Bourton-on-the-Water Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

April 2025 brought a mix of stability and localized increases in crime for Bourton-on-the-Water, a picturesque built-up area within the Cotswold region. The area’s overall crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents remained 55.8% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, reinforcing its status as one of the safer communities in the country. However, two notable trends emerged: a 50% rise in criminal damage and arson, and a 16.7% increase in violence and sexual offences. These shifts, though still modest in absolute terms, suggest potential seasonal influences tied to the Easter period and spring weather, which may have increased outdoor activity and community events. The top crime types—violence and sexual offences (35% of total), anti-social behaviour (20%), and criminal damage and arson (15%)—reflect a pattern consistent with rural and semi-rural areas, where property-related crimes and low-level disputes often dominate. The relatively low rate of violent crime (1.2 per 1,000) compared to the UK average (2.6 per 1,000) indicates that the area’s peaceful character, possibly influenced by its tourist appeal and limited urban density, continues to mitigate more severe incidents. However, the upward trend in violence and arson underscores the need for continued vigilance, particularly in areas frequented by visitors or during extended public gatherings. The broader context of springtime activity—such as Easter events and the gradual reopening of seasonal businesses—may have contributed to these changes, though further analysis would be required to confirm direct correlations.

April 2025 saw a 50% increase in criminal damage and arson, with incidents rising from 2 to 3. This surge, though still low in absolute terms (0.5 per 1,000 residents), may be linked to the Easter holiday period, when increased outdoor activity and seasonal events could contribute to property-related incidents. Concurrently, violence and sexual offences rose by 16.7%, from 6 to 7 cases, marking the most significant month-on-month increase in this category. While the area’s overall rate for violence (1.2 per 1,000) remains 54% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), the upward trend signals a potential shift in local dynamics. Anti-social behaviour, however, decreased by 20%, falling from 5 to 4 incidents, a decline that may reflect seasonal changes in community activity or effective local interventions. These fluctuations highlight the need for residents to remain vigilant, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic during peak holiday periods.

Bourton-on-the-Water’s crime rate remained stable at 3.4 per 1,000 residents in April 2025, matching the figure from the previous month. This consistency suggests no immediate surge or decline in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly one crime per day, a figure that reflects the low overall rate typical of this built-up Cotswold village. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 297 residents, underscoring the rarity of criminal incidents in this community. When scaled to the population of 5,933, the rate remains exceptionally low compared to national benchmarks, with the area’s total crime count (20) representing less than 1% of the UK average for a similar-sized population. This stability contrasts with the UK-wide trend of rising crime rates, particularly in urban centres, and highlights the effectiveness of local policing or community factors in maintaining safety. However, the specific increases in certain crime categories suggest targeted vulnerabilities that may require additional scrutiny.