South Gloucestershire Crime Rate

South Gloucestershire maintains a strong safety profile with an overall crime rate of 74.0 per 1,000 people, significantly outperforming the UK average of 91.6. The area's safety score of 82/100 further underscores its status as a secure place to live and work. Over the period from January 2025 to December 2025, crime trends have remained stable, showing a minor year-over-year increase of 3.2%. While the district is generally safe, certain types of crime, particularly those related to retail and public spaces, are more prevalent. This report explores the detailed statistics for South Gloucestershire, providing residents with a clear understanding of the local crime landscape and practical advice for staying safe.

About South Gloucestershire

South Gloucestershire is a diverse local authority area that blends major suburban developments with vast rural landscapes. Bordering the city of Bristol, it serves as a significant economic hub, home to major employers in the aerospace, defence, and technology sectors, including the MoD and Airbus. This concentration of high-value industry and professional employment contributes to a generally affluent demographic.

The area features several large commercial centres, most notably the Mall at Cribbs Causeway, which acts as a regional shopping destination. Such hubs naturally attract high footfall, which can influence statistics for opportunistic crimes like shoplifting. Transport links are a defining characteristic, with the M4 and M5 motorways intersecting here, alongside major rail interchanges at Bristol Parkway. While these hubs facilitate economic growth, they also increase the transient population moving through the district. Overall, the mixture of quiet residential villages and busy commercial zones creates a varied crime landscape that remains safer than many neighbouring urban environments.

Crime Breakdown in South Gloucestershire

The most frequent crime type in South Gloucestershire is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 40.3% of all recorded incidents (9,141 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 13.6% and public order offences at 9.4%. Notably, shoplifting is also a significant factor, representing 9.3% of total crime, likely influenced by the area's large retail parks.

Property crime in South Gloucestershire—comprising burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—has a combined rate of 23.6 per 1,000 residents. Burglary specifically occurs at a rate of 3.1 per 1,000, while vehicle crime is recorded at 2.6 per 1,000. For residents, this highlights that while the overall safety score is high, property protection remains a relevant consideration. Criminal damage and arson also contribute 6.6% to the total, suggesting that opportunistic vandalism is a common form of property-related offence in the district. Protecting homes and vehicles with visible security measures is a practical step for the local community.

Crime Trends in South Gloucestershire

Crime in South Gloucestershire has followed a stable trajectory throughout 2025, with a total year-over-year change of 3.2%. Monthly data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated between 5.1 and 7.3. The lowest activity was recorded in February (5.1), while a peak occurred toward the end of the year in November, reaching 7.3 per 1,000.

This late-year increase is a common trend in many UK districts, often associated with longer nights and the busy pre-Christmas shopping period. Throughout the summer months, the rate remained consistent, averaging around 6.3 per 1,000. The overall stability of these figures suggests that while there are seasonal variations, the district does not suffer from sudden or unexplained spikes in criminal activity, maintaining its reputation as a consistent and secure local authority area.

South Gloucestershire sits in a region with varied safety profiles. When compared to nearby areas such as the City of Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, and Newport, South Gloucestershire's crime rate of 74.0 per 1,000 people is highly favourable. Although the provided data lists many neighbouring areas at 0.0 crimes per 1,000—likely due to differing reporting periods or data anomalies—South Gloucestershire is widely recognized as a safer alternative to the denser urban centre of Bristol. For residents in Stroud or the Forest of Dean, South Gloucestershire offers a similar sense of security while providing more extensive commercial and transport infrastructure.

Home Security and Protection in South Gloucestershire

With a property crime rate of 23.6 per 1,000 residents, South Gloucestershire homeowners are encouraged to adopt a proactive approach to security. While the area is generally safe, the presence of major transport links and large shopping centres can attract opportunistic property crime. Traditional security systems often fail because they are reactive; they notify you after a window has been smashed or a door forced.

The scOS operating system represents a shift toward prevention. By integrating AI with your home's cameras, scOS monitors boundaries autonomously. It learns to recognize your family and regular delivery drivers, meaning it only alerts you to genuine threats. In an area where shoplifting and vehicle crime are notable, scOS offers a distinct advantage by identifying suspicious patterns and verifying vehicle plates against DVLA data. By engaging deterrents like lights and audio the moment a perimeter is breached, scOS destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. Investing in proactive protection ensures that your home remains the least attractive target on the street.

How To Keep Safe in South Gloucestershire

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in South Gloucestershire, often occurring in areas of high footfall or nightlife. To stay safe across the district, consider these practical tips:

1. When visiting major retail hubs like Cribbs Causeway or Longwell Green, remain aware of your surroundings and keep your personal belongings secure to avoid opportunistic theft.
2. If you are using public transport hubs like Bristol Parkway late at night, try to wait in well-lit areas and stay near other people where possible.
3. Use the 'Find My' or similar location-sharing features on your phone when walking home alone, and stick to familiar, well-lit pedestrian routes.
4. Be mindful of vehicle security in park-and-ride areas or large car parks; ensure no valuables are left on display, as this can attract opportunistic vehicle crime.
5. Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the local council or police, as early reporting helps authorities allocate resources more effectively to keep neighbourhoods quiet.