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

Bourton-on-the-Water’s crime rate for March 2023 stood at 2.5 per 1,000 residents, a figure 67.1% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This stark contrast highlights the area’s consistently low levels of criminal activity, a trend reinforced by its rural character and small population. The breakdown of crimes revealed that violence and sexual offences accounted for the largest share (53.3%), followed by burglary and vehicle crime (each 13.3% of total incidents). These figures align with the area’s geographical and demographic profile, as rural built-up areas with limited urban infrastructure typically see fewer opportunities for crime compared to densely populated centres. The seasonally adjusted context of March — a transition period as clocks change and evenings lengthen — may have contributed to the subdued crime profile, though the data does not provide direct evidence of seasonal fluctuations. The low rate of violence and sexual offences, which remained 49% below the UK average, suggests that community cohesion and local policing efforts are effectively mitigating risks. Property crimes, though fewer in number, also showed significant reductions, with burglary and vehicle crime both below UK averages by double-digit margins. The absence of public order offences and drug-related crimes in the top categories further distinguishes this area from urban centres, where such crimes are more prevalent. These patterns are consistent with Bourton-on-the-Water’s identity as a small, largely rural built-up area within the Cotswold region, where low population density and strong social networks likely play a role in deterring criminal activity.

March 2023 saw a notable decrease in violent crime compared to typical seasonal patterns, with violence and sexual offences at 1.4 per 1,000 — 49% below the UK average. This category, which made up 53.3% of all reported crimes, remained significantly lower than national trends, potentially reflecting the area’s low population density and strong community presence. Property crimes, though fewer in absolute numbers (5 total), also showed a marked decline, with burglary and vehicle crime both below UK averages by 9% and 38% respectively. The absence of public order offences and drug-related crimes in the top categories contrasts with national trends, where these are more common in urban centres. Residents may find the low rate of vehicle crime particularly reassuring, as it suggests effective local measures to secure parking areas and reduce opportunities for theft. The data also indicates that criminal damage and arson — which accounted for 6.7% of crimes — were 67% below UK averages, further highlighting the area’s unique safety profile compared to other regions.

Bourton-on-the-Water’s crime rate in March 2023 remains exceptionally low compared to national figures, with 15 total crimes reported across a population of 5,933. Daily crime statistics show an average of 0 crimes per day over the month, reflecting the area’s consistent safety record. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure equates to one reported crime for every 396 residents, a figure that underscores the rarity of incidents in this built-up area. This low monthly exposure contrasts sharply with the UK average, where residents face significantly higher risks. The small population and rural setting likely contribute to this pattern, as lower population density and strong community cohesion can deter criminal activity. While the data does not include previous month comparisons, the sustained low crime rate suggests long-term stability in local policing and community engagement efforts. The absence of daily crime comparisons for the UK means this figure is specific to Bourton-on-the-Water, highlighting its unique position within the Cotswold region. The area’s character as a small, largely rural built-up area with limited urban infrastructure further aligns with its low crime profile, as such environments typically see fewer opportunities for crime compared to densely populated centres.