As the overall cost of living steadily creeps northwards, and a changing world still adjusting in the wake of the pandemic, there’s never been a better time to make yourself aware of the crime rates in your area. That’s especially true as the latest figures emerge, and point towards a spike in the crimes symptomatic of a struggling society.
There’s few areas where that’s been more evident than in England’s South West.
While it’s still statistically one of the safest areas to live in the UK, the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show a stagnation in that rate, with several key crime types seeing a slight increase over the comparative safety that South West England has historically seen.
With Churchill’s latest crime statistic exploration, we’ll be delving into the most dangerous areas of the South West, as well as what they might mean for you and the area you choose to live in.
Home to some of England’s most breathtaking vistas and coastlines, the South West is a melting pot of culture. From the sandy shores and quaint coastal routes of Cornwall and Devon, to the hustle and bustle of the major metropolises of Bristol and Plymouth, there’s a seamless blend of walks and ways of life.
However, in spite of that diversity, criminal activity still maintains a prevalent presence across the South West of England. Although it’s classed as one of the safer areas of the country, a crime rate of 69.4 crimes per 1000 residents still highlights just how much work there’s still to do for this idyllic corner of the British Isles.
Delving deeper into that statistic, we find more causes for concern. High figures across violent crime (160,891 offences), theft (115,318 offences) and criminal damage (41,964 offences) all paint a less-than-ideal picture of the area as a whole.
There’s also certain crimes on the rise across the region. Chief among these is a rate of shoplifting (35,335 incidents) which has seen a staggering increase of more than 42% when compared to last year’s figures. Couple that with climbing figures in robbery (3856 incidents, up by 16%) and weapon possession (3878 incidents, up by 13%), and it’s easy to recognise the concerns.
Of course, while the South West as a whole sees substantial issues, that’s not indicative of the area as a whole. We’ve highlighted 25 of the most dangerous areas in the South West, and what they mean for you.
On the outskirts of the sprawling Bristol, and home to a large swathe of the city’s many regular commuters and visitors, Filton’s crime rate of 92.5 crimes per 1000 residents is perhaps a reflection of that close proximity. Violent crime (460 offences), antisocial behaviour (173 offences) and vehicle crimes (116 offences) are all on the rise in the region.
Nestled at the southern reaches of Somerset, on the borders of Devon and Dorset, Chard’s relatively small stature doesn’t preclude it from a rising rate of crime, with a rate of 93.7 crimes per 1000 residents over the last 12 months. That’s predominantly made up of a soaring rate of violent crime (623 incidents), antisocial behaviour (183 incidents) and public order offences (145 incidents).
North Devon’s most prominent market town, and set against the charming backdrop of the River Taw, Barnstaple’s brilliance is overshadowed by a rate of crime that’s belied by the exterior – 94 crimes per 1000 residents. High rates of violent crime (747 offences), antisocial behaviour (593 offences) and criminal damage (248 offences) all make regular headlines.
A rapidly expanding urbanisation at the fringes of Bristol, Keynsham’s expansion has clearly brought with it some of the wrong kind of attention, with a crime rate that’s steadily climbed to 95.3 crimes per 1000 residents. Looking more closely, there’s several points of concern, including high rates of violent crime (663 offences), antisocial behaviour (389 offences) and criminal damage (167 offences).
Among the most ancient market towns across the whole of the UK, Cirencester is no doubt a surprising inclusion in our rankings of the most dangerous areas in the South West. But with a soaring crime rate of 97.3 crimes per 1000 residents that’s 40% higher than the regional average, and climbing numbers across violent crimes (698 offences), antisocial behaviour (338 offences) and theft (178 offences), there’s clear signs of danger.
One of just two destinations in Cornwall to make the list, Truro’s undoubted appeal to holidaymakers and homeowners alike is undercut substantially by a rate of crime that far exceeds the regional average – 97.6 crimes per 1000 residents. Prevalent issues with violent crime (658 incidents), antisocial behaviour (621 incidents) and shoplifting (230 incidents) regularly make the headlines.
A thriving market town nestled in the breast of Wiltshire, Devizes’ rural surroundings and quaint lifestyle belie its surprisingly high crime rate of 98.6 crimes per 1000 residents. However, high rates across violent crime (693 offences), antisocial behaviour (465 offences) and criminal damage (191 offences) mean that Devizes earns an unsavoury place on our rankings of the most dangerous areas of the South West.
