A shocking new map has revealed the Somerset town centres most plagued by rowdy drunks, threatening thugs, and fist fights. The data, which encompasses over 400,000 reports of public order offences nationwide, sheds light on the concerning prevalence of fear, alarm, and distress in these communities.
Public order offences encompass a range of behaviors, including violent disorder, affray, threatening or drunk and disorderly behaviour, and offences related to stirring up hatred. Notably, the Avon and Somerset police force area saw Bristol’s City Centre & Harbourside district record the highest number of public order crimes at 739, equating to one crime every 11 hours. Moreover, outside of Bristol, Weston Town in North Somerset had the highest number of offences causing fear, alarm, or distress at 407.
The troubling trend continued in other Somerset towns, with Bridgwater Town in Sedgemoor, Central Bath & Lansdown, and Yeovil Town also reporting significant numbers of public order offences. Even outside the city and town centres, areas such as Weston Bournville suffered from high numbers of public order crimes, totaling 174.
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These offences often involve the threat of violence, abuse, or harassment and are governed by the Public Order Act 1986. The Act defines them as acts that disrupt the peace and order of society, encompassing acts of violence, rioting, violent disorder, affray, and other forms of threatening, abusing, or harassing behavior.
The statistics, detailed for over 7,000 neighborhoods in England and Wales, provide valuable insights into the prevalence of public order offences. Notably, the figures exclude crimes reported at train stations, which are recorded separately by the British Transport Police.
You can assess the prevalence of public order offences in your area using the interactive map provided.