Quick Facts:

• Bath’s Crime Rate: 93 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Most Dangerous Areas:
  • Twerton: 167 crimes per 1,000 people.
  • Kingsmead: 142 crime per 1,000 people.
  • Southdown: 127 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Safest Areas:
  • Bathwick: 27 crimes per 1,000 people.
  • Oldfield Park: 32 crimes per 1,000 people.
  • Bathavon North: 40 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Most Common Crimes: Violence and sexual offences, shoplifting, and anti-social behaviour.

Source: CrimeRate

Is Bath Safe?

An overall crime rate of 93 crimes per 1,000 people in 2024 makes Bath the safest major town in Somerset. The city was even ranked as the second safest university town or city in England and Wales by The Complete University Guide in 2023. Not only this, Bath is among the top 20 safest major towns, cities, and villages across England and Wales. These stats make it clear the city is safe to consider to live, study, work, and run a business in.

However, there are still areas in Bath with higher crime rates, which we’ll highlight in today’s article. We’ll also identify the city’s safest areas, and offer practical tips to help businesses and residents remain safe whilst enjoying everything it has to offer.

Is Bath A Safe Place to Live?

Compared to the UK’s major cities, Bath has one of the lowest crime rates. However, data shows a gradual increase in reported incidents over the past four years. In 2021, the crime rate stood at 66 crimes per 1,000 people, rising to 93 crimes per 1,000 people by 2024.

This upward trend suggest that while Bath remains a relatively safe place to live, it’s still important for residents and visitors to stay aware and take safety precautions.

What Are the Safest Areas in Bath?

In 2024, the safest areas in Bath were:

• Bathwick: 27 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Oldfield Park: 32 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Bathavon North: 40 crimes per 1,000 people.

In all three areas, residents enjoy low crime rates and a high quality of life, while businesses thrive thanks to a stable, supportive environment. Whether you’re raising a family or launching your next venture, Bathwick, Oldfield Park, and Bathavon North offer a secure and welcoming place to call home.

What Are the Most Dangerous Areas in Bath?

Bath’s most dangerous areas in 2024 were:

• Twerton: 167 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Kingsmead: 142 crimes per 1,000 people.
• Southdown: 127 crimes per 1,000 people.

These areas consistently report higher crime rates compared to the rest of the city, particularly in categories such as violent crime, anti-social behaviour, and theft. While many people live and work in these communities and benefit from affordable housing and strong local ties, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, take sensible precautions, and invest in good security—especially for local businesses. Despite the crime statistics, these areas also have active community groups and regeneration efforts aimed at improving safety and quality of life.

What Are the Most Common Crimes in Bath?

According to CrimeRate, the top 5 most common crimes in Bath in 2024 were:

• Violence and sexual crimes: 3,575 incidents (36 crimes per 1,000 people)
• Shoplifting: 1,588 incidents (16 crimes per 1,000 people)
• Anti-social behaviour: 1,554 incidents (15 crimes per 1,000 people)
• Public order: 1,040 incidents (10 crimes per 1,000 people)
• Other theft: 689 incidents (7 crimes per 1,000 people)

These figures highlight the need for continued focus on community safety, particularly in busy retail and residential areas.

Is Crime in Bath Increasing?

Crime in Bath has been increasing since 2021:

• 2021: 66 crimes per 1,000 people
• 2022: 78 crimes per 1,000 people
• 2023: 75 crimes per 1,000 people
• 2024: 93 crimes per 1,000 people

After a slight dip in 2023, the rate increased significantly in 2024, reaching 93 crimes per 1,000 people, up from 66 crimes per 1,000 people in 2021. This upward trend highlight growing safety concerns across the city.

How to Stay Safe in Bath

Since crime is on the rise in Bath, we’re sharing some practical steps residents and businesses can take to enhance safety:

Tips for Residents:

• Secure Your Home: Ensure your property is well-lit and deter intruders by installing high quality locks on doors and windows.
• Invest in Security Technology: Protect your home by installing CCTV, alarm systems, and motion-sensor lights to help deter burglars.
• Protect Your Belongings: Whether at home or in public, minimise risk of theft by securing valuables and keeping them out of sight.

Tips for Businesses:

• Manned Guarding: Create secure and welcoming environment with fully licensed security guards stationed at your business premises.
• CCTV Monitoring Services: Consider 24/7 professional surveillance and real-time monitoring of your business premises to detect and respond to suspicious activity, and for added peace of mind.
• Keyholding and Alarm Response: These offer swift intervention of alarm activations on your business premises, ensuring continuous safety for employees, customers, and visitors.

Conclusion: Is Bath Safe?

Bath is considered one of the top 20 safest major towns in England, Wales, and Norther Ireland. However, as we’ve discussed throughout this article, the city’s crime rate has steadily increased since 2021. This highlights a need to maintain safety and community well-being across the city. Whether you’re residing, running a business, or just visiting Bath, we recommend taking security precautions so you can make the most of what the city has to offer.

Has this article peaked an interest in learning more about our nationwide security guarding services? Explore your options on our services page. Region Security Guarding offer construction security, warehouse security, and retail security across Bath and Somerset.

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