Puriton Crime Rate

Puriton is a safe and quiet urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 53.3 per 1,000 people per year. This is notably lower than the UK average of 93.1, earning the area a high safety score of 88/100. Perhaps most encouraging is the recent trend direction; crime in Puriton has plummeted by 45.7% year-over-year. For its 2,252 residents, these figures represent a community that is becoming significantly safer over time. While violence and sexual offences remain the most common category, the overall low volume of crime makes Puriton a secure location within the Sedgemoor local authority. The following sections break down these statistics to provide a clearer picture of local safety.

Crime Breakdown in Puriton

In Puriton, violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant portion of reported crime, accounting for 38.3% of the total. This is followed by 'other theft' at 17.5% and anti-social behaviour at 12.5%. These categories represent the primary focus for local law enforcement within the village.

The overall property crime rate in Puriton is 16.9 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary (3.3%), vehicle crime (2.5%), and shoplifting (2.5%), alongside the more prevalent 'other theft' category. While the burglary rate is relatively low at 1.8 per 1,000, theft-related offences are more frequent. For residents, this means that while the risk of a break-in is statistically lower than the UK average, the risk of external property theft or opportunistic crime is more present. Secure storage of garden equipment, bicycles, and items left in vehicles is essential to mitigate these more common theft risks.

Crime Trends in Puriton

The crime trends in Puriton are exceptionally positive. Over the last 12 months, the area has experienced a 45.7% decrease in total recorded crimes. This dramatic reduction indicates that Puriton is becoming significantly safer and is performing well above national safety expectations.

Monthly data from late 2024 through 2025 shows that crime rates have remained consistently low. After a slight peak in January 2025 (8.0 per 1,000), the rate dropped significantly, reaching a low of just 0.9 per 1,000 in April 2025. Throughout the latter half of 2025, the rate has stabilised between 3.6 and 6.2 per 1,000. This stability, combined with the massive year-over-year drop, suggests that the local community is enjoying a period of increased security and reduced criminal activity. For residents, this trend offers peace of mind and highlights the village's status as a safe residential enclave.

How To Keep Safe in Puriton

The most common crime type in Puriton is violence and sexual offences, followed by 'other theft.' To maintain personal safety, residents should stay alert when walking in quieter areas of the village and ensure they are familiar with their surroundings. When out at night, sticking to well-lit paths and letting someone know your expected arrival time is a simple but effective precaution.

To combat the high rate of 'other theft,' it is vital to secure any outdoor property. Do not leave tools, bicycles, or expensive garden furniture unsecured in front gardens or unlocked sheds. For homeowners, ensuring that all windows and doors have robust locks is the first line of defence. Additionally, being part of a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme can help keep the community informed about any suspicious activity, ensuring that Puriton's impressive downward trend in crime continues.

Crime timing in Puriton shows a heavy concentration of theft-related offences during daylight hours. Morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm) periods see theft accounting for over 70% of crimes, likely due to increased movement and activity in the village. As evening approaches, the crime mix shifts, with 'other' crimes and anti-social behaviour becoming more prominent. Night-time (12am-6am) sees the highest relative risk for burglary and vehicle crime, which together make up 41% of incidents in that period. This suggests that while residents should be mindful of opportunistic theft during the day, they should prioritise home and vehicle security during the late-night hours.

Puriton sits in a diverse regional context regarding safety. It is considerably safer than nearby Woolavington, which has a crime rate of 71.7 per 1,000. However, it is slightly less secure than Pawlett, where the rate is 37.3. Interestingly, very close neighbours like Dunball and Bawdrip have reported 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people, though these are much smaller settlements. Compared to the wider Sedgemoor area, Puriton remains a highly desirable and safe place to live, especially given its recent substantial decrease in reported incidents.

Puriton's property crime rate of 16.9 per 1,000 residents highlights that while the village is safe, theft remains a factor that residents should address. Traditional security measures, such as basic alarm systems or standard CCTV, are often reactive—they tell you what happened after the event. In a community like Puriton, where theft peaks during the day and burglary risk increases at night, a more advanced solution is beneficial.

scOS is an AI-powered security operating system designed to prevent crime rather than just record it. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously, scOS can detect a threat at the property boundary. Whether it's recognizing a known vehicle or identifying a suspicious person loitering, the system can intervene autonomously with lights and audio deterrents. This proactive approach is particularly effective against 'other theft,' which is the second most common crime in Puriton. By stopping a crime before it begins, scOS ensures that your home remains a safe haven, leveraging professional-grade intelligence that outclasses standard DIY security kits.