Yeovil Crime Rate

Yeovil is the largest urban centre in South Somerset and currently has an overall crime rate of 107.8 per 1,000 people. This is higher than both the regional and UK national average (93.1), resulting in a safety score of 75/100. Despite the higher-than-average volume of reports, the crime trend in Yeovil is stable, showing a slight decrease of 1.1% over the last year. As a major employment and retail hub, the town experiences a higher concentration of activity than the surrounding rural areas. Understanding these figures is crucial for residents and visitors to navigate the town safely and implement effective security measures.

Crime Breakdown in Yeovil

Yeovil's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which make up 39.8% of all reported incidents (2,339 crimes). Anti-social behaviour (14.7%) and public order offences (11.9%) are also significant contributors to the local statistics. Property crime in Yeovil, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and theft, occurs at a rate of 31.9 per 1,000 people. While this is slightly below the UK average of 32.9, it remains a primary concern for local residents and business owners. Shoplifting is particularly high, with 670 incidents recorded, reflecting the town's role as a major commercial hub. For homeowners, the 138 burglaries and 131 vehicle crimes reported annually highlight the need for robust residential security measures to protect assets and personal property.

Yeovil Crime Trends

The crime rate in Yeovil has remained stable over the past twelve months, with a marginal 1.1% decrease. Monthly data shows a significant peak in May 2025, reaching 10.4 crimes per 1,000 people, followed by another high in September at 10.0. The lowest activity was recorded in January (7.4), suggesting a seasonal trend where crime increases during the warmer months and early autumn. This stability is positive, but the recurring spikes in spring and late summer indicate that residents should be particularly vigilant during these periods when public activity in the town is at its highest.

How To Keep Safe in Yeovil

As violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Yeovil, personal safety in the town centre and residential areas should be a priority.

1. Use well-lit, populated routes when walking at night, especially after visiting the town’s pubs, clubs, or the cinema.
2. Be vigilant in the main shopping areas where shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are more frequent; keep your personal belongings secure.
3. If you frequently park in public areas, ensure no valuables are left on display to mitigate the risk of vehicle crime.
4. Participate in local Shopwatch or Neighbourhood Watch schemes to stay informed about recent criminal activity in your specific area.
5. Install motion-activated security lighting around your property to eliminate dark spots where intruders could hide.

Yeovil Crime Time Patterns

Crime in Yeovil exhibits distinct temporal shifts. Morning and afternoon periods are heavily influenced by theft-related offences, accounting for over 50% of incidents during daylight hours, likely linked to the town's retail activity. As evening approaches, the profile shifts significantly; 'Other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, become the dominant category, making up 55% of reports. During the night (12am - 6am), while overall volume may be lower, the risk of vehicle crime peaks, accounting for 28% of all incidents in this period. Burglary risks remain relatively consistent across the evening and night hours, suggesting that property security is a 24-hour requirement for Yeovil residents.

Regional Context and Comparisons

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Yeovil has a higher crime rate than the surrounding villages, which is typical for a primary urban hub. Burton (86.0) and Barwick and Stoford (84.0) both report lower crime rates, reflecting their more residential and less commercial nature. Further afield, the village of Odcombe (55.7) is significantly quieter, while Chilthorne Domer reported zero crimes, highlighting the stark contrast between Yeovil's urban environment and the nearby rural settlements. For those considering the region, Yeovil offers the amenities of a large town but requires a more proactive approach to security than its smaller, quieter neighbours.

Proactive Security in Yeovil

With a property crime rate of 31.9 per 1,000, Yeovil residents face a level of risk that necessitates professional-grade security. Many homes rely on DIY cameras that merely record footage of a crime after it has occurred. In contrast, scOS provides proactive protection by using AI to detect and deter threats before they escalate. By monitoring the perimeter of your property, scOS can identify suspicious behaviour and trigger an autonomous response, such as activating high-intensity lighting or audio warnings. This 'pre-emptive strike' approach is designed to make intruders move on within the first 60 seconds of their decision-making process. For Yeovil homeowners, especially those in areas with higher vehicle crime or burglary rates, scOS offers the peace of mind that comes from a system that never blinks and prioritises prevention over simple recording.