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

Bourton-on-the-Water's crime rate in March 2024 stood at 4.9 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is 36.4% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This consistent performance, despite a 70.4% increase from February's rate of 2.9 per 1,000, underscores the area's long-standing position as one of the UK's safest communities. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 55.2% of total crimes, driven by a 220% month-on-month increase from 5 to 16 cases. This surge, while significant, remains just 1% above the UK average for this category, a testament to the area's generally low violent crime profile. Other theft and shoplifting each rose by 300%, with four incidents each, placing these categories 27% and 15% above UK averages respectively. These increases may be linked to the town's status as a tourist destination, where retail activity and foot traffic create opportunities for such crimes. However, the data also reveals a marked decline in property-related crimes, with criminal damage and arson falling by 75% to one incident. This reduction aligns with the UK average's 66% lower rate for this category, potentially reflecting seasonal factors such as the transition to spring, when outdoor activities and maintenance work may reduce opportunities for vandalism. The overall crime mix in March highlights a shift toward violent incidents over property crimes, a trend that may be influenced by the town's character as a historic Cotswold settlement with limited urban density. The seasonal context of March—clocks changing and evenings lengthening—could also contribute to increased visibility and interaction among residents and visitors, affecting crime patterns. Despite these fluctuations, the area's overall crime rate remains significantly below the UK average, a consistent feature that reflects its unique demographic and geographic profile.

March 2024 saw a 220% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 5 to 16 cases. This surge, though concerning, remains 1% above the UK average for this category. Other theft and shoplifting both rose by 300%, with four incidents each, placing these categories 27% and 15% above UK averages respectively. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 75%, from four to one case, a drop that aligns with the UK average's 66% lower rate. The shift in crime mix highlights a move toward violent incidents over property crimes, a trend that may reflect seasonal factors such as increased foot traffic in the town's historic core during spring. Residents may find the 75% reduction in arson incidents particularly notable, suggesting targeted community efforts or environmental factors contributing to this decline.

Bourton-on-the-Water's crime rate in March 2024 rose 70.4% from the previous month's 2.9 per 1,000 to 4.9 per 1,000. This increase, though significant, remains 36.4% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. Daily crime statistics show one reported crime occurred per day in March, a figure that may reflect the town's small population of 5,933. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 205 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the impact of crime on the local community. This rate is lower than the UK average when considering the area's size and character as a historic Cotswold settlement with limited urban density. The shift from February to March may be influenced by seasonal changes, such as extended evenings and the transition to spring, which could affect both resident and visitor activity patterns.