When you think of Bristol, you might picture colourful houses, bustling harbours, and a lively cultural scene, but behind these, the crime numbers tell a different story.
In 2023, the crime rate in Bristol stood at 118 crimes per 1,000 people, higher than the UK average, with a total of 54,901 reported crimes. This makes Bristol the ninth-most crime-centred city in the UK.
But not all parts of the city have the same risk level: some neighbourhoods stay pretty safe, while others have gotten a bad name for violence, theft, shoplifting, and bad behaviour.
Now, you must be wondering which areas of Bristol are rough or which are the worst to live in. This guide will help you identify the worst areas to avoid in Bristol and provide guidance on how to stay one step ahead.
Bristol Crime Rate: Is Bristol Dangerous?
Bristol crime data reveals an increase in crime volume in Bristol.
The city experienced a noticeable spike in anti-social behaviour and burglary in January 2024, making it one of the most challenging months for the locals in Bristol.
In comparison to other cities in the UK, Bristol’s crime rate is approximately 36% higher than the national average and 80% higher than the regional average for the South West.
These numbers are alarming and emphasise the need for urgent safety and security protocols. Although the entire city is not considered dangerous to live in, there are certain areas in Bristol that carry significantly higher risk scores, and crime in these areas has increased noticeably over the past year, highlighting ongoing safety challenges.
Crime Data: Most & Least Common Crimes in Bristol
Here’s an overview of the most and least reported crimes in Bristol, along with how these figures compare to the UK national averages.
This table is based on police data reported by the Crime Rate UK (latest data: September 2024), providing a clear picture of the types of crimes most prevalent in the city.
Crime Type | Crime Rate (per 1,000) | Compared to the UK Average |
Violence & Sexual Offences | 43 (annually) | ~45% higher |
Robbery | 2.74 (annually) | 4.6× higher |
Shoplifting | 14 (annually) | 4.1× higher |
Public Order Offences | 15 (annually) | 3.4× higher |
Weapons Possession | ~403 cases total (annually) | ~24% higher |
Anti-Social Behaviour | 1.5 (Jan 2024 only) | Higher than average |
Notes:
- “Annual” refers to the 12‑month period ending ~September 2023, the latest full‑year data available at the time of writing.
- Anti‑social behaviour data: only the monthly figure for January 2024 (1.5 per 1,000) was cited in CrimeRate; the full‑year rate was not published.
- Weapons possession: CrimeRate reports the total number of incidents (~403 per year) rather than a rate per 1,000; the approximate rate is estimated at approximately 1.7 per 1,000.
- Crime rates are calculated per 1,000 daytime population.
- National average comparisons are based on data from England and Wales for the same reporting period.
- What does “~45% higher” vs “4.6× higher” mean?
Phrase | What it means |
~45% higher | This means Bristol’s rate is about 45% more than the UK average. For example, if the UK average is 30 per 1,000 and Bristol is 43 per 1,000, then 43 is ~45% higher than 30. |
4.6× higher | This means Bristol’s rate is about 4.6 times the UK average — or around 360% higher. Example: if UK average is 0.6 per 1,000 and Bristol is 2.74 per 1,000 → 2.74 ÷ 0.6 ≈ 4.6. |
In simple terms:
- Percentages (like 45% higher) are often used when the difference is noticeable but not extreme.
- Multiples (like 4.6× higher) are clearer when the difference is huge, showing Bristol’s rate is many times worse than the national figure.
Based on the table above, violence and sexual offences remain the most common crimes in Bristol. Shoplifting, robbery, and public order offences come next, with high crime rates too.
January 2024 saw a big jump in anti-social behaviour in the city. People reported 687 incidents, which means 1.5 cases per 1,000 people that month. The official data, however, did not mention the full-year crime numbers for anti-social behaviour.
Looking at Bristol next to the rest of the country, we see the city has more personal and theft-related crimes. These offences often occur in specific areas and tend to increase at certain times of the year
Bristol Areas to Avoid: Roughest Neighbourhoods & Worst Areas to Live
If you’re thinking about living, working, or visiting Bristol, you should know which neighbourhoods have high crime rates and which areas to avoid.
