Ilchester Crime Rate

Ilchester, within South Somerset, presents a crime rate of 78.1 per 1,000 residents over the period of January 2025 to December 2025. This is slightly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000 residents, indicating that Ilchester is marginally safer than the national average. However, a closer examination of the specific crime types is crucial for understanding the local context. The recent trend shows a significant decrease in crime, declining by 32.9% year-on-year, offering a positive outlook for the area’s safety. This decline, as shown by the monthly data, has been uneven, with peaks and troughs throughout the year.

Ilchester’s crime statistics reveal a concerning prevalence of violence and sexual offences, accounting for nearly half (49.0%) of all reported crimes. These were followed by other theft incidents, comprising 15.3% of reported crimes. Anti-social behaviour represents another significant proportion, contributing 14.3% to the overall crime profile. While public order offences, criminal damage and arson, and shoplifting contribute less significantly, the combination highlights a range of criminal activities impacting the area. Burglary, though present, represents a relatively smaller proportion of incidents, alongside other less common crimes like possession of weapons and robbery. The higher proportion of violence and sexual offences, compared to the UK average, warrants further examination of the underlying factors contributing to this trend.

The significant decrease of 32.9% in crime year-on-year is a positive development for Ilchester. Looking at the monthly data, the crime rate fluctuated throughout the period, with peaks in February, March, September and October. For example, February recorded a rate of 7.2 per 1,000, while October saw a spike to 12.0 per 1,000. However, November and December showed a noticeable drop, suggesting potential seasonal factors or targeted interventions that may have contributed to the overall decline. Further investigation into the reasons behind these fluctuations would be beneficial for sustaining this positive trend.

How To Keep Safe in Ilchester

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Consider joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for safety. Secure your property with robust locks and consider installing an alarm system. Be mindful of anti-social behaviour and report any suspicious activity to the police. Finally, avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, reducing the temptation for opportunistic theft.

The pattern of crime in Ilchester varies throughout the day. Burglary is most prevalent during the night (12am-6am), with 23% of incidents occurring during this period. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees a higher incidence of theft, accounting for 80% of incidents. Evening hours (6pm-12am) also witness a notable proportion of theft, at 50%. Morning hours (6am-12pm) have a lower proportion of burglaries but a higher proportion of theft. Understanding these patterns can help residents take precautions during peak crime times.

Ilchester’s crime rate stands in contrast to its neighbouring areas, including Kingsdon, Yeovilton, Tintinhull, and Chilthorne Domer, all of which recorded zero reported crimes. This stark difference highlights Ilchester's unique position within the region and suggests factors contributing to crime may be specific to the built-up area. The significant disparity underscores the importance of targeted safety initiatives within Ilchester itself.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred, offering little preventative value. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers a proactive approach, using multi-camera intelligence to detect potential threats at the property boundary before they escalate. DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles, and the system's pattern learning recognises your family and deliveries, minimising false alarms. The visible deterrence of professional-grade equipment, like that used in scOS, can often make that 60-second decision for a potential burglar – they move on, avoiding the risk and attention.