Thornbury Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Thornbury's July 2023 crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents stands at 57.8% below the UK average, illustrating a consistently safer environment than the national norm. The area's crime profile is dominated by violent offences, which accounted for 43.8% of total incidents, followed by criminal damage and arson (18.8%) and anti-social behaviour (16.7%). These figures, while indicative of local challenges, are significantly lower than UK averages for all major categories. Violence and sexual offences, at 1.5 per 1,000, remain 46% below the national rate, a trend likely supported by Thornbury's relatively small, closely-knit community and strong local policing. The seasonal context of July — peak summer, with schools out and tourism at its height — may contribute to fluctuations in certain crime types. For instance, the rise in criminal damage and arson could be linked to increased outdoor events and property usage during the holiday season. However, the broader pattern of lower-than-average crime rates across all categories suggests that Thornbury's built-up area benefits from effective community engagement and targeted interventions. This includes the notable decline in anti-social behaviour, which fell to 0.6 per 1,000 — 58% below the UK average — a testament to local initiatives that may address underlying social factors. The balance between violent and property crimes also reflects Thornbury's character as a mixed-use area with a combination of residential and commercial zones, where retail presence and community activities likely influence crime patterns. While the data highlights the need for continued vigilance in addressing spikes in certain categories, the overall picture reinforces Thornbury's position as a safer-than-average location within South Gloucestershire.

July saw notable decreases in public order offences (-42.9%) and other theft (-66.7%), reflecting a shift in crime mix toward property-related incidents. While violent crime remained the most common category (43.8% of total), its rate of 1.5 per 1,000 was 46% below the UK average, suggesting strong local deterrents. Conversely, criminal damage and arson surged by 125% compared to June, with nine incidents reported in July. This spike aligns with seasonal factors, as summer festivals and outdoor events may increase opportunities for such crimes. Shoplifting and drugs-related offences both doubled from June, though they remain well below UK averages (83% and 55% below, respectively). These increases, while concerning, are offset by the continued decline in anti-social behaviour, which fell to 0.6 per 1,000 — 58% below the national figure. Residents may find the 83% reduction in shoplifting particularly reassuring, even as the category's absolute numbers rose to two incidents.

Thornbury's crime rate in July 2023 rose slightly by 2.1% compared to the previous month, moving from 3.4 to 3.5 per 1,000 residents. This small increase sits within a broader context of continued safety relative to the UK average, which remains 57.8% higher. Locally, the monthly figure translates to roughly 2 reported crimes per day, a manageable frequency for a built-up area of 13,915 residents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 290 residents, a statistic that underscores the relatively low exposure to crime in Thornbury compared to national benchmarks. When contextualised against the area's population, the crime rate highlights the effectiveness of local policing and community engagement, even as minor fluctuations occur. This monthly exposure figure, while low, serves as a reminder that vigilance remains important, particularly during periods of increased foot traffic and seasonal events.