South Petherton Crime Rate

South Petherton is an urban settlement with a crime rate of 87.9 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK national average of 93.1. This performance earns the area a safety score of 77/100, indicating it is safer than the national average of 78. However, the area is currently experiencing an upward trend, with crime increasing by 26.9% year-over-year. This rise has been particularly driven by a spike in reports during the summer months. While the village remains a popular and generally secure place to live, the increasing crime rate suggests that residents should be more proactive about their personal and property security. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of crime in South Petherton.

In South Petherton, the crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 49.5% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour (15.8%) and public order offences (10.9%) are also significant contributors to the local statistics. Property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft, shoplifting, and vehicle crime, occurs at a rate of 18.2 per 1,000 residents. Burglary itself makes up 6.0% of the total crime. For residents, this data suggests that while the headline figure for violence is high, much of it may be contained within specific social contexts. However, the property crime rate indicates a persistent level of opportunistic theft and burglary that homeowners should address through visible security measures, particularly as these crimes show distinct peaks during the night.

The crime trend in South Petherton is currently increasing, with a 26.9% rise in reported incidents over the last year. Monthly analysis shows that crime was relatively low and stable in early 2025, but began to rise sharply in the summer. August was the peak month, recording 13.4 crimes per 1,000 residents, followed by 11.0 in September. Although October saw a slight reduction to 9.1, the overall levels remain much higher than at the start of the year. This upward trend suggests a period of increased activity that warrants greater community awareness and proactive security.

How To Keep Safe in South Petherton

The most common crime in South Petherton is violence and sexual offences, which often includes public order and anti-social behaviour incidents. To stay safe, residents should prioritise awareness in public areas, especially during the evening. Secondly, as burglary risk is high in both the afternoon (41%) and night (40%), ensure your home appears occupied when you are out during the day and that all entry points are securely locked overnight. Using timer switches for lights is a simple but effective deterrent. Thirdly, keep high-value items like electronics and car keys away from windows and doors where they might be easily seen. Finally, stay connected with local neighbourhood watch groups to keep informed about any unusual activity. These proactive steps, combined with the village's generally safe environment, will help you maintain your security.

South Petherton's crime timings show that the afternoon and night are the most critical periods for property crime. Burglary accounts for a high 41% of incidents in the afternoon and 40% during the night-time hours (12am - 6am). This suggests that criminals are targeting homes both when residents are out at work and when they are asleep. In the evening, the crime profile shifts significantly towards 'Other' categories, including anti-social behaviour and public order, which make up 61% of reports. This evening spike in social-related crime contrasts with the more property-focused risks of the day and night. Morning hours see a more balanced mix of offences but with a notable 27% burglary rate.

Compared to nearby areas, South Petherton has a mixed safety profile. It is safer than Norton sub Hamdon, which has a crime rate of 60.3 per 1,000, but it is less secure than Over Stratton, which records 37.3 per 1,000. Very small neighbouring settlements like Shepton Beauchamp and Seavington St Michael report no crime at all. In the broader Somerset context, South Petherton is a safe residential choice, but it does see more activity than the most rural surrounding villages.

With a property crime rate of 18.2 per 1,000 and an increasing trend in overall crime, South Petherton residents should reconsider traditional security. Standard CCTV systems, like Ring or Nest, are reactive; they record footage of a crime while it's happening or after the fact. In South Petherton, where burglary peaks significantly in the afternoon and night, proactive protection is essential. The scOS operating system uses advanced AI to monitor your property's perimeter in real-time. It can distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder, watching all cameras simultaneously without ever blinking. When a genuine threat is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses—such as activating high-intensity lighting or audio warnings—to deter the criminal before they even reach your door. For South Petherton homeowners, this professional-grade AI security offers the best chance of preventing a break-in rather than just documenting it.