Bourton-on-the-Water Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bourton-on-the-Water's crime rate in August 2023 stood at 4.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 43.2% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure reflects a consistently low-crime profile for the area, which aligns with its character as a rural tourist destination within the Cotswold region. The most common crimes reported were anti-social behaviour (22.2% of total incidents) and violence and sexual offences (22.2%), both of which were significantly below the UK average. Property crimes accounted for 44.4% of all incidents, with burglary and criminal damage and arson contributing 14.8% each. Seasonal factors likely influenced these patterns, as August is a peak holiday month when the area sees increased tourism and more properties left unoccupied, potentially heightening burglary risks. The low violent crime rate may partly reflect the area's relatively quiet, low-density character, though this could also be influenced by local policing strategies or community cohesion. Anti-social behaviour, while less severe than in many urban areas, remains a persistent concern, linked to transient visitors or seasonal gatherings. The data suggests that while the area is generally safe, targeted interventions during high-traffic periods could further mitigate risks associated with tourism and seasonal fluctuations.

August 2023 marked a 12.3% increase in Bourton-on-the-Water's crime rate compared to July, rising from 4.1 to 4.6 per 1,000 residents. This uptick was driven by a 300% surge in burglary and criminal damage and arson, both of which doubled from single incidents in July to four each. The sharp rise in property crimes aligns with seasonal trends, as the area's tourism-driven economy often sees an increase in unoccupied homes during August. Conversely, violent crimes fell by 45.5%, with violence and sexual offences dropping from 11 to 6 incidents—a shift that may reflect the area's low population density and reduced nightlife activity compared to urban centres. Anti-social behaviour remained 31% below the UK average, while burglary rates were 106% above the UK average, highlighting a unique local challenge. For residents, the 300% increase in burglary underscores the importance of securing properties during peak holiday periods, particularly given the area's status as a tourist destination. The contrast between property and violent crime trends illustrates how different factors—seasonal tourism versus local demographics—shape the crime profile in this rural setting.

Bourton-on-the-Water's crime rate in August 2023 rose to 4.6 per 1,000 residents, marking a 12.3% increase from July's 4.1 per 1,000. While this represents a slight upward trend, the area remains significantly safer than the UK average, with its rate still 43.2% below the national figure. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly one crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while low, reflects the specific vulnerabilities of a tourist-focused community. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 220 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is well below the thresholds seen in larger urban areas. This statistic contextualises the risk for residents, who are far less likely to encounter crime than the UK average but must remain vigilant during August, when transient populations and seasonal shifts can temporarily elevate certain risks. The population-scaled perspective further highlights the effectiveness of local crime prevention measures, which have kept the area's overall rate far below national benchmarks despite the challenges of a tourist-driven economy. However, the sharp rise in burglary and criminal damage underscores the need for continued attention to property security during high-traffic periods.