South Petherton Crime Rate

The most recent data, covering January 2025 to December 2025, indicates a crime rate of 85.0 per 1,000 residents in South Petherton. This is slightly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. However, the area has experienced a concerning 13.4% increase in crime year-on-year. While the safety score sits at 77/100, reflecting a relatively safe environment, the upward trend warrants attention. Understanding the types of crimes occurring and the factors contributing to this increase is crucial for residents and local authorities alike. This page aims to provide a detailed overview of crime statistics in South Petherton, offering insights and practical advice for enhancing personal safety.

The most recent data for South Petherton, covering January 2025 to December 2025, reveals a concerning pattern of crime types. Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant portion of reported incidents, accounting for 51.1% of all crimes (91 incidents). Anti-social behaviour follows, comprising 15.2% of recorded crimes (27 incidents), and public order offences contribute 8.4% (15 incidents). While burglary rates are comparatively lower, at 7.3% (13 incidents), criminal damage and arson account for 6.7% (12 incidents). The remaining incidents are spread across robbery, vehicle crime, shoplifting, other theft, and miscellaneous offences. Overall property crime, encompassing burglary, criminal damage, theft, and robbery, amounts to 18.6 per 1,000 residents annually. This breakdown highlights the multifaceted nature of crime within the area and underscores the need for targeted interventions.

Crime in South Petherton has been steadily increasing over the period from January 2025 to December 2025, with a concerning 13.4% year-on-year rise. Monthly data reveals fluctuations; notably, August 2025 experienced a peak of 13.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, significantly higher than the January rate of 3.3 per 1,000. While rates decreased slightly in the subsequent months, they remained elevated compared to the beginning of the year. This upward trend underscores the need for immediate and sustained interventions to address the root causes of crime and protect the community. Further investigation into the factors driving this increase is vital for formulating effective preventative strategies.

How To Keep Safe in South Petherton

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s vital to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and consider walking with a friend or using well-populated routes. Due to the level of anti-social behaviour, report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. To mitigate the risk of burglary, ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, even when at home. Consider investing in security lighting and a visible alarm system. Finally, be mindful of your belongings in public places to reduce the risk of theft.

Crime patterns in South Petherton show variations throughout the day. Burglaries are somewhat evenly distributed across the morning, afternoon, and evening, but with a slight concentration during the afternoon (44%). Violence and sexual offences tend to peak during the evening (32%) and night hours (44%). Theft is most common during commercial hours in the afternoon (15%), while vehicle crime is more prevalent overnight (17%). A significant proportion of 'other' crimes are reported during the evening hours (58%). Understanding these patterns can help residents take proactive steps to enhance their safety during vulnerable times.

Comparing South Petherton's crime rate to surrounding areas reveals significant variation. Over Stratton reports a lower rate of 45.5 per 1,000, while Shepton Beauchamp and Seavington St Michael have no reported incidents. Norton sub Hamdon, however, shows a higher rate of 71.2 per 1,000, indicating a more challenging situation. This comparative data highlights that crime rates can differ significantly even within a small geographical area and underscores the importance of local context when assessing safety.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred, offering little in the way of preventative action. Reading crime statistics is one thing; proactively protecting your property is another. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, represents a paradigm shift. Its multi-camera intelligence watches your property boundary simultaneously, detecting potential threats before they escalate. The DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly identifies suspicious vehicles, and the system learns your routines to distinguish between genuine visitors and potential intruders. The visible deterrence of professional-grade equipment, coupled with the element of surprise created by autonomous responses like automated lighting and speaker warnings, can be enough to deter criminals entirely. Most burglars decide within 60 seconds – scOS makes that decision easy for them: they move on.