Cirencester Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

January 2025 saw Cirencester's overall crime rate at 7.0 per 1,000 residents — 1.4% below the UK average of 7.1 — with anti-social behaviour emerging as the most significant category. The town's built-up area within the Cotswold region, characterised by its historic market town core and tourist infrastructure, appears to drive disproportionate levels of anti-social behaviour compared to national trends. This category, which includes incidents like noise complaints and disorder, accounted for 33.1% of all crimes, far exceeding the UK average of 1.0 per 1,000. Seasonal factors likely contributed to this pattern, as January typically sees reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours, which may amplify tensions in close-knit communities. Violence and sexual offences followed as the second most common category, though they remained 12% below the UK average. This contrast with anti-social behaviour highlights the area's unique crime profile, shaped by its role as a tourist destination and its relatively low population density compared to urban centres. Shoplifting, the third most common offence, rose slightly above the UK average by 13%, possibly linked to the town's high street retail presence and the post-Christmas period, though overall retail footfall was lower in January. The seasonal context — a post-holiday lull with fewer outdoor activities — may have contributed to a shift in crime patterns, with property crimes accounting for a smaller share (25%) than in previous months. This suggests that while the area remains generally safe, specific local factors such as its tourist appeal and historic town layout may influence crime dynamics in ways distinct from national averages.

The most dramatic shift in January 2025 was the 200% increase in 'Other crime' incidents, rising from 1 to 3. This category, which includes offences like harassment and nuisance, now accounts for 2.4% of total crimes. Concurrently, 'Other theft' surged 80% (5 to 9), and 'Public order' offences jumped 75% (4 to 7). These increases contrast sharply with declines in 'Criminal damage and arson' (-66.7%) and 'Drugs' (-25%). Anti-social behaviour remains the most prevalent category, contributing 33.1% of all crimes — 135% above the UK average of 1.0 per 1,000. This anomaly may reflect the town's unique social fabric, with its historic market square and tourist infrastructure creating conditions conducive to such incidents. 'Violence and sexual offences' fell 12% below the UK average, a trend consistent with the area's lower population density and limited nightlife compared to major urban centres.

Cirencester's crime rate in January 2025 rose 26.7% compared to December 2024's 5.6 per 1,000, reaching 7.0 per 1,000 — a figure still 1.4% below the UK average. This increase translates to 4 reported crimes per day on average, or one crime for every 142 residents over the course of the month. While the overall rate has climbed, the distribution of crime types has shifted: property crimes now account for 25% of total incidents (down from 33% in December), while violent crimes make up 31.5% (up from 27%). This suggests a potential reallocation of police resources or changing patterns in community activity. The population-scaled perspective shows that while the rate remains low, the increase is notable against a backdrop of historically stable crime trends in the Cotswold region. Local residents may find the 1-in-142 monthly exposure statistic useful for contextualising risk relative to national benchmarks.