A newly released crime map has exposed the most dangerous locations to live in Somerset, spotlighting areas where residents are most vulnerable to criminal activity.
In 2023, over 5.3 million non-fraud crimes were recorded across England and Wales by 43 domestic police forces. Avon and Somerset reported a significant 168,000 crimes last year—an increase of roughly 21,000 compared to 2022, marking a 14% rise. This surge is the second-highest increase among all forces nationally, despite an overall 2% decline in crime rates across England and Wales.
Officials from Avon and Somerset Constabulary attribute this rise partly to improved crime reporting methods and increased public confidence in reporting offenses, which have made it easier for residents to come forward. Crime rates—measured as the number of recorded crimes per 1,000 residents—offer a balanced perspective to compare risk levels across areas with varying populations.
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Data from 2024 shows North Somerset recorded 18,163 crimes, reflecting a 15% increase from the previous year. This translates to 83 crimes per 1,000 residents, or roughly one crime for every 12 people. The broader Somerset community safety partnership area saw 47,403 offenses, a 17% uptick, with a slightly lower crime rate of 82 per 1,000 residents. Bath and North East Somerset experienced a 20% rise, with 15,657 crimes and a rate of 80 offenses per 1,000 residents.
Bristol remains the area with the highest crime risk in Avon and Somerset, with a staggering rate of 132 crimes for every 1,000 residents. This places Bristol ninth highest among over 300 community safety partnership areas in England and Wales—equivalent to one crime for every two people living in the city.
Following Bristol, North Somerset and Somerset rank next with crime rates of 83 and 82 per 1,000 residents, respectively.
According to an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson, “We recognize the critical role accurate data plays in effective policing. Our recent improvements in recording crimes and facilitating public reporting allow us to deploy resources more effectively, tackling the issues impacting our communities and making them safer.”