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

Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile in Bourton-on-the-Water during December 2023, accounting for 58.8% of all reported incidents. This category, which includes 10 recorded cases, stands in stark contrast to the UK average for the same category, which is 2.6 per 1,000 residents. The area's overall crime rate of 2.9 per 1,000 residents was 59.7% below the UK average of 7.2, reflecting a significantly safer environment compared to national benchmarks. The seasonal context of December—marked by Christmas shopping, party season, and prolonged darkness—likely contributes to the prominence of violent crime, though the town's low overall rate suggests effective local deterrents. Anti-social behaviour (23.5% of incidents) and public order offences (5.9%) followed as the next most common categories, with both categories showing rates 25% and 58% below UK averages respectively. This pattern aligns with the characteristics of a small built-up area within the Cotswold region, where community cohesion and limited commercial activity may reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. The absence of property crimes in December is noteworthy, as this category typically accounts for a significant share of reported incidents in similar rural areas. This anomaly may be attributed to the seasonal closure of retail outlets and the reduced foot traffic during the holiday period, though further analysis would be required to confirm this hypothesis.

December 2023 marked a notable increase in criminal damage and arson, with one reported incident—a 100% rise from the previous month. This category's jump, though minor in absolute terms, may reflect the seasonal context of dark evenings and potentially vacant homes during the holiday period. Similarly, 'other crime' also rose by 100%, indicating a shift in the types of incidents being recorded. This shift is particularly noteworthy given the broader context of the area's overall low crime profile. The breakdown of crime types reveals a stark contrast to national trends: violence and sexual offences, which make up 58.8% of reported crimes in Bourton-on-the-Water, are 35% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. This discrepancy suggests that local factors—such as the town's compact layout and strong community presence—may play a role in mitigating violent crime. For residents, the data underscores the importance of vigilance during peak party seasons, when the combination of alcohol-related incidents and reduced visibility could create conditions conducive to certain types of crime.

Bourton-on-the-Water's crime rate remained stable at 2.9 per 1,000 residents in December 2023, matching the rate recorded in the previous month. This consistency suggests no significant short-term fluctuations in criminal activity, though seasonal factors may still influence patterns. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that aligns with the town's low overall crime profile. When scaled to the population of 5,933, this translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 349 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure statistic provides a tangible measure of risk for residents, placing the area's safety context within a relatable framework. The population-scaled perspective reinforces the town's position as a significantly safer location compared to the UK average, with violent crime rates 35% below national benchmarks. This contrast highlights the unique characteristics of Bourton-on-the-Water, where the built-up area's compact nature and community-oriented environment may contribute to lower crime rates despite the seasonal challenges of December.