Cirencester Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cirencester's built-up area recorded a crime rate of 7.7 per 1,000 residents in May 2023, placing it 3.7% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure marks a significant improvement compared to the previous month's rate of 9.6 per 1,000, reflecting a 19.9% decline. The town's crime profile in May was shaped by seasonal factors, with longer evenings and bank holidays contributing to increased social activity. Violence and sexual offences emerged as the most prevalent category, accounting for 38.2% of all crimes—3.0 per 1,000 residents and 8% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, representing 20.6% of incidents (1.6 per 1,000 residents) and 20% above the national average. Other theft (11.0% of total crimes) also exceeded the UK average by 53%, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in this category. The seasonal context of May—characterised by extended daylight hours and increased outdoor socialising—likely contributed to the rise in violence and anti-social behaviour. Conversely, public order offences (0.6 per 1,000 residents) were 9% below the UK average, potentially reflecting the town's quieter, more community-oriented environment compared to larger urban centres. These patterns align with Cirencester's identity as a market town with a historic character, where social interactions are concentrated in specific areas like the high street and public spaces, creating opportunities for certain types of crime while maintaining a generally low-risk profile overall.

May 2023 saw a sharp 200% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from 1 to 3 incidents. This spike, while small in absolute terms, reflects a notable shift in the local crime profile. Concurrently, shoplifting incidents jumped by 80% (from 5 to 9), likely influenced by the longer evenings and increased foot traffic associated with bank holidays. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 21.7%, with 28 incidents reported—20.6% of all crimes. This category remains 20% above the UK average, a persistent issue in the area. In contrast, vehicle crime plummeted by 81.8%, dropping from 11 to 2, possibly due to reduced car usage during the Easter holidays or increased security measures. Burglary fell by 70.6% (from 17 to 5), aligning with a broader trend of lower property crimes. Criminal damage and arson decreased by 61.1%, with 7 incidents reported—35% below the UK average. These fluctuations underscore the combination of seasonal factors and local crime dynamics.

Cirencester's crime rate in May 2023 fell to 7.7 per 1,000 residents, marking a 19.9% decrease from the previous month's rate of 9.6 per 1,000. This reduction positions the area as one of the safer built-up areas in the Cotswolds relative to its recent performance. On a daily basis, the town recorded an average of 4 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the relatively low overall rate compared to larger urban centres. Over the course of the month, 1 crime was reported for every 130 residents, a monthly exposure rate that suggests a stable environment for local communities. When considering the population of 17,646, the crime rate remains well below the UK average, though specific categories like anti-social behaviour and violence show notable deviations from national trends. These figures indicate that while the area is generally secure, targeted efforts may be needed to address specific types of crime that exceed UK norms.