A hub of industry turned market town, Bridgwater might be a surprise inclusion towards the bottom of our rankings of the most dangerous areas in the South West. However, with an overall crime rate of 99.4 crimes per 1000 residents, and high numbers in violent crime (2515 offences), antisocial behaviour (1060 offences) and shoplifting (557 offences), it’s easy to see why Bridgwater makes the cut.
Perhaps most known for its close proximity to the iconic Stonehenge (and the lesser-known Woodhenge), Amesbury’s steady stream of tourism makes it a crime hotspot, with an overall rate of 99.4 crimes per 1000 residents. Both violent crime (364 incidents) and antisocial behaviour (253 incidents) are the key concerns, but there’s also been a distinct rise in instances of theft (205 incidents).
Nestled in the crook of the South West, on the heady coastlines of the English Channel, St Austell’s sandy beaches draw in both the right crowds and the wrong kind of attention. Digging deeper into the town’s overarching crime rate of 99.5 crimes per 1000 residents, we find soaring numbers across violent crime (679 offences), antisocial behaviour (468 offences) and shoplifting (235 offences).
Described as a picture-perfect town on the Dorset coast, some might argue that just out of shot is the town’s rising crime rate, which currently sits at a concerning 99.6 crimes per 1000 residents, or just shy of 1 crime for every 10 people. That’s predominantly made up of high numbers in violent crime (671 offences), antisocial behaviour (408 offences) and criminal damage (188 offences).
Billed as a hidden treasure on the Exmoor coast, Minehead’s harbourside attractions only do so much to distract from its rising rate of crime, which currently sits at 100.1 crimes per 1000 residents. High numbers across violent crime (485 incidents), antisocial behaviour (186 incidents) and public order offences (127 incidents) all underscore the issues facing the town’s residents.
Home to many of the UK’s vibrant festivals, from jazz music to cricket, the infamous spa town of Cheltenham plays host to so many interests that it’s perhaps disheartening to see it so highly on this list. However, with its overall crime rate of 103.4 crimes per 1000 residents, and soaring figures across violent crimes (4452 offences), theft (4000 offences) and criminal damage (1057 offences), it’s a warranted inclusion.
Renowned for its infamous abbey at the heart of the town, Tewkesbury’s roots in religion and history have taken a backseat to a rising crime rate, which currently sits at 104.1 crimes per 1000 residents. Digging deeper, we find substantial instances of violent crime (777 incidents), antisocial behaviour (379 incidents) and public order offences (204 incidents).
A quaint Wiltshire town that harbours a beating heart of industry, Melksham’s reputation is one of quiet success. Despite those successes, however, the overall crime rate – 105.9 crimes per 1000 residents – and pressing issues with violent crime (710 incidents), antisocial behaviour (356 incidents) and criminal damage (168 incidents) all offer an unwelcome counterbalance.
Somerset’s county town, and home to multiple areas of natural beauty and preservation, Taunton’s splendid surroundings offer little comfort in the face of its rising rate of crime – 109 crimes per 1000 residents. Violet crime (2594 offences) is the most pressing problem, accounting for 39% of all crimes in the area, along with high figures in antisocial behaviour (876 offences) and shoplifting (783 offences).
While Gloucester’s magnificence speaks for itself through the spires and skyline theatrics of its cathedral and imposing architecture, the undertones aren’t as sparkling, with the city’s crime rate reaching 112.1 crimes per 1000 residents. Beneath that glittering exterior, we find soaring figures across violent crime (7202 incidents), theft (4310 incidents) and public order offences (1909 incidents).
One of the region’s most iconic seaside resorts is perhaps a shock to see so high in the rankings of the most dangerous areas of the South West. But with a crime rate of 114.9 crimes per 1000 residents, and steadily increasing figures across violent crime (2880 offences), antisocial behaviour (1212 offences) and shoplifting (838 offences), there’s clearly work to be done in Weston.
From its roots in royal patronage, to its more modern trappings as a family seaside getaway, the harbour town of Weymouth strikes a sour note with its crime rate, which sits at 110 crimes per 1000 residents. There’s mounting concern for the amount of violent crime (2265 offences) – which accounts for more than 36% of all police incidents – as well as rising figures across both antisocial behaviour (1793 offences) and criminal damage (482 offences).
