Somerset Crime Rate

Somerset is a safe and diverse local authority district with an overall crime rate of 86.5 per 1,000 people. This is slightly lower than the UK average of 91.7, earning the area a safety score of 79/100, which is exactly in line with the national average. The crime trend in Somerset is stable, with a minor 0.8% decrease year-over-year, indicating a consistent security environment for its residents. Property crime in Somerset is 24.4 per 1,000, which is also lower than the national average of 32.3. The crime profile is primarily made up of violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and public order offences. The following sections provide a detailed look at the crime breakdown and trends across the county.

About Somerset

Somerset is a large local authority district with a diverse crime profile shaped by its mix of rural landscapes, market towns, and urban centres. As a popular destination for tourism and home to several major transport links, it experiences significant transient population and social activity. These factors, combined with pockets of urban density and economic variety, contribute to a crime rate that is below the UK average. The county's extensive rural areas generally maintain high safety standards, while larger towns see more concentrated social and opportunistic crime. Strong community initiatives and effective local policing work to maintain a safety score that is exactly in line with the national average. Understanding these regional dynamics is key to interpreting Somerset's crime statistics.

Crime Breakdown in Somerset

Somerset's crime statistics are dominated by personal safety and social order offences. Violence and sexual offences make up the largest portion of reports at 43.4%, followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.2% and public order offences at 10.2%. These three categories represent a significant portion of local police activity.

Property crime in Somerset—which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle crime—is 24.4 per 1,000 people. This is significantly better than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Shoplifting and other theft are the most prevalent property crimes, accounting for 8.3% and 6.5% of total crime respectively. Criminal damage and arson is also a notable factor at 6.9%. Burglary and vehicle crime are relatively low, each accounting for about 2.1-3.1% of reports. For residents and business owners, this means that while the overall risk of crime is low, the protection of property and the prevention of social disorder are relevant security concerns. The low incidence of serious property crime contributes to a solid safety score of 79/100.

Crime Trends in Somerset

The crime trend in Somerset is stable, with a minor 0.8% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. This consistency is a strong indicator of the county's overall security management. Monthly data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 shows that the crime rate typically stays between 6.0 and 8.0 per 1,000 people.

The safest month was February 2025, recording a crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000. There were minor fluctuations, with the rate reaching 7.8 in October 2025 and 7.7 in November 2025. These small changes are typical for such a large geographic area. The end of 2025 showed a stable trend, reinforcing the overall consistency in criminal activity. For residents and business owners, this provides long-term confidence in the security of their county, as Somerset continues to maintain its safety standards across its diverse communities.

In the regional context, Somerset is a secure choice. It has a similar safety profile to nearby local authorities like Mid Devon, East Devon, and North Devon, all of which maintain high safety standards. While larger cities like Cardiff and Exeter may have different crime profiles, Somerset offers a balanced environment for those seeking a mix of rural and town living. Its safety score of 79/100 confirms that it remains a stable and secure area for families and residents alike.

Somerset's property crime rate of 24.4 per 1,000 is lower than the national average, but the presence of burglary and shoplifting means that homeowners and business owners should still prioritise effective security. In a county with diverse urban and rural areas, the primary threat is often opportunistic theft or targeted burglary where intruders look for easy points of entry.

Traditional security systems—like basic CCTV or DIY cameras—are fundamentally reactive. They alert you once a sensor is tripped or record footage of an intruder who has already entered your property. Proactive protection, such as the scOS AI-powered operating system, is designed to stop crime before it starts. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries, scOS can detect a threat the moment someone steps onto your land. The system then autonomously responds with lights and audio warnings, destroying the element of surprise. This professional-grade deterrence ensures that your home or business remains a hard target, which is essential in a varied county like Somerset.

How To Keep Safe in Somerset

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Somerset, accounting for 43.4% of reports. While the county is generally safe, taking proactive steps can further enhance your personal security across the local authority area.

• Be aware of your surroundings when walking through town centres or busy social areas, especially at night, and try to stick to well-lit, populated routes.
• Ensure that your home or business is physically secure with high-quality locks and visible security measures, as these are strong deterrents for opportunistic crime.
• If you witness any anti-social behaviour or public order issues, report them to the local police to help maintain the county's safety standards.
• Always lock your vehicle and avoid leaving any valuables inside, as vehicle crime is a factor in the county's crime profile.
• Consider a smart security system that provides real-time alerts for any activity on your property, giving you peace of mind in both urban and rural settings.