime rate. These comparisons provide valuable regional context for residents and those considering moving to or within the Highbridge area, highlighting local variations in safety and crime patterns.

Enhancing Security in Highbridge

With Highbridge's property crime rate standing at 62.8 per 1,000 residents, which is substantially higher than the UK average, residents should prioritise robust home security. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV cameras, often only provide footage after an incident has occurred, essentially recording a burglary rather than preventing it. For real protection, a proactive approach is essential. AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS are designed to prevent crime before it occurs.

scOS detects threats at your property boundary using multi-camera intelligence, ensuring potential intruders are identified early. This is a significant departure from DIY systems that only notify you after the fact. The system's autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, is designed to destroy the element of surprise, a crucial factor for burglars. Given that most burglars decide within 60 seconds whether to proceed, a visible and professional-grade deterrent like scOS makes them move on. By focusing on prevention rather than just recording, scOS offers a superior level of security, particularly valuable in areas like Highbridge where property crime is a heightened concern, helping residents to truly stop threats at their property line.