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

Bourton-on-the-Water’s crime rate in September 2023 was 1.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 76.2% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This stark contrast highlights the area’s position as one of the safest places in the country, a trend consistent with its rural character and limited population density. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 36.4% of all reported incidents, though this figure remains 74% below the UK average. Other theft and public order offences followed, each contributing 9.1% of total crimes. The low overall rate is likely influenced by the area’s seasonal dynamics: September marks the end of the summer tourist season, with fewer visitors and reduced commercial activity, both of which may contribute to lower crime levels. Additionally, the absence of major transport links or nightlife hubs further reduces opportunities for property crime or violent incidents. The data also shows a balanced distribution of crime types, with no single category dominating the profile. While the UK experiences a higher prevalence of anti-social behaviour and burglary, Bourton-on-the-Water’s figures suggest a community where crime is both infrequent and diverse in nature. This pattern is not uncommon in small, rural areas where social cohesion and limited economic activity act as natural deterrents to criminal behaviour. The seasonal context—marked by the return to school and university freshers—may have introduced some temporary fluctuations, but the overall trend remains one of sustained safety.

September 2023 saw a 100% increase in 'other crime' incidents, rising from 0 to 1. This category, which includes unclassified or lesser-known offences, may reflect reporting changes or minor incidents that did not meet thresholds for other categories. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped by 83.3% (from 6 to 1), burglary fell by 75% (from 4 to 1), and criminal damage and arson also decreased by 75% (from 4 to 1). These reductions suggest a possible seasonal shift, with fewer incidents during the quieter autumn months. Violence and sexual offences, though the most common category (36.4% of total crimes), remained 74% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000. This divergence from national trends underscores the area’s unique profile, where violent crime is exceptionally rare compared to the UK context. For residents, the sharp decline in anti-social behaviour and property-related offences may indicate a safer environment during this period.

Bourton-on-the-Water’s crime rate in September 2023 stood at 1.9 per 1,000 residents, a marked decline from 4.6 per 1,000 in August—a 59.3% reduction. This drop aligns with the area’s seasonal rhythm, as the transition from summer to autumn typically sees fewer tourists and reduced foot traffic in the village’s historic high street. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly 0 crimes per day over the month, reflecting the low volume of incidents relative to its population of 5,933. When scaled to monthly exposure, one reported crime occurred for every 539 residents, underscoring the rarity of incidents in this small, rural community. While the UK average sees 8.0 crimes per 1,000 residents, Bourton-on-the-Water’s figures highlight a stark contrast, with its crime profile shaped by its low population density, limited commercial activity, and the absence of major transport hubs or nightlife. The local context—characterised by a quiet, tourist-driven economy—likely contributes to the sustained safety observed here compared to more urban or densely populated regions.