Crime statistics play a crucial role in people’s decisions about where to live, work, or retire. The crime rate of a region often reflects its overall safety and can indicate future trends. This information is valuable for individuals planning to move, start a business, or invest in property.
In this blog post, we’ll examine the crime landscape in England’s South West region. Our goal is to provide a clear, factual overview of crime rates and patterns in this area. We’ll highlight key statistics and facts about various types of crimes, giving you the information you need to make informed choices about the safety of your home or business in South West England.
This overview will cover recent crime data, trends, and notable patterns across different counties and cities in the South West. We aim to present this information objectively, allowing you to draw your own conclusions about the safety and security of different areas within the region.
Blog Outline
ToggleData Sources for Crime Statistics
Our analysis of crime in the South West relies on data from local policing reports and independent analysis firm Brighton Analytics. We present this information as a ratio of crimes per 1000 people, allowing for fair comparisons between areas of different sizes and populations.
This blog post examines major towns and cities in South West England, focusing on the most common types of crimes in each area.
Crime in the South West: An Overview
The South West of England, known for its stunning landscapes and rich heritage, attracts numerous tourists annually. The region boasts an extensive coastline with beautiful beaches and gentle tides, perfect for surfing enthusiasts.
Inland, the area is home to historical landmarks like Stonehenge and the historic cities of Bath and Bristol. The local economy thrives on a mix of boutique shops and established businesses, offering everything from Cornish pastries to Cheddar cheese from its namesake village.
Despite its popularity, the South West maintains one of the lowest overall crime rates of any major UK region, at 74.8 crimes per 1000 people.
However, certain crime statistics are worth noting:
- Violent crime is the most prevalent issue, with 116,495 incidents reported in the last year, accounting for nearly 40% of total crime.
- Theft (82,720 incidents) and public order offences (35,611 incidents) are also significant concerns, highlighting the need for effective security measures in the region.
It’s important to note that these figures represent regional averages. Individual cities and towns may have higher or lower crime rates. The following sections will examine key locations in detail, comparing their crime rates to the overall regional average.
Read Also: Top 25 Most Dangerous Areas In England And Wales (2024 Updated)
Barnstaple: A Market Town with Security Concerns
Overall Crime Rate: 84.9 Crimes Per 1000 People
Barnstaple, a historic market town in Devon, boasts a Victorian-era market hall that continues to draw large crowds weekly. However, the town faces security challenges with its crime rate of 84.9 per 1000 residents.
Key crime statistics for Barnstaple include:
- Violent crime: 977 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 621 offences
- Criminal damage: 260 offences
These figures highlight the need for enhanced security measures in the town.
Bath: Historic Beauty with Below-Average Crime Rates
Overall Crime Rate: 71.9 Crimes Per 1000 People
Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Somerset’s crown jewel, offers architectural splendor, shopping opportunities, and natural beauty. Its crime rate of 71.9 per 1000 residents falls below the regional average, making it a relatively safer option.
However, Bath still grapples with:
- Violent crime: 2,839 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 1,464 offences
These numbers warrant attention despite the overall lower crime rate.
Bournemouth: Seaside Resort Facing Security Issues
Overall Crime Rate: 90.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
Bournemouth, a popular coastal destination in Dorset, attracts numerous visitors but struggles with a higher crime rate of 90.6 per 1000 residents.
Significant crime statistics for Bournemouth include:
- Violent crime: 7,492 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 6,371 incidents
- Vehicle crime: 2,087 incidents
- Bicycle theft: 452 incidents (over twice the regional average)
These figures indicate substantial security challenges for the seaside town.
Bridgwater: Ancient Town with High Crime Rates
Overall Crime Rate: 130.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
Bridgwater, an old Somerset town known for its Guy Fawkes Carnival, has one of the region’s highest crime rates at 130.8 per 1000 residents.
Notable crime statistics for Bridgwater are:
- Violent crime: 2,358 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 1,058 incidents
- Public order offences: 779 incidents
- Bicycle theft: 104 incidents (triple the regional average)
These numbers underscore the significant security concerns in Bridgwater.
