Bourton-on-the-Water Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

April 2024 saw a concerning shift in crime patterns across Bourton-on-the-Water, a historic village in the Cotswolds known for its tourism and rural charm. While the overall crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents remains 26% below the UK average of 7.7, the month revealed troubling increases in specific categories. Violence and sexual offences. from March, still accounted for 32.4% of all crimes—double the share of property crimes. This reflects the village’s dual role as a tourist destination and residential community, where seasonal events and increased foot traffic may heighten interpersonal tensions. Shoplifting, at 1.0 per 1,000 residents, rose 49% above the UK average, suggesting targeted theft in retail areas. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson surged by 400%, likely linked to the Easter holiday period, when unoccupied properties or temporary accommodation may become vulnerable. Anti-social behaviour also jumped 400%, tied to increased outdoor activity during spring. The village’s low burglary rate (0.3 per 1,000) and below-average anti-social behaviour figures indicate strong community policing and resident engagement, but the sharp rise in vandalism and disorder demands attention. As the Cotswolds’ tourism season gains momentum, residents and visitors should remain vigilant, particularly in areas with transient populations or seasonal events.

April 2024 marked a stark rise in criminal damage and arson, which increased by 400% from March, reaching five incidents—a significant jump from one. This surge, though not uncommon during Easter, raises questions about the impact of seasonal events on local property. Anti-social behaviour also saw a 400% increase, with five reported incidents, highlighting potential challenges in managing public spaces during peak visitor times. Burglary, while still rare at two incidents (a 100% increase from March), underscores a growing concern for household security, particularly during holidays when homes may be unoccupied. Shoplifting in Bourton-on-the-Water remains 49% above the UK average, with six incidents reported. This suggests that retail areas, already under scrutiny for theft, may require enhanced monitoring. Violent crime, however, fell by 31.3%, from 16 to 11 incidents, a trend consistent with the area’s generally low violent crime profile. Residents should be particularly alert to anti-social behaviour and vandalism in public spaces, as these areas saw the most dramatic spikes. The contrast between Bourton-on-the-Water’s overall safety and these specific vulnerabilities illustrates the need for targeted measures in high-risk sectors.

Bourton-on-the-Water’s crime rate in April 2024 rose by 17.2% compared to March, reaching 5.7 per 1,000 residents from 4.9. This increase, though modest in absolute terms, reflects the volatility of crime in a small rural community. On a daily basis, the village experienced roughly one crime per day in April, a figure that, while low, highlights the concentrated nature of incidents during peak periods. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 175 residents—a ratio that, when compared to the UK’s broader averages, illustrates Bourton-on-the-Water’s generally safer environment. However, the sharp rise in specific categories, such as criminal damage and anti-social behaviour, suggests that local conditions may amplify certain types of crime. With a population of 5,933, the village’s small size means that even minor fluctuations in crime can have a noticeable impact on residents. This is particularly evident in areas where tourism overlaps with residential life, such as the High Street, which saw shoplifting rates 49% above the UK average. While the overall crime rate remains well below national levels, the concentration of certain offences in April indicates that targeted awareness campaigns and community policing efforts may be necessary to address emerging trends.