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

In Bourton-on-the-Water, the likelihood of encountering crime is significantly lower than the national average, with a crime rate of 2.7 per 1,000 residents in May 2023—66.2% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure places the area among the safest in the country, reflecting the character of a small, rural built-up area within the Cotswold region. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 62.5% of all reported incidents, followed by burglary (12.5%) and other unspecified crimes (12.5%). These patterns align with the area’s seasonal dynamics, as May brings longer evenings and increased outdoor activity, potentially contributing to higher levels of social interaction and, consequently, incidents of violence. The relatively low property crime rate—only 3 out of 16 total crimes—suggests that theft and burglary are not major concerns in this area, likely due to its compact size and strong community presence. However, the 100% increase in burglary cases from April to May highlights the need for continued vigilance, particularly during the transition to warmer weather and extended daylight hours. While the UK average for violence and sexual offences stands at 2.8 per 1,000, Bourton-on-the-Water’s rate of 1.7 per 1,000 indicates a safer environment in this category, influenced by the town’s low population density and limited nightlife. The rise in 'other crime'—a category that may include minor infractions or unclassified incidents—places this area 114% above the UK average, underscoring the importance of accurate categorisation in understanding local crime trends. Overall, the data illustrates a balance between the area’s inherent safety and the occasional fluctuations that accompany seasonal changes and local events.

May 2023 saw a 100% increase in burglary cases, rising from 1 to 2 incidents. This surge, though small in absolute terms, contrasts with a 50% decrease in anti-social behaviour, which fell from 2 to 1. The area’s violent crime rate of 1.7 per 1,000—39% below the UK average—suggests a unique pattern of crime, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 62.5% of all reported incidents. 'other crime' rose by 100% compared to April, with two cases reported, placing this category 114% above the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000. These shifts highlight the volatility of specific crime types, even within a generally low-risk environment. For residents, the 62.5% share of violent crimes underscores the importance of local safety measures, particularly during the longer evenings of May, when outdoor drinking and socialising increase.

Bourton-on-the-Water’s crime rate in May 2023 rose 14.4% compared to April, moving from 2.4 to 2.7 per 1,000 residents. While this marks a slight upward trend, the area remains significantly safer than the UK average, which stood at 8.0 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the 16 reported crimes over 31 days equate to roughly one crime per day, a figure that underscores the low frequency of incidents in this small built-up area. When scaled to the population of 5,933, this translates to one reported crime for every 371 residents over the course of the month. Such a monthly exposure rate suggests that the likelihood of encountering crime in Bourton-on-the-Water is exceptionally low compared to both national averages and other areas with higher population densities. The increase in May, though notable, is still modest when considered against the broader context of the area’s overall safety profile.