Bristol: A City of Contrasts
Overall Crime Rate: 97.7 Crimes Per 1000 People
Bristol, a city rich in heritage and a major attraction in Gloucestershire, serves as a central hub for both the county and the country. Known for its television studios and vibrant nightlife, the city offers numerous attractions. However, these positives are somewhat offset by a high crime rate of 97.7 crimes per 1000 residents.
Significant crime categories include:
- Violent crime: 21,477 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 9,850 offences
- Criminal damage: 5,551 offences
These figures underscore the need for robust security measures in Bristol.
Cheltenham: Culture and Crime
Overall Crime Rate: 97.9 Crimes Per 1000 People
Cheltenham, famous for its horse racing event, offers a wide array of cultural festivals ranging from literature to classical music. Despite its cultural richness, the town faces a high crime rate of 97.9 crimes per 1000 residents.
Notable crime statistics include:
- Violent crime: 4,805 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 2,271 incidents
- Shoplifting: 888 incidents (nearly double the Gloucestershire average)
Chippenham: Market Town with Moderate Crime
Overall Crime Rate: 64.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
Chippenham, one of Wiltshire’s prominent market towns, attracts shoppers and sightseers with its biweekly street markets and charming streets. The town boasts a relatively low crime rate of 64.8 crimes per 1000 residents.
However, certain crime categories remain concerning:
- Antisocial behaviour: 1,070 offences
- Violent crime: 1,043 offences
Both these figures exceed the countywide average.
Christchurch: Quiet Town with Low Crime
Overall Crime Rate: 44.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
Christchurch, a tranquil town in southern Devon, offers a peaceful lifestyle along the English Channel. It boasts one of the lower crime rates nationwide at 44.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
Despite the low overall rate, certain crime categories require attention:
- Violent crime: 944 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 758 incidents
- Criminal damage: 326 incidents
Cornwall: Natural Beauty and Low Crime
Overall Crime Rate: 40 Crimes Per 1000 People
Cornwall, known for its stunning natural beauty, boasts the lowest crime rate countrywide at just 40 crimes per 1000 residents. This factor, combined with its scenic landscapes, makes it attractive to both homeowners and businesses.
However, some crime categories still show significant numbers:
- Violent crime: 11,398 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 7,291 offences
- Criminal damage: 3,333 offences
This data provides a snapshot of crime patterns across key locations in South West England, highlighting both areas of concern and relative safety.
Exeter Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 60.9 Crimes Per 1000 People
Exeter, a cathedral city in Devonshire, is known for its educational and cultural significance. The city boasts a relatively low crime rate of 60.9 crimes per 1000 residents. However, certain areas of concern remain:
- Violent crime: 3,512 incidents
- Antisocial behavior: 2,262 incidents
- Criminal damage: 765 incidents
Exmouth Crime Overview
Overall Crime Rate: 41.9 Crimes Per 1000 People
Exmouth, a harbor town on the River Exe, maintains a low crime rate of 41.9 crimes per 1000 residents despite being one of Devon’s most populous towns. Key crime statistics include:
- Violent crime: 834 offenses
- Antisocial behavior: 528 offenses
- Criminal damage: 144 offenses
Filton Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 91 Crimes Per 1000 People
Filton, a town near Bristol with both historical and modern elements, faces a higher crime rate of 91 crimes per 1000 residents. Notable crime figures include:
- Violent crime: 384 incidents
- Antisocial behavior: 183 incidents
- Bicycle theft: 51 incidents (over three times the county average)
Gloucester Crime Data
Overall Crime Rate: 118.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
Gloucester, a major cathedral city, faces a concerning crime rate of 118.5 crimes per 1000 residents. Significant crime statistics include:
- Violent crime: 8,771 incidents
- Antisocial behavior: 2,942 incidents
- Public order offenses: 2,454 incidents
Poole Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 61.7 Crimes Per 1000 People
Poole, a port town in Dorset, maintains a stable crime rate of 61.7 crimes per 1000 residents. Key crime figures include:
- Violent crime: 3,996 offenses
- Antisocial behavior: 4,091 offenses
- Criminal damage: 1,231 offenses
- Shoplifting: 817 offenses (30% higher than the county average)
Plymouth Crime Overview
Overall Crime Rate: 64.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
Plymouth, known for its naval base and university, has a crime rate of 64.4 crimes per 1000 residents. Notable crime statistics include:
- Violent crime: 8,841 incidents
- Antisocial behavior: 4,774 incidents
- Criminal damage: 1,950 incidents
Salisbury Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 89.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
Salisbury, a cathedral city in Wiltshire, faces a higher crime rate of 89.4 crimes per 1000 residents. Key crime figures include:
- Violent crime: 1,485 offenses
- Antisocial behavior: 1,112 offenses
- Criminal damage: 472 offenses
This overview provides insight into crime rates across various cities and towns in South West England. While some areas maintain lower crime rates, others face more significant challenges, highlighting the importance of effective security measures throughout the region.
