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

Bourton-on-the-Water’s crime rate in August 2025 stood at 3.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 51.9% below the UK average of 8.1. This stark contrast underscores the area’s generally low crime profile, a characteristic often associated with rural and semi-rural communities where social cohesion and limited anonymity may deter criminal activity. The most common offences were violence and sexual offences (6 incidents), followed by vehicle crime (4) and criminal damage and arson (3). These figures align with the area’s seasonal rhythms: August, a peak holiday month, typically sees an influx of tourists and temporary residents, which can influence local crime patterns. However, the absence of a significant rise in burglary—despite the increased number of unoccupied homes during the summer—suggests that the area’s compact layout and visible community presence may act as deterrents. Vehicle crime remains a concern, with rates 79% above the UK average, likely tied to the high volume of tourist vehicles and the presence of car parks near popular attractions. The overall crime rate’s stability, despite the monthly increase, reflects the area’s resilience to seasonal fluctuations, though the sharp rise in ‘other crime’ and criminal damage raises questions about emerging challenges that may require targeted local responses. As a built-up area within the Cotswold, Bourton-on-the-Water’s crime profile is shaped by its dual identity as a historic village and a tourist destination, with crime patterns often reflecting the interplay between permanent residents and transient visitors.

August 2025 saw a notable shift in crime patterns, with three categories experiencing 100% increases: other crime, criminal damage and arson, and other theft. These rises contrast with a 50% drop in anti-social behaviour and public order offences, as well as a 25% decrease in violence and sexual offences. The surge in 'other crime'—a category that includes unclassified or less common offences—may reflect underreporting or evolving criminal tactics in a small, tourist-dependent area. Meanwhile, vehicle crime remained 79% above the UK average, a persistent concern for residents and visitors alike. The decrease in violence and sexual offences, though modest, aligns with the UK average for this category being 2.9 per 1,000, suggesting a possible correlation with seasonal factors such as reduced evening activity in the town. Residents may find the 50% reduction in anti-social behaviour particularly reassuring, though the sharp rise in other thefts underscores the need for continued awareness of personal belongings in public spaces.

Bourton-on-the-Water's crime rate in August 2025 rose to 3.9 per 1,000 residents, a 35.2% increase from the previous month's rate of 2.9. This upward trend, though modest, suggests a shift in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly one crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that may be amplified by seasonal factors such as increased tourism and the influx of temporary residents during peak holiday months. When viewed through the lens of population, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime occurring for every 258 residents—a ratio that, while low compared to national averages, highlights the vulnerability of smaller communities to concentrated incidents. The area’s compact size and reliance on tourism may contribute to this pattern, as transient populations and seasonal property vacancies can create unique security challenges. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or unoccupied homes, though the overall rate remains significantly below the UK average.