Cotswold Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cotswold’s December 2023 crime rate of 4.5 per 1,000 residents placed it 37.5% below the UK average of 7.2, a disparity that underscores the area’s generally low crime profile. The breakdown of crimes reveals a distinct pattern: violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.1% of all incidents, significantly lower than the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000 (35% below). This suggests that Cotswold’s relatively tranquil character, shaped by its mix of rural and historic urban areas, may contribute to fewer violent incidents compared to more densely populated regions. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 13.6% of total crimes, again well below the UK average. These figures align with the seasonal context of December, a time marked by Christmas shopping, party season, and extended periods of darkness, which can influence both crime patterns and community behaviour. While violent crime remains a concern, the prominence of property-related offences such as other theft (10.9%) and burglary (8.0%) highlights the need for continued focus on securing homes and personal belongings during the festive period. The relatively low incidence of theft from the person (0.7%) and shoplifting (4.1%)—both 100% below UK averages—further reinforces the idea that Cotswold’s quieter, more community-oriented environment may deter certain types of crime. However, the 14% increase in burglary compared to the UK average (0.4 vs 0.3 per 1,000) raises questions about local vulnerabilities, linked to the temporary absence of residents during holidays or the concentration of property in older, historically significant areas that may lack modern security features. This nuanced picture illustrates the interplay between geographic factors, seasonal dynamics, and policing efforts in shaping Cotswold’s crime profile.

December 2023 saw a stark contrast in crime trends, with burglary increasing by 50% (22 to 33 incidents) despite an overall decline in total crime. This rise, though modest, may be linked to seasonal factors such as empty homes during the holiday period or increased retail activity in town centres. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 50% (48 to 24), a drop consistent with reduced traffic and fewer opportunities for theft in colder weather. The category of other crime also halved (16 to 8), potentially reflecting the impact of holiday-related policing initiatives or community efforts. Violent crimes in Cotswold remained 35% below the UK average (1.7 vs 2.6 per 1,000), a trend that could be attributed to the area’s lower population density and quieter social environment compared to larger cities. The 100% increase in possession of weapons (0 to 3 incidents) and bicycle theft (0 to 2) highlights niche but significant shifts.

Cotswold’s December 2023 crime rate of 4.5 per 1,000 residents marked a 15.3% decrease from the previous month’s 5.3 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 13 crimes per day, a figure that, while consistent with local patterns, remains lower than many urban counterparts. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 222 residents, illustrating a relatively low monthly exposure compared to the UK average. This statistic, when contextualised against Cotswold’s population of 91,661, suggests that the area maintains a safer profile than the national average. The reduction in vehicle crime by 50% (from 48 to 24 incidents) and the halving of other crime reports (from 16 to 8) further underscore the effectiveness of recent policing efforts or seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity during winter. However, the 50% increase in burglary (22 to 33 incidents) contrasts with this trend, indicating a need for targeted attention to property security during the holiday season.