Kingswood and Fishponds Crime Rate February 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Kingswood and Fishponds maintained a crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents in February 2023, significantly lower than the UK average of 6.9. This performance places the area 18.8% below the national benchmark, a consistent trend that suggests effective local policing or community engagement strategies. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 1.9 per 1,000—23% below the UK average. This may be partially explained by the area’s character as a built-up urban centre with a mix of residential and commercial zones, where targeted community initiatives could help mitigate such incidents. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 13.2% of all crimes, with a rate of 0.7 per 1,000, 28% below the UK average, reflecting the impact of winter months on social interactions and outdoor activity. Vehicle crime, at 0.6 per 1,000, was the third most common category, though it stood 33% above the UK average, highlighting a vulnerability linked to the area’s commuter traffic and road networks. Seasonal factors likely played a role in the overall crime profile, as February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—typically sees a pre-spring lull in certain types of crime. However, the persistence of vehicle and bicycle thefts suggests that targeted interventions in high-risk areas, such as car parks and transport hubs, could be necessary to address these specific concerns. The broader context of the area as a built-up part of South Gloucestershire, with its proximity to major transport routes and retail centres, may explain both the lower rates in some categories and the higher rates in others. This nuanced picture underscores the importance of continuing to monitor crime trends and adapting strategies to address emerging challenges while building on the area’s strengths in maintaining relative safety.

February 2023 saw a notable decrease in anti-social behaviour, which accounted for 13.2% of all crimes, a rate 28% below the UK average. This decline may be linked to seasonal factors, as winter months often see reduced outdoor activity and fewer gatherings in public spaces. Conversely, vehicle crime rose to 0.6 per 1,000, 33% above the UK average, likely driven by the area’s commuter traffic and proximity to major roads. Bicycle theft also increased significantly, with a rate of 0.1 per 1,000—67% above the UK average—potentially reflecting the popularity of cycling in the area despite colder weather. The breakdown of violent crimes, at 1.9 per 1,000, was 23% below the UK average, suggesting that local initiatives or community cohesion may be contributing to this trend. Residents may find the lower-than-average rates of criminal damage and arson (29% below UK levels) particularly reassuring, indicating that property-related offences remain relatively rare. However, the spike in vehicle and bicycle thefts highlights areas where targeted interventions could be beneficial.

In February 2023, Kingswood and Fishponds recorded 879 crimes across a population of 156,958, translating to 1 reported crime for every 179 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure contextualises the scale of crime within the local community, showing that while crime is present, it remains relatively infrequent on a per-resident basis. Daily crime activity averaged 31 incidents per day, a figure that reflects the area’s built-up nature and the concentration of services and amenities typical of urban centres. When compared to the UK average, the area’s overall crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents is 18.8% lower, indicating a consistent trend of lower-than-average crime levels. This contrast is particularly notable in categories such as anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, where local rates are 28% and 29% below UK averages respectively. However, the daily crime count and monthly exposure figures underscore the importance of ongoing community vigilance and policing efforts to maintain this relative safety. The population density of the area, combined with its proximity to major transport routes and retail hubs, may contribute to both the concentration of certain crimes and the overall lower rates compared to more sprawling or rural regions.