Cotswold Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cotswold's crime profile in August 2023 reveals a distinct mix of violent and property crimes, shaped by the area's seasonal rhythms and geographic character. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 34.4% of all reported crimes, making them the most prevalent category, yet this rate remains 20% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, at 13.4% of total crimes, is 44% below the UK average, a statistic that may reflect the district's relatively cohesive community dynamics and the influence of its rural-urban blend. Burglary, however, stands out as a significant outlier, with a rate 106% above the UK average, a figure that may be partly explained by the summer holiday season, which often leaves homes unoccupied and vulnerable. The seasonal context of August—marked by peak tourism, school holidays, and increased visitor activity—likely contributes to this pattern, though other factors such as local property distribution and policing strategies may also play a role. The overall crime rate of 6.0 per 1,000 residents, 25.9% below the UK average, positions Cotswold as a safer area than the national benchmark, despite the notable exception of burglary. This balance of crime types suggests a combination of local conditions and broader trends, with violent crime rates remaining subdued even as property-related incidents show some divergence from the national norm.

August 2023 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories. Robbery incidents doubled from one to two, marking a 100% increase, while possession of weapons rose by 33.3% and public order offences increased by 30.3%. These shifts contrast with a significant 89.3% decline in theft from the person, which fell from 28 to 3 incidents. Bicycle theft also dropped by 62.5%, from eight to three, potentially reflecting seasonal changes or improved security measures. The crime mix reveals a complex balance: violence and sexual offences (34.4%) dominate, yet remain 20% below the UK average. Conversely, burglary rates are 106% above the UK average, a stark outlier that may relate to Cotswold's summer tourism and the seasonal emptying of homes. Anti-social behaviour, at 13.4% of total crimes, is 44% below the UK average, suggesting a community dynamic that mitigates such incidents despite the area's popularity as a tourist destination.

Cotswold's crime rate in August 2023 remained stable at 6.0 per 1,000 residents, matching the previous month's figure. Daily crime activity averaged 18 reported incidents, a figure that reflects the area's overall low crime profile compared to the UK average. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 166 residents, a statistic that underscores the relatively low exposure to crime in this district. With a population of 91,661, the monthly crime count translates to a manageable burden on local policing resources. The consistency between August 2023 and the preceding month suggests no significant shifts in crime trends, though seasonal factors such as the summer holiday period may have influenced specific incident types. The daily crime count, while a useful metric for residents, should be contextualised within Cotswold's broader demographic and geographic characteristics, which include a mix of rural and urban areas with varying levels of public engagement and policing presence.