As living costs continue to rise, being aware of local crime rates is more crucial than ever, particularly in the post-pandemic world where societal stresses are reflected in regional safety statistics. This reality is becoming starkly apparent in the South West of England.
Traditionally known for its relative safety, recent data from the Office for National Statistics reveals a troubling trend in the South West: certain crimes have begun to increase. This shift suggests a halt in the long-standing decline in regional crime rates, prompting a closer look at the areas most affected.
In our latest analysis of crime data, we focus on the South West’s most perilous locales. Our goal is to provide insights that could influence your decision on where to reside, highlighting regions where safety may be more of a concern.
South West Crime Overview
Home to some of England’s most stunning landscapes and cultural diversity, the South West region combines the serene beauty of Cornwall and Devon’s coastlines with the dynamic urban life of cities like Bristol and Plymouth. Despite its reputation as one of the safer regions in England, the South West still faces significant crime challenges, with a crime rate of 69.4 incidents per 1,000 residents indicating ongoing security concerns.
The data reveals troubling trends, particularly in violent crime, with 160,891 recorded incidents, theft at 115,318 incidents, and criminal damage with 41,964 cases. These high numbers suggest that despite the area’s tranquil appearance, there are underlying issues that need addressing.
Adding to the complexity are the increasing rates of specific crimes. Shoplifting, for example, has surged by more than 42%, with 35,335 incidents noted. Furthermore, robberies have risen by 16% to 3,856 cases, and incidents involving weapon possession have grown by 13% to 3,878. These statistics underscore the growing concerns in the region and highlight the need for vigilance and proactive measures.
The 25 Most Dangerous Areas in the South West – An Overview
While the South West generally enjoys a reputation for safety, this isn’t true across all its locales. This analysis highlights 25 areas in the South West where crime rates are notably higher, impacting residents’ lives and choices.
25. Filton
Overall Crime Rate: 92.5 Crimes per 1,000 People
Situated on the outskirts of bustling Bristol, Filton serves as a hub for many who commute to and visit the city. The area’s crime rate stands at 92.5 per 1,000 people, driven by significant numbers in violent crime (460 offences), antisocial behavior (173 offences), and vehicle crimes (116 offences).
24. Chard
Overall Crime Rate: 93.7 Crimes per 1,000 People
Located at the southern tip of Somerset, bordering Devon and Dorset, Chard may be small, but it faces a rising tide of crime, at 93.7 crimes per 1,000 people. Violent crime (623 incidents), antisocial behavior (183 incidents), and public order offences (145 incidents) are particularly prevalent.
23. Barnstaple
Overall Crime Rate: 94 Crimes per 1,000 People
Barnstaple, North Devon’s prominent market town by the River Taw, has a crime rate of 94 per 1,000 residents. Despite its picturesque setting, the town is grappling with high instances of violent crime (747 offences), antisocial behavior (593 offences), and criminal damage (248 offences).
22. Keynsham
Overall Crime Rate: 95.3 Crimes per 1,000 People
As Keynsham expands at Bristol’s edges, its crime rate has climbed to 95.3 per 1,000 people. The area is seeing increasing concerns over violent crime (663 offences), antisocial behavior (389 offences), and criminal damage (167 offences).
21. Cirencester
Overall Crime Rate: 97.3 Crimes per 1,000 People
Cirencester, one of the UK’s most ancient market towns, experiences a crime rate 40% above the regional average at 97.3 per 1,000 residents. The town is witnessing rising figures in violent crimes (698 offences), antisocial behavior (338 offences), and theft (178 offences).
20. Truro
Overall Crime Rate: 97.6 Crimes per 1,000 People
Truro, a favorite among both tourists and residents in Cornwall, reports a crime rate of 97.6 per 1,000 people, much higher than the regional norm. The city faces frequent issues with violent crime (658 incidents), antisocial behavior (621 incidents), and shoplifting (230 incidents).
19. Devizes
Crime Rate: 98.6 per 1000 Residents
Despite its charm as a thriving market town in Wiltshire, Devizes presents a stark contrast with a crime rate of 98.6 per 1000 people. The town faces significant issues with violent crime, antisocial behavior, and criminal damage, placing it on our list of areas with heightened security concerns.
18. Bridgwater
Crime Rate: 99.4 per 1000 Residents
Known for its transition from an industrial hub to a market town, Bridgwater records a crime rate of 99.4 per 1000 people. Predominant issues include violent crime, antisocial behavior, and shoplifting, justifying its inclusion in this list.
17. Amesbury
Crime Rate: 99.4 per 1000 Residents
Close to Stonehenge, Amesbury attracts tourists but also unwanted criminal activity, with a crime rate of 99.4 per 1000 people. The main concerns are violent crime, antisocial behavior, and theft, influenced perhaps by the area’s tourism.
16. St Austell
Crime Rate: 99.5 per 1000 Residents
St Austell is situated on the English Channel and is known for its beautiful beaches, which unfortunately also attract crime, leading to a rate of 99.5 per 1000 residents. High incidents of violent crime, antisocial behavior, and shoplifting are prevalent.
15. Bridport
Crime Rate: 99.6 per 1000 Residents
This coastal town in Dorset sees nearly 1 crime for every 10 residents, with primary concerns around violent crime, antisocial behavior, and criminal damage. The picturesque setting of Bridport does little to mitigate these concerns.
