Cirencester Crime Rate

Cirencester, the "Capital of the Cotswolds," maintains a safety profile that aligns closely with national expectations. The town's overall crime rate stands at 92.4 per 1,000 residents, which is nearly identical to the UK average of 93.1. However, Cirencester outperforms the national average in terms of severity, earning a safety score of 80/100 compared to the UK's 78. Recent trends show that crime in the town is stable, with a modest year-over-year decrease of 3.2%. For a population of approximately 17,600, these figures suggest a well-managed urban environment where residents can feel secure. The following analysis explores the specific crime patterns and time-based data that define Cirencester's current safety landscape.

Crime in Cirencester

Cirencester's crime profile is primarily led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 34.1% of all reports (31.5 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is also a significant concern, representing 27.6% of the total, followed by shoplifting at 8.2%. These figures reflect the town's role as a major commercial and social hub for the Cotswolds, where high footfall contributes to these specific crime types.

Property-related crime in Cirencester, including burglary, vehicle crime, and theft, occurs at a rate of 24.4 per 1,000 people. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.9, it is higher than the broader Cotswold district average. Burglary accounts for 2.9% of total crime, while vehicle crime represents 2.0%. For local residents, this means that while the town is generally safe, the volume of theft and shoplifting (8.2%) suggests that opportunistic crime is a factor. Homeowners should focus on securing their boundaries, especially as the data shows that burglary risks increase during the late evening and night-time hours.

Crime Trends in Cirencester

Crime in Cirencester is currently stable, having experienced a minor year-over-year decrease of 3.2%. The monthly data for 2024 and 2025 shows a relatively consistent pattern with some seasonal fluctuations. The crime rate per 1,000 residents was at its lowest in late 2024, with December recording just 5.6.

A noticeable increase occurred in the spring of 2025, with the rate climbing to 8.7 in March and peaking at 9.6 in May. This rise likely corresponds with increased tourist activity and longer daylight hours. The rate remained elevated throughout the summer months before beginning a gradual decline in the autumn, reaching 7.3 by October 2025. This stable trend indicates that while Cirencester experiences typical seasonal variations, the overall volume of crime is not significantly increasing, allowing the town to maintain its strong safety score of 80/100.

How To Keep Safe in Cirencester

The most common crime type in Cirencester is violence and sexual offences, often occurring in public or social settings. While the town is safe, taking proactive steps for personal security is always beneficial.

1. When enjoying Cirencester's nightlife, especially around the Market Place, stay with friends and plan your journey home in advance using reputable local taxi services.
2. Be mindful of your belongings in the town's busy shopping areas; shoplifting and 'other theft' are significant contributors to the local crime rate, particularly during the afternoon.
3. Given that 24% of burglaries occur at night, ensure all ground-floor windows and doors are double-locked before going to bed. Visible security deterrents can significantly reduce your risk.
4. If you park your car on the street overnight, avoid leaving any valuables inside. Vehicle crime peaks during the night-time hours (12am - 6am) in Cirencester.
5. Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the local police. This helps authorities identify hotspots and allocate resources more effectively to keep the town's public spaces safe.

In Cirencester, crime patterns are closely tied to the town's daily rhythm. The morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft-related offences, which account for 57% and 56% of incidents respectively. This is largely due to the town's active retail sector and high footfall in the commercial centre. As the day progresses into the evening, the nature of crime shifts toward 'other' categories, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 48% of evening reports.

The night-time period (12am - 6am) sees a significant change in risk profile. While the overall volume of crime is lower, property-related crimes become much more prominent. Burglary accounts for 24% of night-time incidents, and vehicle crime reaches its daily peak at 25%. This suggests that while opportunistic theft is a daytime concern in public spaces, residential and vehicle security are the primary concerns for residents during the overnight hours.

Cirencester serves as the primary urban settlement for the surrounding Cotswold villages. When compared to immediate neighbours like Siddington, Ewen, and Coates—all of which report statistically negligible crime rates—Cirencester's rate of 92.4 per 1,000 is expectedly higher due to its commercial activity and higher population density. Interestingly, it compares very favourably to Stratton, which although smaller, has shown higher crime intensity in certain categories. Locally, Cirencester is the safest major town in the immediate vicinity, offering a balanced environment for those who want urban amenities without the significantly higher crime rates often found in larger UK conurbations.

Protecting Your Property in Cirencester

Cirencester's property crime rate of 24.4 per 1,000 residents highlights a consistent need for effective home security. While the town is generally safe, the data shows that burglary and vehicle crime are most likely to occur during the night-time hours, when properties are most vulnerable. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or DIY doorbell cameras, are reactive; they record a crime as it happens but do little to prevent it.

To truly secure a Cirencester home, a transition to proactive protection is essential. AI-powered operating systems like scOS offer a superior alternative by preventing crime before it reaches your door. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundaries 24/7, identifying threats in real-time. The system can verify vehicles through DVLA integration and trigger autonomous responses—such as activating high-intensity lighting or audio alerts—the moment an intruder is detected. This immediate deterrence is vital, as most burglars will abandon their attempt within 60 seconds of being discovered. Investing in a proactive system like scOS ensures your home is actively guarded, rather than just being filmed during a break-in.