Burton (South Somerset) Crime Rate

Burton (South Somerset) Crime Overview

Burton (South Somerset) has an overall crime rate of 86.0 per 1,000 people, which is slightly lower than the UK average of 93.1. This results in a safety score of 81/100, indicating that the area is safer than 81% of the country. However, residents should note that the crime rate has increased significantly, rising by 51.1% year-over-year. The property crime rate of 35.6 per 1,000 people is also slightly above the national average of 32.9. These figures suggest that while Burton remains safer than many urban areas in the UK, it is currently experiencing a period of increased criminal activity that warrants attention.

Crime Breakdown in Burton (South Somerset)

In Burton, the most frequently reported crime is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 34.6% of all incidents with 46 recorded cases. Other theft is also highly prevalent, representing 17.3% of the total, followed by public order offences at 12.8%. Shoplifting also makes a significant impact, contributing 9.8% to the local crime volume.

The property crime rate in Burton is 35.6 per 1,000 people, which is slightly above the UK national average of 32.9. This is driven largely by the high volume of "other theft" and shoplifting cases. Interestingly, burglary rates are quite low, representing only 1.5% of total crime (2 incidents), and vehicle crime is also relatively infrequent at 2.3%. For residents, this suggests that while residential break-ins are rare, opportunistic theft and public order issues are the more common challenges facing the community.

Burton (South Somerset) Crime Trends

The most significant trend for Burton is the 51.1% increase in total crime over the last year. Monthly data from 2025 shows high volatility, with the crime rate jumping from a low of 2.6 per 1,000 in January and July to peaks of 11.0 in March and 11.6 in May and September.

The year ended with consistently high figures, recording 11.6 in September and 9.1 in October. This sustained increase suggests that the rise in crime is not merely a seasonal spike but a more persistent trend. For the community, this highlights the importance of increased vigilance and the adoption of more robust security measures to counter the growing frequency of local offences.

How To Keep Safe in Burton (South Somerset)

The most common crime type in Burton is violence and sexual offences. Personal safety and community awareness are key to maintaining a secure environment.

1. Stay Aware in Public: When walking through the village, especially at night, stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit, populated routes.
2. Secure Valuables: With "other theft" being a major contributor to local crime, ensure that personal items, garden tools, and bicycles are always secured and out of sight.
3. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: Reporting ASB and public order offences helps local authorities understand where to focus their resources.
4. Community Watch: Engaging with a local neighbourhood watch or community group can help keep you informed about recent incidents and safety tips.
5. Install Motion Lighting: Using motion-activated lights around your property can deter opportunistic thieves and improve general safety around your home at night.

Crime Timing and Patterns in Burton

Crime in Burton is heavily concentrated during daylight hours, particularly regarding theft. In the morning, theft accounts for 70% of all reported crimes, rising even further to 75% in the afternoon. This suggests that the majority of criminal activity in the village is opportunistic and occurs when people are active or away from their homes during the day.

As the day turns to night, the pattern shifts. While theft drops to 25% of incidents between 12am and 6am, vehicle crime spikes to 25% during this same period (up from just 2% in the afternoon). Burglary also reaches its highest proportion at night, accounting for 10% of offences. For residents, this data highlights two distinct risks: opportunistic theft during the day and a heightened risk to vehicles and property intrusion during the quietest hours of the night.

Local Context and Comparisons

Burton sits in a varied crime landscape within South Somerset. It is safer than the nearby major hub of Yeovil, which has a higher crime rate of 107.9 per 1,000 people. It is also comparable to Barwick and Stoford (84.0). However, it has a much higher crime frequency than the quiet surrounding villages of West Coker and Hardington Mandeville, both of which reported 0.0 crimes. This highlights Burton as an area of relatively high activity compared to its most rural neighbours, though it remains a safer alternative to the region's larger towns.

Proactive Security in Burton

With a property crime rate of 35.6 per 1,000 people and a 51.1% increase in overall crime, Burton residents are facing a changing security environment. Traditional security methods, like basic CCTV, are often reactive—they show you what happened after the damage is done. In an area where opportunistic theft is the leading property crime, proactive protection is a much more effective strategy.

The scOS operating system offers this by using AI to detect threats at your property boundary. Rather than just recording a theft, scOS can identify suspicious activity in real-time and intervene autonomously with lights and audible warnings. Its multi-camera intelligence means it monitors every angle simultaneously, never missing a detail. For Burton homeowners, this professional-grade deterrence is vital. It signals to potential offenders that your home is actively protected, often causing them to move on within 60 seconds of arriving. In an area seeing a rise in theft, scOS provides the prevention that traditional systems lack.