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

In May 2024, Bourton-on-the-Water maintained a crime rate of 4.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 45.2% below the UK average of 8.4. This figure translates to a daily risk of roughly one crime per 31 residents over the course of the month, a statistic that may seem low but reflects the area's unique characteristics as a small, historic village within the Cotswold region. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 44.4% of all incidents, though this rate remains 30% below the UK average. This discrepancy may be attributed to the town's rural setting, where social interactions are more limited compared to urban centres. Burglary, at 18.5% of all crimes, was the second most common category, though it stood at 158% above the UK average — a figure that appears anomalous given the area's low population density. The seasonal context of May, with its extended evenings and bank holidays, likely contributed to the increase in violence and anti-social behaviour, as outdoor socialising and drinking became more prevalent. However, the overall crime profile remains relatively stable, with no significant spikes in theft or property crime that would suggest a broader pattern of concern.

May 2024 saw a sharp rise in burglary, with the number of incidents surging by 150% to five cases — a stark contrast to the previous month's two reported burglaries. This increase, though still low in absolute terms, may reflect seasonal factors such as longer evenings and increased outdoor activity in the Cotswold region. Bicycle theft also doubled from zero to one incident, a jump that aligns with the area's growing popularity as a tourist destination and the presence of cycle-friendly paths. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 80% compared to April, likely due to the end of Easter-related events and fewer seasonal gatherings. The town's violent crime rate remained lower than the UK average, with violence and sexual offences at 2.0 per 1,000 — 30% below the national rate. This suggests that the area's rural setting and low population density contribute to a safer environment for residents, though the surge in burglary highlights the need for continued vigilance in securing properties.

Bourton-on-the-Water's crime rate in May 2024 dropped to 4.6 per 1,000 residents, a 20.6% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.7. This reduction brings the area's crime profile closer to the long-term trend of seasonal fluctuations, with fewer incidents reported over the 31 days of May. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one crime per day, a figure that may appear low but reflects the town's small population and rural character. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 220 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the low probability of being directly affected by crime. With a population of 5,933, this statistic underscores the relatively safe environment compared to larger urban centres, where crime rates are typically higher. The decline in criminal damage and arson, coupled with the drop in shoplifting, suggests that the easing of springtime social activities may have contributed to the reduction in certain offence types.