Radstock is among the top 20 most dangerous 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 Radstock as being within the top 20 ‘most dangerous’ places out of 414 towns, villages and cities across the county.

In 2023, research claims the most common crimes reported in the town were violence and sexual offences, with 94 offences during 2023. This is 15 per cent higher than 2022's figure of 169 offences.

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.

“The overall crime rate in Radstock in 2023 was 106 crimes per 1,000 people. This compares poorly to Somerset's overall crime rate, coming in 61 per cent higher than the Somerset rate of 66 per 1,000 daytime population.

“For England, Wales, and Northern Ireland as a whole, Radstock is the 535th most dangerous ‘village’, and the 886th most dangerous location out of all towns, cities, and villages.

In January 2023, Radstock had the worst crime rate in Somerset for theft from the person, with one crime reported and a crime rate of 0.22 per 1,000 daytime population. June 2023 was also a bad month for Radstock residents, when it was Somerset's most dangerous area for shoplifting, recording 15 crimes at a rate of 3.2 per 1,000 daytime population.

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