Bourton-on-the-Water Crime Rate

Bourton-on-the-Water’s crime rate of 43.0 per 1,000 residents is 52.9% below the UK average, making it one of the safest areas in the Cotswolds. Despite a 10.5% annual decline in overall crime, 'Other crime' has surged by 466.7% YoY, highlighting a complex trend. The area’s low property crime rate (14.0 per 1,000) and strong safety score of 90/100 reflect its rural charm and effective local policing.

Bourton-on-the-Water is a picturesque market town in the Cotswolds, known for its historic stone bridges and rural charm. Its low population density and strong community ties likely contribute to lower property crime rates, though proximity to tourist routes may influence anti-social behaviour. The area’s small size and limited commercial zones reduce opportunities for shoplifting, aligning with its significantly below-average theft rates.

The most striking finding is that 'Other crime' has surged by 466.7% YoY, yet remains 44% below the UK average. This category includes non-specific incidents, possibly linked to transient populations or local events. Violence and sexual offences, though 52% below the UK average, remain the most common crime type, likely tied to the town’s proximity to popular walking trails and tourism hubs. Anti-social behaviour, despite a 31% YoY increase, still lags 48% behind the UK average, suggesting community efforts may mitigate escalation. The rise in vehicle crime (+18% YoY) could reflect increased car ownership or parking in remote areas. Notably, burglary and shoplifting are both 76% and 76% below UK averages, respectively, indicating strong local deterrence despite the surge in 'Other crime'.

Crime in Bourton-on-the-Water has decreased by 10.5% YoY, with the most significant drop in violence and sexual offences (-18.6% YoY) and burglary (-62.5% YoY). However, 'Other crime' has surged by 466.7% YoY, potentially linked to transient populations or seasonal events. Monthly trends show a clear seasonal pattern, peaking in May (5.9 per 1,000) and troughing in January (2.2 per 1,000), likely influenced by tourism cycles and longer evenings.

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

Prioritize vehicle security by parking in well-lit, monitored areas and using GPS tracking devices. Report anti-social behaviour promptly, as it has risen 31% YoY. Avoid walking alone on isolated paths after dark, as vehicle crime peaks between 12am–6am. For property security, consider scOS’s proactive boundary detection, which identifies threats before break-ins occur. Stay informed about local events that may increase foot traffic and crime opportunities.

Crime in Bourton-on-the-Water follows distinct patterns: theft peaks in the afternoon (49% of incidents between 12pm–6pm) due to tourist activity and retail footfall. Vehicle crime spikes overnight (37% of incidents between 12am–6am), likely tied to parked vehicles in isolated areas. Other crimes, such as criminal damage, dominate evenings (52% of incidents between 6pm–12am), possibly linked to social gatherings. Mornings see lower activity, with burglary accounting for 15% of incidents during the day, suggesting opportunistic acts during daylight hours.

Compared to Upper Rissington (24.4 per 1,000), Bourton-on-the-Water has a 76% higher crime rate, likely due to its larger population and more tourist activity. Stow-on-the-Wold (79.8 per 1,000) has an 86% higher crime rate, possibly because of its larger commercial zones and higher population density. Bourton-on-the-Water’s safety score of 90/100 is significantly above both neighbours.

Home security in Bourton-on-the-Water should focus on deterring vehicle crime, which has risen 18% YoY. scOS’s DVLA vehicle registration verification can flag suspicious vehicles approaching properties, while proactive boundary detection identifies threats before break-ins occur. For anti-social behaviour, scOS’s behavioural pattern learning distinguishes regular visitors from potential threats, reducing false alarms and enabling timely intervention.