WELLINGTON is among the top 10 most dangerous 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 Wellington as the 36th ‘most dangerous’ 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 586 offences - 14 per cent higher than the previous year when 514 offences were reported.

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.

“Wellington is among the top 10 most dangerous small towns in Somerset, and is the 36th most dangerous overall out of Somerset's 414 towns, villages, and cities.

“The overall crime rate in Wellington in 2023 was 85 crimes per 1,000 people. This compares poorly to Somerset's overall crime rate, coming in 29 per cent higher than the Somerset rate of 66 per 1,000 daytime population.

“For England, Wales, and Northern Ireland as a whole, Wellington is the 316th most dangerous small town, and the 1,575th most dangerous location out of all towns, cities, and villages.

In March 2024, Wellington was the worst small town in Somerset for public order, with 13 crimes reported and a crime rate of 1.0 per 1,000 daytime population.

April 2024 was also a bad month for Wellington residents, when it was Somerset's most dangerous small town for other crime, recording four crimes at a rate of 0.32 per 1,000 daytime population.

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