The Cotswold consistently demonstrates a lower crime rate compared to the average for the United Kingdom. Based on available data, the Cotswold, a Local Authority District (LAD) with a population of 91,661, has a crime rate of 59.0 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This difference suggests that the Cotswold generally experiences fewer crimes per person than the national average.
Furthermore, the Cotswold enjoys a safety score of 87 out of 100, again exceeding the UK average of 79. A safety score considers various factors beyond just crime rates, potentially including perceptions of safety, levels of community engagement, and the presence of protective factors. This high safety score further reinforces the Cotswold's reputation as a relatively safe area.
It's important to understand that crime rates can fluctuate and vary across different areas within the Cotswold. While the overall statistics are favourable, localised issues can still arise. Examining specific types of crime, such as burglary, vehicle theft, or violent crime, could provide a more granular understanding of the situation. Local police force data and community watch groups often provide more detailed information on crime trends in specific areas.
Comparing the Cotswold to other rural areas would require a similar statistical analysis of those areas, but the current data indicates that it performs favourably. The lower crime rate and higher safety score suggest that residents of the Cotswold are, on average, less likely to experience crime than those living in other parts of the UK.