Cotswold Crime Rate

Cotswold's crime rate of 55.1 per 1,000 residents is 39.5% below the UK average, yet the area faces a stark anomaly: robbery has surged by 87.5% year-on-year, the fastest-rising crime type. Despite this, Cotswold's overall safety score of 87/100 places it in the 'Very Safe' tier, reflecting strong community policing and low property crime rates. The area's unique blend of rural tranquility and urban tourism hubs creates a complex crime profile, with sharp contrasts between its safest villages and more populated towns.

Cotswold is a unique blend of historic market towns, picturesque villages, and commuter suburbs. Its rural areas, like Stratton, enjoy low crime rates due to sparse populations and strong community ties, while urban centres such as Cirencester face higher crime rates linked to tourism and retail activity. The area's mix of leisure tourism (e.g. Bourton-on-the-Water) and commuter hubs (e.g. Chipping Campden) shapes crime patterns: anti-social behaviour spikes in tourist spots, while property crime remains low due to high home ownership and secure housing stock. This duality explains why Cotswold's crime rate is 39.5% below the UK average, despite pockets of higher activity in larger towns.

The most surprising finding is the 87.5% year-on-year increase in robbery, which remains 72% below the UK average. This rise likely reflects increased foot traffic in areas like Stow-on-the-Wold during peak tourist seasons, where opportunistic thefts may occur. Conversely, shoplifting has risen 53% YoY but remains 51% below the UK average, possibly due to retail-focused policing in towns like Moreton-in-Marsh. Anti-social behaviour, at 11.9 per 1,000, is 19% below the UK average, likely due to Cotswold's emphasis on community cohesion. Vehicle crime has fallen 31% YoY, likely tied to improved parking management in commuter hubs like Northleach. The area's low burglary rate (3.2 per 1,000) reflects strong home security norms and limited high-density housing.

Crime in Cotswold has decreased by 6.3% year-on-year, with the sharpest decline in vehicle crime (-31.0%) and the most alarming rise in robbery (+87.5%). Monthly data shows a clear seasonal pattern: crime peaked in May 2025 (5.7 per 1,000/month) and dropped to an unprecedented low in February 2026 (0.1 per 1,000/month). This winter dip likely reflects reduced outdoor activity and shorter evenings. However, the robbery spike may be linked to increased foot traffic during peak tourist seasons. While most crime types are declining, the robbery increase highlights the need for targeted measures in high-traffic areas like Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water.

Cotswold is significantly safer than most nearby areas. Cheltenham's crime rate is 77% higher, and Gloucester's is 128% higher, reflecting their larger urban populations. West Oxfordshire is the closest comparator, with a 9% lower crime rate due to its similar rural character. Within Cotswold itself, Stratton (Cotswold) is 215% safer than the average, while Cirencester's crime rate is 73% higher, likely due to its role as a regional commercial hub.

In Cotswold's low-crime environment, scOS offers proportionate home security tailored to the area's needs. With property crime 44% below the UK average, scOS's AI boundary detection can help prevent opportunistic thefts in tourist areas like Stow-on-the-Wold. Its vehicle registration verification feature addresses the 31% YoY drop in vehicle crime, while automated lighting deters potential intruders. The system's ability to distinguish regular visitors from threats reduces false alarms, aligning with Cotswold's community-focused approach to safety. At £19/month, it ensures low-crime areas remain secure without overcomplicating home security.

How To Keep Safe in Cotswold

Residents should focus on securing vehicles in tourist hubs like Bourton-on-the-Water, where shoplifting has risen 53% YoY. Avoid leaving valuables visible in parked cars, as vehicle crime remains 48% below the UK average. In urban centres like Cirencester, where crime rates are 73% higher than the Cotswold average, consider using scOS's AI boundary detection to monitor high-traffic areas. For those in Stratton (Cotswold), where crime is 215% below the average, maintaining strong Neighbourhood Watch participation can help sustain the area's safety. Avoid carrying large sums of cash in areas with rising robbery rates, particularly during peak tourist seasons.