Bourton-on-the-Water Crime Rate

Bourton-on-the-Water is a remarkably safe urban settlement, boasting an overall crime rate of 41.1 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, resulting in an excellent safety score of 90/100. The area is also seeing a positive trend, with crime decreasing by a substantial 18.1% year-over-year. While it is a popular destination for tourists, the town remains a low-risk environment for its 5,933 residents. Violence and anti-social behaviour are the most common offences, but property-related crime is also low, with a rate of just 12.6 per 1,000 people. This data confirms Bourton-on-the-Water as one of the most secure and peaceful locations in the Cotswolds.

In Bourton-on-the-Water, the crime breakdown is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 36.1% of all incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 17.2%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 8.2%. Together, these three categories represent over 60% of the town's criminal activity. Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, theft, and vehicle offences, occurs at a combined rate of 12.6 per 1,000 residents. Within this, other theft and vehicle crime each account for roughly 7.0% of total offences, while burglary represents 5.3%.

For residents and the high volume of visitors, these figures indicate that while Bourton-on-the-Water is exceptionally safe, opportunistic property crime is a factor. The prevalence of criminal damage and vehicle crime suggests that maintaining a visible security presence is important. Burglary, though relatively low in volume, still happens more frequently than in some neighbouring villages, making secure locks and proactive monitoring a sensible precaution for local homeowners.

The crime trend in Bourton-on-the-Water is very positive, with a significant 18.1% decrease in total offences year-over-year. Monthly data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 people was lowest in the winter months, dipping to 1.9 in November 2024. There was a notable peak in the late spring, reaching 5.9 in May 2025, which likely corresponds with the start of the busy tourism season. However, after this peak, the rate generally declined and stabilized around 3.0 to 3.9 in the latter half of the year. This overall downward trajectory indicates that the town is becoming safer for both residents and visitors.

How To Keep Safe in Bourton-on-the-Water

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Bourton-on-the-Water, representing 36.1% of all incidents. To stay safe in this popular town, consider these localized tips:

1. During peak tourist hours in the afternoon, be extra vigilant with your personal belongings, as 51% of afternoon crime is theft-related.
2. If you are a resident, ensure your vehicle is parked in a secure garage or well-lit driveway overnight, as 44% of night-time crime is vehicle-related.
3. Use motion-activated lighting around your property to deter opportunistic criminal damage, which accounts for 8.2% of local crime.
4. When walking home in the evening, stick to the well-lit main paths through the village and avoid the darker riverside walks if you are alone.
5. Join the local community social media groups to stay informed about any recent suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour in the area.

In Bourton-on-the-Water, crime types shift noticeably throughout the day. The morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft-related offences, making up 45% and 51% of crimes respectively. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most common when the town is busy with visitors. In the evening, the focus shifts towards "other" crime types, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which account for 42% of the total. During the night (12am - 6am), vehicle crime becomes the primary concern, representing 44% of all recorded incidents. Burglary remains a consistent factor, peaking at 20% during both the afternoon and night-time periods.

Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the safest towns in its immediate vicinity. Its crime rate of 41.1 is considerably lower than nearby Moreton-in-Marsh (73.4) and Stow-on-the-Wold (78.2). While very small villages like Great Rissington and Naunton report 0.0 crimes, Bourton-on-the-Water compares very favourably to other urban settlements like Upper Rissington (24.4). For those looking for a balance of amenities and safety, Bourton-on-the-Water offers a highly secure environment that outperforms most other popular Cotswold towns in terms of crime prevention and overall safety.

In a town as safe as Bourton-on-the-Water, with a property crime rate of just 12.6 per 1,000, homeowners might be tempted to rely on traditional security. However, standard CCTV and DIY cameras are reactive; they only provide footage after a crime has been committed. In an area where vehicle crime and burglary still occur, the goal should be prevention, not just recording.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that provides proactive protection. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundary, scOS can detect potential threats in real-time. It distinguishes between regular activities, like deliveries, and genuine risks. If an intruder is detected, the system can respond autonomously—activating lights or speakers to destroy the element of surprise. This proactive deterrence is far more effective at stopping vehicle theft and burglary than traditional systems. For Bourton-on-the-Water residents who want to maintain their high standard of safety, scOS offers a professional-grade solution that stops crime at the property line.