Cotswold boasts a low crime rate of 58.2 per 1,000 residents and an excellent safety score of 87/100, significantly safer than the UK average. Crime is decreasing.
Based on population of 91,661 over 12 months
Data last updated: September 2025. Source: Police.uk, ONS, Home Office.
| Overall Crime Rate | 58.2 per 1,000 people |
|---|---|
| Property Crime Rate | 18.1 per 1,000 people |
| UK Average Crime Rate | 93.4 per 1,000 people |
| UK Average Property Crime Rate | 33.2 per 1,000 people |
| Safety Score | 87 out of 100 |
| Population | 91,661 |
| Trend | decreasing |
| Comparison | significantly lower than UK average |
| Crime Type | Total Count | Per 1,000 People | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violence and sexual offences | 1,881 | 20.5 | 35% |
| Anti-social behaviour | 1,153 | 12.6 | 22% |
| Other theft | 413 | 4.5 | 8% |
| Public order | 353 | 3.9 | 7% |
| Criminal damage and arson | 328 | 3.6 | 6% |
| Burglary | 326 | 3.6 | 6% |
| Vehicle crime | 306 | 3.3 | 6% |
| Shoplifting | 227 | 2.5 | 4% |
| Other crime | 163 | 1.8 | 3% |
| Drugs | 94 | 1 | 2% |
| Possession of weapons | 29 | 0.3 | 1% |
| Robbery | 23 | 0.2 | 0% |
| Bicycle theft | 19 | 0.2 | 0% |
| Theft from the person | 16 | 0.2 | 0% |
Cotswold reports an overall crime rate of 58.2 per 1,000 residents annually, indicating a significantly safer environment compared to the national average of 93.4 per 1,000. With a safety score of 87/100, notably higher than the UK average of 78/100, the area is considered very safe. Recent trends show a decreasing crime rate, with a 5.4% decrease year-over-year, providing a positive outlook for local safety and community well-being.
Cotswold has a relatively good safety score compared to the UK average (78).
Cotswold is a picturesque local authority district characterised by its predominantly rural landscape, charming market towns, and idyllic villages. This unique blend of characteristics significantly influences its crime statistics. The area's tranquil nature and lower population density, especially in its extensive rural stretches, contribute to its notably low overall crime rate and high safety score. However, its appeal as a tourist destination, particularly with visitors frequenting its historic towns and attractions, can lead to specific types of crime such as 'other theft' or vehicle-related offences, albeit at lower rates than more urban areas. The presence of isolated properties, typical of a rural setting, can also present opportunities for crimes like burglary. Overall, Cotswold's serene environment, coupled with its community-focused smaller settlements, fosters a safer living experience compared to more bustling regions.
Cotswold has a 37.7% lower crime rate than the UK average.
An analysis of crime types in Cotswold reveals that Violence and sexual offences, Anti-social behaviour, and Other theft are the three most prevalent categories. Violence and sexual offences account for 35.3% of all reported crimes, at 20.5 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows, making up 21.6% of crimes at 12.6 per 1,000, while Other theft represents 7.8% at 4.5 per 1,000. Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, stands at 18.1 per 1,000 residents, considerably lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This lower property crime rate suggests that residents and homeowners in Cotswold experience less risk of offences such as burglary (3.6 per 1,000), vehicle crime (3.3 per 1,000), and other theft.
Cotswold has experienced a positive trend in its crime rate, showing a 5.4% decrease year-over-year. Examining the monthly data, crime rates per 1,000 residents have generally fluctuated at a low level. While there was a slight peak in May 2025 at 5.7 per 1,000, the trend shows a consistent decline from October 2024 (5.2) to September 2025 (4.8). Notably, December 2024 and February 2025 recorded the lowest rates at 4.0 per 1,000. This sustained decrease indicates improving safety within the district, which is reassuring for both long-term residents and potential newcomers.
When comparing Cotswold to its neighbouring areas, it generally maintains a favourable position. Cotswold's overall crime rate of 58.2 per 1,000 is lower than that of Cheltenham and Gloucester, which are typically more urbanised centres. Similarly, it compares well against Tewkesbury and Stroud. While Swindon, a larger town, naturally exhibits higher crime figures, West Oxfordshire, another predominantly rural district, often presents similar low crime patterns. This regional context highlights Cotswold as a consistently safer area within the broader region.
Given Cotswold's property crime rate of 18.1 per 1,000, which is significantly below the national average, it is still prudent for residents to consider robust home security. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred. For true peace of mind, consider proactive solutions that prevent crime before it happens. AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS detect threats at your property boundary, not after a break-in, offering multi-camera intelligence that watches all cameras simultaneously. This allows for real-time intervention, destroying the element of surprise that burglars rely on. While DIY systems have their place, professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, often making potential intruders move on within 60 seconds of detection. Focusing on prevention over reaction can significantly enhance your home's security.
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Official government data sources for Cotswold
We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.
Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.
Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000
We exclusively use official UK government information sources:
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Last updated: September 2025
New data is released by Police.uk approximately every two months
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