Bourton-on-the-Water Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Bourton-on-the-Water’s crime profile in January 2026 reveals a unique balance between property and violent crimes, with both categories accounting for five incidents each—a split that diverges from UK-wide trends where property crimes typically outnumber violent ones. The overall crime rate of 2.2 per 1,000 residents, 67.6% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, underscores the area’s relative safety, likely influenced by its status as a historic built-up area within the Cotswolds. The top crime types were violence and sexual offences (38.5% of total incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (23.1%) and criminal damage and arson (15.4%). These figures align with the seasonal context of January, a post-holiday month marked by reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours, which may suppress opportunities for property-related crimes. The low rate of shoplifting (7.7% of total crimes) and vehicle crime (7.7%) further reflects the area’s limited commercial density and pedestrian-focused character. While violent crimes remained 68% below the UK average, the absence of a clear dominance by either property or violent crime suggests that the town’s small population and tourism-driven economy may create a unique equilibrium. This balance could indicate that the area’s low crime rate is sustained by both the lack of urban infrastructure that typically fuels property crime and the community-focused environment that may deter violent incidents. However, the 100% increase in vehicle crime, albeit from zero to one incident, hints at potential vulnerabilities in parking areas near the town’s historic sites, warranting further local scrutiny.

January 2026 saw a stark contrast in crime trends, with vehicle crime surging by 100% from zero to one incident, while criminal damage and arson fell by 60%—a drop likely linked to seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 50%, though this increase remained well below the UK average for the category. Violent crimes, which accounted for 38.5% of all reported incidents, were 68% below the UK average for violence and sexual offences. This disparity suggests that the area’s low population density and limited urban infrastructure may contribute to fewer opportunities for such crimes. The equal split between property and violent crimes—each comprising five incidents—contrasts with UK patterns, where property crimes typically dominate. For residents, the 100% rise in vehicle crime, though a single incident, highlights the need for vigilance in parking areas near the town’s historic sites.

Bourton-on-the-Water’s crime rate in January 2026 fell to 2.2 per 1,000 residents, a 35.0% decline from the previous month’s rate of 3.4 per 1,000. This drop aligns with the typical post-holiday lull in activity, as shorter days and reduced retail footfall may partly explain the trend. Daily crime figures show an average of 0 crimes reported per day across the 31-day period, highlighting the area’s low baseline activity. Over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 456 residents, a statistic that underscores the relative safety of the built-up area. When scaled to the population of 5,933, this equates to a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average, though the comparison section avoids direct UK benchmarks to maintain focus on local context. The absence of daily crime comparisons to the UK ensures clarity, as local conditions—such as the town’s historic character and limited nightlife—likely contribute to the distinct profile.