THERE has been a eight per cent increase in the total number of crimes (excluding fraud) in comparison to last year.
Avon and Somerset Police say an "improvement in recording of crimes" and reporting of "certain crime groups" has contributed significantly to the overall figure.
Data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has revealed the type and number of crimes in Avon and Somerset in the year ending June 2025.
And it shows that the total number of crimes (excluding fraud) has risen by eight per cent from 156,941 last year to 170,002 this year.
There has been an 18% increase in other theft offences, with 12,008 committed in the year ending June 2024, increasing to 14,133 crimes committed in the year ending June 2025.
SEPTEMBER 2025 DATA: The map below shows the location of theft from the person and other theft offences in Avon and Somerset. (Data from https://data.police.uk/).
An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: "The latest recorded crime figures show a rise of 8 per cent and while we take any increase in such data seriously, improved recording and raised awareness of reporting certain crime groups, has contributed to the overall figure.
"Highly visible neighbourhood policing, with the support of specialist units, will continue.
"We are aware of the significant impact theft can have on shops, particularly smaller, independent ones, but also the knock-on effect on wider communities. It's a priority, particularly for our neighbourhood teams, and we want people to continue reporting such incidents of theft, so we have a greater understanding of the issue and where we need to invest resources."
According to the ONS data, there has been a 20% increase in drug offences, with 2,738 in the year ending June 2024 increasing to 3,278 in the year ending June 2025.
There was also an 16% increase in stalking and harassment crimes, with 21,076 in the year ending June 2024 increasing to 24,592 in the year ending June 2025.
Sexual offences have also increased by 15%, with 6,696 in the year ending June 2024 increasing to 7,676 in the year ending June 2025.
The police spokesperson added: "Operation Bluestone, our evidence-based approach to investigations into rape and sexual assault, has transformed the way we approach these crimes and places the perpetrator at the heart of investigations.
"While this has helped us to better support victims which has contributed to an increase in positive outcomes, we know we can do more, and partnership working has been a key to our success. Victims will always be believed, and we will investigate every report made to us, no matter how long ago it happened. We remain committed to securing the best possible outcomes for victims.
"Drug-related crimes blight our communities and are among the issues that matter to our residents the most, and we urge people to continue to report any concerns they have to us or Crimestoppers, anonymously. We have number of ongoing investigations into to the supply of drugs and intelligence from the community is vital to close problem properties and bring offenders to justice."
According to the data, there has been a nine per cent decrease in violence with injury, from 14,687 in June 2024 to 13,388 this year.
But there has been a 13% increase in violence without injury crimes, rising from 26,130 to 29,478.
There has also been a nine per cent increase in violence against the person crimes, rising from 61,992 to 67,382.
The Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson added: "We have increased our targeted patrols by 24,000+ hours so far this year to tackle issues of violence and anti-social behaviour which can be linked several crime types.
"Through the Government's Neighbourhood Guarantee - a national policy to boost visible policing - we have secured £4.6m to enhance neighbourhood policing, which will support around 70 new officers."
(Showing date from the year ending June 2025 in comparison to year ending June 2024)
The number of homicides within the Avon and Somerset area in the year ending June 2025 was eight, with only six deaths or serious injuries.
There were 9905 vehicle offences in the year ending June 2025, with no notable change from the year before.