Montacute Crime Rate

Montacute’s crime profile reveals a complex picture of safety and risk. Despite a crime rate 24.7% below the UK average, public order incidents are 22% higher than the national average, highlighting the need for community-focused solutions. This built-up area, with its historic charm and commuter-focused economy, shows how local factors—like social events and transient populations—can shape crime patterns, even in generally safe environments.

Montacute is a small built-up area in South Somerset, known for its historic architecture and close-knit community. As a commuter town with limited industrial activity, crime patterns are influenced by seasonal tourism and local events. Its low population density and strong community ties likely contribute to its overall safety, though public order and violence-related incidents remain elevated compared to the UK average. These factors suggest a balance between community engagement and occasional challenges in managing public spaces.

The most surprising finding in Montacute is the elevated rate of public order crimes, 22% above the UK average (7.7 vs 6.3 per 1,000). This may reflect the area’s role as a local hub for events or gatherings, where transient populations could contribute to disorder. Violence and sexual offences (37.7 per 1,000, 17% above UK average) are also higher, linked to the presence of nearby educational institutions or social hubs. Anti-social behaviour, however, is 65% below the UK average, suggesting effective community policing or informal social controls. The sharp decline in shoplifting (-88.6% YoY) likely reflects targeted retail security measures, while property crime remains well below the UK average (16.3 vs 31.9 per 1,000), indicating strong home security practices.

Montacute’s crime rate fell by 46.7% year-on-year, with shoplifting plummeting by 88.6%—a sharp decline likely tied to post-pandemic retail security upgrades. The monthly trend shows a clear seasonal pattern, with a peak in May 2025 (12.9 per 1,000/month), possibly linked to spring festivals or increased tourism. The lowest crime rate was in June 2025 (1.7 per 1,000/month), reflecting summer lulls in activity. Violence and sexual offences also fell (-12% YoY), though they remain 17% above the UK average, suggesting ongoing community challenges.

How To Keep Safe in Montacute

For property crime prevention, secure vehicles overnight—vehicle crime spikes at night, with 36% of incidents occurring between midnight and 6am. For public order issues, avoid prolonged stays in public spaces during late evenings (6pm–12am), when 11% of public order incidents occur. For theft prevention, avoid leaving valuables unattended in the afternoon (12pm–6pm), when 61% of theft incidents are reported. Community engagement, such as participating in local watch schemes, can also help address public order concerns.

Crime in Montacute shows distinct temporal patterns. Theft peaks in the afternoon (61% of afternoon crimes), likely tied to retail activity and pedestrian traffic. Vehicle crime spikes overnight (36% of night-time crimes), suggesting unsecured vehicles in residential areas during late hours. Burglary is most common in the evening (9% of evening crimes), possibly due to increased home occupancy during this period. Public order incidents are concentrated in the evening (11% of evening crimes), aligning with social gatherings or events. These patterns reflect the interplay between local routines, lighting conditions, and community dynamics.

Compared to nearby areas, Montacute has a 105% higher crime rate than Stoke sub Hamdon (33.5 per 1,000), likely due to Stoke’s more rural character and lower population density. Norton sub Hamdon, with a rate of 71.1 per 1,000 (4% higher than Montacute), may face challenges linked to its proximity to major roads or higher transient populations. Odcombe, at 52.7 per 1,000, remains the region’s safest area, possibly due to its isolation and limited commercial activity.

For Montacute residents, addressing public order concerns is key, scOS’s AI-powered boundary monitoring can detect unusual activity near properties, reducing opportunities for disorder. Its vehicle registration verification feature is particularly relevant, as vehicle crime spikes overnight—often linked to unsecured cars in residential areas. By learning household patterns, scOS distinguishes between regular vehicles and potential threats, minimizing false alarms. With Montacute’s public order rate 22% above the UK average, these features offer targeted protection without overcomplicating security measures.