We have highlighted the rough areas of Bristol that consistently appear in crime reports and are often considered the worst places to live in Bristol.
These areas, in comparison to the rest of the city, deal with way more violence, theft, and anti-social behaviour.
Here’s a list of the top 10 Bristol areas you should stay away from based on police data.
Central Bristol
- 📊 Crime rate: 325.4 per 1,000
- 📊 Violence & sexual offences: 126.1 per 1,000
Central Bristol is the city’s busiest area and is also the home to nightlife, shopping, and tourism. With a crime rate more than triple the UK average, this area remains the most challenging spot in Bristol for safety.
Hotwells & Harbourside
- 📊 Crime rate: 336.7 per 1,000
- 📊 Violence & sexual offences: 60.1 per 1,000
Hotwells & Harbourside, with its scenic waterfront and event spaces, attracts large crowds year-round. But the lively atmosphere often leads to disorder, public drunkenness, and vandalism, making it a hotspot for crime, especially at weekends.
Lawrence Hill
- 📊 Crime rate: 198.4 per 1,000
- 📊 Violence & sexual offences: 80.4 per 1,000
Lawrence Hill is one of the more deprived areas of Bristol, with a history of drug-related offences and high rates of violence. Though it’s home to a diverse community, its crime figures remain among the highest in the city.
Southville
- 📊 Crime rate: 125.4 per 1,000
- 📊 Violence & sexual offences: 38.7 per 1,000
Southville is popular among young professionals due to its trendy cafés and pubs, but its busy nightlife also presents challenges. Anti-social behaviour and theft are common here, particularly around the local bars and shops.
Ashley
- 📊 Crime rate: 120.1 per 1,000
- 📊 Violence & sexual offences: 43.1 per 1,000
Ashley, which includes the well-known St Paul’s area, has a vibrant cultural scene but also struggles with crime. It has a higher-than-average level of violence and frequent reports of drug offences, keeping it among Bristol’s rougher neighbourhoods.
Hartcliffe
- 📊 Crime rate: 115.4 per 1,000
- 📊 Violence & sexual offences: 40.7 per 1,000
Hartcliffe is a large residential area with longstanding social challenges. It experiences persistent vandalism, burglary, and assaults, making it one of the city’s least desirable spots from a crime perspective.
Easton
- 📊 Crime rate: 112.6 per 1,000
- 📊 Violence & sexual offences: 37.3 per 1,000
Easton, located close to the city centre, is a diverse and lively area, but it also experiences higher-than-average crime rates, particularly theft and violence. It remains a key area to approach with caution, especially at night.
St George Central
- 📊 Crime rate: 110.8 per 1,000
- 📊 Violence & sexual offences: 39.7 per 1,000
St George Central is a largely residential neighbourhood that still records significant levels of violence, theft, and anti-social behaviour, putting it among the city’s rougher areas despite its quieter appearance.
Lockleaze
- 📊 Crime rate: 108.8 per 1,000
- 📊 Violence & sexual offences: 42.3 per 1,000
Lockleaze is another residential part of Bristol with a noticeable crime problem. Reports of violence, nuisance behaviour, and public disorder keep it high on the list of areas to avoid, particularly in the evenings.
Bishopsworth
- 📊 Crime rate: 105.7 per 1,000
- 📊 Violence & sexual offences: 42.3 per 1,000
Although Bishopsworth has a strong community feel, it continues to experience elevated levels of personal crime and anti-social behaviour compared to the rest of the city.
While each of these areas has its own unique character and community spirit, the figures above clearly show why they are often considered the rough areas of Bristol and the worst areas to live in Bristol.
If you live in or visit these neighbourhoods, it’s wise to remain cautious, especially after dark and in busy public spaces.
Crime Rates in Bristol’s Roughest Areas: Summary Table
| Area | Overall Crime Rate (per 1,000) | Violence & Sexual Offences (per 1,000) |
| Central Bristol | 325.4 | 126.1 |
| Hotwells & Harbourside | 336.7 | 60.1 |
| Lawrence Hill | 198.4 | 80.4 |
| Southville | 125.4 | 38.7 |
| Ashley | 120.1 | 43.1 |
| Hartcliffe | 115.4 | 40.7 |
| Easton | 112.6 | 37.3 |
| St George Central | 110.8 | 42.3 |
| Lockleaze | 108.8 | 42.3 |
| Bishopsworth | 105.7 | 42.3 |
While these neighbourhoods face challenges, it’s also important to recognise that many residents and local groups are actively working to improve safety and build stronger communities across Bristol.
