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

Bourton-on-the-Water’s crime profile in November 2025 continued to reflect its status as one of the safest areas in the UK, with an overall crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents—52.1% below the national average. The area’s crime mix was dominated by violence and sexual offences (38.1% of total incidents), followed by criminal damage and arson (14.3%), and shoplifting (14.3%). These figures align with the built-up area’s character as a historic, low-density village within the Cotswold region, where violent crime is often linked to small-scale disputes rather than large-scale criminal activity. The seasonal context of November—marked by shorter evenings, Bonfire Night, and Black Friday shopping—likely influenced the crime profile. For instance, the sharp rise in shoplifting may have been driven by increased foot traffic during the festive shopping period, while the decline in violent crime could be attributed to the absence of large crowds and the area’s limited nightlife. Anti-social behaviour, at 14.3% of total crimes, remained significantly below the UK average (1.1 per 1,000), reinforcing the community’s low incidence of disruptive conduct. The area’s low burglary and theft rates (both 4.8% of total crimes) are consistent with its rural nature, where homes are often spaced apart and less accessible to opportunistic offenders. Overall, the data illustrates a stable and low-crime environment, with seasonal fluctuations that align with local rhythms rather than broader national trends.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in November 2025 was a 200% increase in shoplifting, rising from one incident to three. This surge, likely tied to Black Friday shopping activity, contrasts sharply with the 33.3% decline in violence and sexual offences, which fell from 12 to 8. The drop in violent crime may reflect the area’s seasonal character, with fewer tourists and shorter evenings reducing opportunities for such incidents. Meanwhile, bicycle theft rose by 100%, jumping from zero to one report—a category where Bourton-on-the-Water is 233% above the UK average, highlighting an unusual vulnerability. Anti-social behaviour also remained low, at 14.3% of all crimes, 53% below the UK average. For residents, the sharp rise in shoplifting underscores the need for vigilance during peak retail periods, while the overall decline in violent crime reinforces the area’s reputation as a safer, more tranquil place to live.

Bourton-on-the-Water’s crime rate in November 2025 fell by 8.8% compared to October 2025, declining from 3.9 to 3.5 per 1,000 residents. This downward trend aligns with broader seasonal patterns, as November typically sees lower crime activity in rural areas with limited nightlife and fewer transient visitors. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly one crime per day over the month—a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 5,933. When scaled to the community, this means one reported crime occurred for every 283 residents during the month. This monthly exposure rate is particularly meaningful for residents, offering a tangible sense of the likelihood of encountering crime in their daily lives. The area’s consistently low crime rate—52.1% below the UK average—suggests a combination of geographic factors, such as its compact built-up area and limited commercial hubs, which may reduce opportunities for certain crimes compared to larger urban centres.