The South West’s most populous area, and a veritable titan of industry and culture, Bristol’s undeniable appeal is often overshadowed by its rising crime rate of 119.6 crimes per 1000 residents. Major issues have stemmed from soaring figures across many of the top policing concerns, including theft (20,231 incidents), violent crime (18,650 incidents), and public order offences (6680 incidents).
Perhaps a shock inclusion so highly on the rankings of the South West’s most dangerous area, Dorchester, despite its old-worldly charm and architecture, sees substantial issues with crime. With an overall crime rate of 123 crimes per 1000 residents, and concerns surrounding the rates of violent crime (839 offences), antisocial behaviour (576 offences) and criminal damage (229 offences), there’s clearly improvements needed.
Despite previously being named as one of the most desirable areas in the South West, Stroud’s well-manicured exterior masks a startling crime rate of 123.5 crimes per 1000 residents. That’s largely down to soaring numbers in violent crime (1045 incidents) and antisocial behaviour (534 incidents), which together account for over half of all crime in Stroud, as well as rising figures in vehicle crime (383 incidents) and shoplifting (267 incidents).
Perched at the outskirts of the renowned Forest of Dean, and on the banks of the roaring River Severn, Lydney’s relatively sedate pace of life is upset significantly by a worrying rate of crime that sits at 135.1 crimes per 1000 residents. Violent crime (567 incidents), antisocial behaviour (227 incidents), and public order offences (152 incidents) all underscore those criminality concerns.
A premier destination for sunning in Somerset, the appeal of Burnham-on-Sea is undercut substantially by an alarming rate of crime – 137.3 crimes per 1000 residents. Looking more closely, we find startling figures across violent crime (982 offences), antisocial behaviour (330 offences) and shoplifting (259 offences).
Officially the most dangerous place in the South West of England, Bournemouth is also by far and away one of its most popular. From Premier League football to sandy coastlines, it’ll come as a shock to many to learn of the town’s alarming crime rate of 146.6 crimes per 1000 residents. There’s multiple reasons behind that though, with high rates of violent crime (11,735 incidents), theft (11,722 incidents) and criminal damage (3285 incidents) being just 3 of the most pressing problems.
Of course, as worrying as some of those statistics may be for residents across the South West of England, they aren’t representative of the region as a whole.
While some towns and cities have seen substantial issues with crime over the last 12 months, the area as a whole has actually only increased by less than 1% in that period (399,816 offences, compared with 398,322 offences last year). This is usually classified as unchanged in the interests of clarity, but it’s important to note that there’s a swing of 1,494 more offences across those figures.
We saw more noticeable differences across specific offence types, though. The biggest difference is in bicycle theft, which fell by 17% (4973 offences, down from 5883 offences).
There’s been similar reductions across more prevalent issues, too, with drug offences (9753 incidents, down from 10,502 incidents), public order offences (37,963 incidents, down from 43,857 incidents) and criminal damage (41,964 incidents, down from 43,767 incidents) all seeing notable decreases.
There is, however, a very sour note in the offences that have risen. Shoplifting (35,335 offences, up from 24,753 offences) saw a huge climb of 43% as the South West – like much of the UK – grapples with the ongoing cost of living crisis.
That uncomfortable increase was accompanied by similar rises across other crimes that are symptomatic of a struggling society. Theft from the person (3,037 offences, up from 2531 offences), robbery (3856 offences, up from 3312 offences) and weapon possession (3878 offences, up from 3424 offences) all saw sharp upticks over the latest data period.
As you’ll no doubt have seen above, weapon possession is just one of (admittedly) many crimes on the rise across the South West of England. That’s split across crimes involving both knives (2432 offences, up by 16%) and guns (218 offences, up by 8%), with weapon-based offences as a whole rising by more than 12%.
Digging deeper uncovers some sobering truths about knife crime in the South West of England. 862 robberies (around 26% of all those in the South West) involved a knife, while there were 21 homicides that used a knife or sharp object, accounting for 53% of all homicides across the South West.
Here at Churchill Support Services, we strive to be as transparent and thorough as possible in the way we report our crime data. We use the latest batch of Police statistics direct from the source, along with official ONS Census data, to give a true and accurate representation of your area.
We then display this as a ratio of the number of crimes per 1000 people living in that area. This not only allows for a more digestible format for our data, and for you to better understand the most dangerous places in the South West, but it also means we can take into account key variables that can affect criminal behaviour, like population size, density and the area.
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