To create a safer environment, it is essential to increase public and retail security throughout the city. The focus should be on developing more SIA‑trained security guards in key, high‑footfall areas.
Maintaining proper manned security in busy locations such as shopping malls, bars, and parks is crucial, as trained security officers know how to handle situations calmly and can often identify potential issues before they escalate.
Want to Make Bristol Safer? Start With the Right Skills
If you work in security or plan to, you can be part of the solution by helping to protect people and businesses across the city.
Hurak offers SIA-approved Security Training to prepare you for real‑world situations.
Whether you’re aiming to manage doors, patrol busy streets, monitor CCTV, or even take on high‑risk protection work, there’s a course for you:
- SIA Door Supervisor Training — handle nightlife, venues & events professionally
- SIA Security Guard Training — keep businesses & public spaces safe
- Close Protection Training — for those protecting VIPs & high‑profile clients
- SIA CCTV Operator Training — watch over spaces and spot trouble early
Take the first step toward a safer Bristol — and a rewarding career — by enrolling today.
How to Stay Safe & Prevent Crime in Bristol
Even in Bristol’s rougher areas, there’s plenty that you can do to protect yourself and those around you. Awareness is key: know which areas to avoid late at night, stay in well‑lit and busy places, and keep your belongings secure.
For businesses and venues, installing good‑quality CCTV, hiring trained security staff, and maintaining clear procedures for incidents can make a huge difference. Residents can also work with neighbourhood groups or police to address local problems.
It doesn’t take drastic measures — just sensible steps and community effort — to make Bristol a safer place for everyone.
Conclusion
Bristol is a vibrant and diverse city, but like many large urban areas, it faces challenges when it comes to crime and safety.
We explored the overall crime rate in Bristol, which is mostly higher than the national average, with violence, sexual offences, robbery, and anti‑social behaviour being the most common issues.
We also identified the roughest areas of Bristol, such as Central Bristol, Lawrence Hill, and Hotwells & Harbourside, where crime rates are particularly high per 1,000 people.
While these statistics highlight the risks, they also underline the importance of being prepared and taking the necessary steps to stay safe. Whether you’re a resident, visitor, or business owner, you must take proper measures, such as installing CCTV, employing trained security personnel, and promoting community awareness to stay safe.
If you’re looking to play your part in making Bristol — and the UK — safer, consider becoming a trained security professional. With the right skills and certifications, you can effectively help protect people, property, and public spaces.
FAQs
Is Bristol dangerous?
Bristol is not the most dangerous city in the UK, but it does have higher crime rates than the national average. Certain neighbourhoods report more incidents of violence, theft, and anti‑social behaviour, so it’s important to stay cautious in the rougher areas of Bristol, especially at night.
What is the Bristol crime rate compared to the UK average?
Bristol’s overall crime rate is higher than both the regional average for the South West and the UK average. Violence, sexual offences, and robbery are particularly common, especially in the city centre and other busy districts.
Which are the worst areas to live in Bristol?
Some of the worst areas to live in Bristol, based on crime rates, include Central Bristol, Lawrence Hill, Hotwells & Harbourside, and Ashley. These areas have significantly higher crime rates per 1,000 people compared to quieter, residential neighbourhoods further out.
What are the rough areas of Bristol to avoid?
The rough areas of Bristol you should avoid include Central Bristol, Hartcliffe, Easton, and St George Central. These neighbourhoods report higher levels of violence, theft, and anti‑social behaviour, making them less desirable for residents and visitors alike.
How can I stay safe in the rough areas of Bristol?
To stay safe in the rough areas of Bristol, stick to well‑lit, busy streets, avoid walking alone late at night, and keep your valuables secure. Businesses and venues can improve safety by hiring trained security guards, installing CCTV, and working with the local community to address crime.
