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?

For anyone asking, “Is Bath safe to live in?” the answer is largely positive. 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.

These crime statistics and rankings provide reassurance about public safety in Bath, making it a desirable location to live, study, and work. However, understanding the crime levels in Bath and which neighbourhoods are safer can help residents and visitors make informed decisions.

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 is safe to live in, it’s still important for residents and visitors to stay aware and take safety precautions.

What Are the Safest Areas in Bath?

If you’re concerned about safety in Bath, focusing on low crime neighbourhoods is wise. The safest areas in 2024 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 looking for a safe residential area or a secure place for your business, these parts of Bath are among the best choices.

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.

Many people live and work in these communities and benefit from affordable housing and strong local ties. However, it’s still 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 remains one of the safest major towns in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, making it a desirable place to live, work, and visit. However, the increase in crime rates since 2021 signals the need for vigilance and safety precautions.

Whether you are a resident, business owner, or visitor, taking proactive security steps will help you enjoy all that Bath has to offer without worry.

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