MIDSOMER Norton is among the top 10 safest small towns in Somerset, according to research by a specialist data company.

Brighton-based CrimeRate.co.uk uses data analysis and geographic information systems to assess crime trends in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The latest figures according to recent analysis has listed Midsomer Norton as 82nd ‘most dangerous’ out of 414 towns, villages and cities across the county.

In 2023, Midsomer Norton recorded a crime rate of 61 incidents per 1,000 people, which is 8% lower than Somerset's overall rate of 66 crimes per 1,000 people.

CrimeRate.co.uk states: “We aggregate open police force data, social media signals and file freedom of information requests with local police departments to build a complete catalogue of crime and safety information in a region.

For England, Wales, and Northern Ireland as a whole, Midsomer Norton is the 284th safest small town, and the 3,101st most dangerous location out of all towns, cities, and villages.”

“The most common crimes in Midsomer Norton are violence and sexual offences, with 301 offences during 2023, giving a crime rate of 32. This is 28% higher than 2022's figure of 235 offences and a difference of 7.07 from 2022's crime rate of 25.”

In July 2015, Midsomer Norton had the worst crime rate in Somerset for robbery, with 1 crime reported and a crime rate of 0.11 per 1,000 daytime population.

August 2014 was also a bad month for Midsomer Norton residents, when it was Somerset's most dangerous area for drugs, recording 58 crimes at a rate of 6 per 1,000 daytime population.

Avon and Somerset Police has been asked whether it recognises this site as an accurate date source.