14. Minehead
Crime Rate: 100.1 per 1000 Residents
Although Minehead is a lesser-known gem on the Exmoor coast, it has a troubling crime rate of 100.1 per 1000 people. The main issues include violent crime, antisocial behavior, and public order offences, overshadowing its coastal charm.
13. Cheltenham
Overall Crime Rate: 103.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
Cheltenham, known for its cultural festivals and historic spa, ranks surprisingly high for crime. It sees a notable number of violent crimes and thefts, positioning it as a significant area of concern despite its vibrant community life.
12. Tewkesbury
Overall Crime Rate: 104.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
In Tewkesbury, where history and heritage are prominent, crime rates have unfortunately risen. With notable increases in violent crime and antisocial behavior, the town’s serene image is marred by these worrying statistics.
11. Melksham
Overall Crime Rate: 105.9 Crimes Per 1000 People
Melksham’s industrial vigor contrasts with its rising crime figures. Violent crime and antisocial behavior overshadow this otherwise peaceful town’s successes, presenting a stark reality of the challenges it faces.
10. Taunton
Overall Crime Rate: 109 Crimes Per 1000 People
As Somerset’s county town, Taunton is enveloped by natural beauty but plagued by crime, particularly violent crime and shoplifting, which disrupts its tranquil community atmosphere.
9. Gloucester
Overall Crime Rate: 112.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
Gloucester’s rich history and architectural grandeur are undercut by high crime rates, especially in violent crime and theft, challenging the city’s otherwise prestigious character.
8. Weston-super-Mare
Overall Crime Rate: 114.9 Crimes Per 1000 People
This iconic seaside resort faces significant safety issues, with a high incidence of violent crime and antisocial behavior, diverging from its popular, family-friendly image.
7. Weymouth
Overall Crime Rate: 115.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
Weymouth, known for its historic charm and tourist appeal, struggles with an escalating crime rate, particularly violent crime, which comprises a large portion of its total police incidents.
6. Bristol
Overall Crime Rate: 119.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
Bristol, a hub of commerce and culture in the South West, contends with a high crime rate. The city’s vibrant lifestyle is shadowed by significant concerns over theft and public order offences.
5. Dorchester
Overall Crime Rate: 123 Crimes Per 1000 People
Despite its picturesque setting and historical architecture, Dorchester ranks surprisingly high on the list of the most dangerous areas in the South West. The town records a crime rate of 123 per 1000 people. Violent crimes stand out with 839 reported incidents, followed by antisocial behavior with 576 and criminal damage with 229 incidents, signaling a need for targeted crime reduction strategies.
4. Stroud
Overall Crime Rate: 123.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
Stroud, often celebrated for its desirable living conditions, hides an unsettling reality behind its scenic views with a crime rate of 123.5 per 1000 people. The area sees high numbers of violent crime at 1045 incidents and antisocial behavior at 534 incidents, which together form the bulk of the criminal activity. Additionally, vehicle crime and shoplifting are also concerns with 383 and 267 incidents respectively.
3. Lydney
Overall Crime Rate: 135.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
Located near the serene Forest of Dean and alongside the River Severn, Lydney experiences a crime rate of 135.1 per 1000 people. The town deals with significant incidents of violent crime, recorded at 567 incidents, along with antisocial behavior at 227 and public order offenses at 152, disrupting its otherwise peaceful community.
2. Burnham-on-Sea
Overall Crime Rate: 137.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
Known for its beaches and as a tourist hotspot in Somerset, Burnham-on-Sea faces a higher than expected crime rate of 137.3 per 1000 residents. The statistics reveal troubling figures in violent crime with 982 incidents, antisocial behavior at 330 incidents, and a notable amount of shoplifting cases at 259.
1. Bournemouth
Overall Crime Rate: 146.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
Bournemouth, a major tourist destination known for its Premier League football team and beautiful beaches, tops the list with the highest crime rate in the South West at 146.6 per 1000 people. The city grapples with significant challenges in violent crime, recording 11,735 incidents, theft at 11,722 incidents, and criminal damage with 3285 incidents, highlighting critical areas for law enforcement focus.
South West England’s Crime Trends
South West England, often known for its lower crime rates, has witnessed only a marginal increase in crime in the last year, with reported offences slightly up by 1,494 incidents. Despite this small overall rise, certain crime types have shown significant shifts.
For instance, bicycle thefts have notably decreased by 17%, marking a drop from 5,883 to 4,973 incidents. Other declines include reductions in drug-related offences, public order violations, and criminal damage, which have all fallen, reflecting a trend towards fewer such incidents.
However, not all news is positive. There has been a marked increase in shoplifting, with incidents surging by 43%. This rise is mirrored by increases in theft from the person, robbery, and weapon possession, which are particularly concerning amid the current economic pressures.
Knife and Gun Crime in the South West
The South West has also experienced a rise in more severe crimes involving weapons. Reports show a 16% increase in knife-related offences and an 8% rise in gun-related incidents.
Analysis reveals that knives were used in 862 robberies, representing about 26% of all robberies in the region. Additionally, 21 homicides involved a sharp object, making up more than half of all homicides in the South West.
Our Crime Statistics Methodology
Our approach to reporting crime data aims for clarity and precision. We source the latest police statistics and ONS Census data to accurately reflect crime trends in your area.
Data is presented as the number of crimes per 1,000 residents, allowing for a clear comparison that accounts for variables such as population size and density. This method provides a detailed view of crime rates, aiding in understanding which areas are most affected by various types of crime.