Cirencester Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cirencester’s built-up area recorded 165 crimes in August 2023, translating to a crime rate of 9.4 per 1,000 residents. This figure places the town 16% above the UK average of 8.1, a gap that has remained consistent with recent months. The breakdown of crimes reveals a striking dominance of violent offences, which accounted for 41.2% of the total, followed by anti-social behaviour (15.8%) and shoplifting (7.3%). These patterns align with the area’s characteristics as a market town with a blend of retail, tourist, and residential zones. The prominence of violence and sexual offences may be influenced by seasonal factors, as August is a peak month for tourism, potentially increasing foot traffic and associated risks. Shoplifting and public order offences also rose above UK averages, likely driven by the influx of visitors and the presence of high-street retail outlets. However, other categories such as drug-related crimes and criminal damage and arson saw declines, linked to reduced activity during the summer months. The data suggests a combination of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and policing efforts. While violent crime remains a key concern, the overall rate does not exceed levels seen in other similar towns, indicating that Cirencester’s crime profile is neither exceptionally high nor low when compared to the broader UK context. The town’s proximity to the Cotswolds, a region known for its rural charm and tourist appeal, may contribute to the specific patterns observed, though further analysis would be needed to confirm this hypothesis.

August 2023 saw a 100% increase in theft from the person, rising from zero to one reported case—a rare but significant spike. Possession of weapons also doubled, with three incidents recorded, marking a 100% increase from July. Shoplifting rose sharply by 71.4%, from seven to 12 cases, likely linked to the area’s tourism activity during the peak holiday season. In contrast, drugs-related crimes fell by two-thirds, from three to one, while criminal damage and arson halved, possibly due to seasonal changes in property occupancy. Violent crimes, at 68 incidents, remain 48% above the UK average, highlighting a persistent challenge in managing public safety. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than violent crime, still exceeded the UK average by 4%, indicating ongoing community tensions that may require targeted interventions.

In August 2023, Cirencester’s crime rate rose to 9.4 per 1,000 residents, a 3.1% increase from July’s 9.1 per 1,000. This places the area 16% above the UK average, a disparity that remains consistent with prior months. Daily crime statistics show an average of five reported crimes per day, reflecting a steady presence of criminal activity across the built-up area. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 107 residents, a figure that underscores the local impact of crime on the community. This monthly exposure rate, while not extreme, highlights the need for vigilance in a market town with a mix of residential, retail, and tourist activity. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Cirencester’s 17,646 residents face a slightly higher risk of encountering crime compared to the UK average, though local initiatives and policing strategies may help mitigate this gap.