Stroud: Crime Statistics and Facts
Overall Crime Rate: 129.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
Stroud, a market town at the base of the Cotswold Hills, is known for its popular farmer’s market. However, the town faces significant crime issues, with a rate of 129.6 crimes per 1000 residents.
Key concerns include:
- Violent crime: 859 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 345 incidents
- Public order offences: 292 incidents
- Drug crime: 45 incidents (over double the county average)
Swindon: Key Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 76.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
Swindon, a town with strong cultural and sporting roots, has a crime rate of 76.2 crimes per 1000 residents. Notable crime statistics include:
- Violent crime: 6,559 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 4,283 offences
- Criminal damage: 1,454 offences
Taunton: Crime Statistics Overview
Overall Crime Rate: 112.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
Taunton, known for its historic architecture and religious sites, faces a high crime rate of 112.5 crimes per 1000 residents. Key issues include:
- Violent crime: 2,785 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 1,262 incidents
- Bicycle theft: 286 incidents (three times higher than the county average)
Torquay: Crime Statistics Explained
Overall Crime Rate: 89.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
Torquay, nicknamed the English Riviera, has a crime rate of 89.8 crimes per 1000 residents. Prevalent crimes include:
- Violent crime: 2,167 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 1,322 offences
- Criminal damage: 634 offences
Trowbridge: Crime Statistics and Facts
Overall Crime Rate: 86.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
Trowbridge, a historic market town in Wiltshire, faces a substantial crime rate of 86.1 crimes per 1000 residents. Main issues include:
- Violent crime: 1,475 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 1,010 incidents
- Criminal damage: 345 incidents
- Shoplifting: 328 incidents (over double the county average)
Weston-Super-Mare: Key Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 91.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
Weston-Super-Mare, a popular seaside destination, has a crime rate of 91.6 crimes per 1000 residents. Primary concerns are:
- Violent crime: 3,823 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 1,631 offences
- Drug crime: 161 offences (80% higher than the county average)
Weymouth: Crime Statistics Explained
Overall Crime Rate: 71.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
Weymouth, a seaside resort on the Jurassic Coast, has a crime rate of 71.2 crimes per 1000 residents. Key statistics include:
- Violent crime: 1,987 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 1,913 incidents
- Criminal damage: 527 incidents
Yate: Crime Statistics Overview
Overall Crime Rate: 64.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
Yate, a town near Bath and Bristol, has a crime rate of 64.4 crimes per 1000 residents, which is below the regional average. However, concerns remain:
- Violent crime: 672 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 345 offences
- Robbery: 16 offences (50% higher than the county average)
Yeovil: Key Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 128 Crimes Per 1000 People
Yeovil, known for its military history, faces a high crime rate of 128 crimes per 1000 residents. Main contributors are:
- Violent crime: 1,844 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 1,031 incidents
- Public order offences: 727 incidents