Cirencester Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

April 2023 saw Cirencester’s crime rate reach 9.6 per 1,000 residents, a figure 28.0% above the UK average of 7.5. This marked departure from national trends was most pronounced in the category of 'other theft', which was 132% above the UK average. As a market town within the Cotswold region, Cirencester’s crime profile reflects a unique blend of rural and urban characteristics. The town’s historical significance as a tourist destination and its proximity to natural attractions may contribute to patterns of theft, particularly in areas frequented by visitors. The most common crimes reported in April were violence and sexual offences (28.8% of total incidents), followed by other theft (13.5%) and anti-social behaviour (13.5%). These figures align with seasonal patterns typical of spring, when increased outdoor activity and the Easter holiday period may drive higher levels of public interaction and, consequently, certain types of crime. While violent crime rates in Cirencester were 8% above the UK average for this category, they remained below the 10.5% national figure for violent crime in market towns. The absence of significant spikes in shoplifting or theft from the person, which were both below the UK average, suggests that local factors—such as community engagement initiatives or targeted policing efforts—may have mitigated risks in these areas. However, the sharp rise in 'other theft' and burglary, both of which were 233% and 132% above the UK average respectively, points to vulnerabilities in property security that warrant closer attention. The seasonal context of April, with its mix of Easter-related events and springtime tourism, likely played a role in shaping these patterns, though further analysis would be needed to confirm direct links.

April 2023 witnessed a dramatic increase in bicycle theft, with incidents surging by 200% from one to three, a figure far exceeding the UK average for this category. This sharp rise may be linked to the Easter holiday period, during which temporary residents or visitors could have left bikes unattended in public spaces. Concurrently, 'other theft' saw a 130% increase, jumping from 10 to 23 incidents, a rate 132% above the UK average. This category encompasses a range of offences, including theft of personal items and unclassified property crimes, which may have been exacerbated by the influx of tourists during the spring season. In contrast, public order offences declined by 33.3%, falling from 18 to 12 incidents, a reduction that may reflect the effectiveness of local policing strategies during the Easter period. Anti-social behaviour also decreased by 30.3%, from 33 to 23 incidents, though this category remains 10% above the UK average. The only category to see a significant decrease in absolute terms was shoplifting, which fell by 16.7% from six to five incidents. This reduction, though modest, was notable as shoplifting in Cirencester was 38% below the UK average—a figure that may indicate the success of retail security measures or the relatively low density of high-footfall areas compared to larger urban centres. The stark contrast between rising 'other theft' and falling shoplifting highlights a shift in criminal activity patterns, with offenders targeting more diverse forms of property in the absence of opportunities in traditional retail spaces.

Cirencester’s crime rate in April 2023 remained largely stable compared to the previous month, with a 1.2% increase from 9.5 to 9.6 per 1,000 residents. This minimal fluctuation suggests that the overall crime environment in the town is relatively consistent, with no major spikes or collapses in reported incidents. On a daily basis, the town experienced an average of six crimes per day, a figure that, while low compared to major urban centres, still reflects a higher-than-average risk in the context of a rural market town. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 104 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while not alarmingly high, underscores the need for continued vigilance. When scaled to the local population of 17,646 residents, this figure illustrates that the likelihood of being directly affected by crime in Cirencester remains modest, though the disparity between local and UK-wide averages for specific categories—such as 'other theft' and burglary—suggests that certain vulnerabilities are more pronounced in this area. The comparison with the UK average also highlights the importance of local factors in shaping crime trends: while the national picture may be influenced by large cities with high population densities, Cirencester’s higher-than-average rates for property-related crimes may be tied to its role as a tourist hub and the associated challenges of securing both residential and commercial properties in a historically significant town. The stability in the overall rate, despite significant fluctuations in specific categories, indicates that the town’s crime profile is shaped by a combination of seasonal trends, local demographics, and the unique characteristics of its built environment.