Cotswold Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cotswold’s crime rate in July 2023 was 6.0 per 1,000, placing it 27.7% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This lower-than-national rate is consistent with the district’s character as a largely rural and historic region, where crime patterns often diverge from those of densely populated urban centres. The top three crime types were violence and sexual offences (29.7% of total), anti-social behaviour (17.1%), and burglary (9.2%). Violence and sexual offences in Cotswold were 35% below the UK average, a figure that may be influenced by the area’s relatively low population density and strong community policing presence. Anti-social behaviour also fell 30% below the UK average, reflecting the district’s emphasis on local engagement and conflict resolution. However, burglary in Cotswold was 82% above the UK average, a stark contrast that may be attributed to the prevalence of older, often unsecured properties in its rural villages and historic market towns. The seasonal context of July—a peak month for tourism, festivals, and outdoor events—likely contributed to fluctuations in crime types, with theft from the person and bicycle theft rising sharply. These patterns underscore the dual nature of Cotswold’s crime profile: a mix of stable, low-level crime in residential areas and transient, event-related incidents in tourist hubs. The overall lower crime rate compared to the UK suggests that local factors, such as strong community networks and the absence of major urban infrastructure, play a significant role in shaping the district’s crime profile.

July 2023 saw a dramatic 2700% increase in theft from the person, rising from one reported case to 28. This surge, though statistically extreme, may be linked to the district’s tourism peak, with festivals and outdoor events potentially creating opportunities for opportunistic theft. Conversely, robbery fell by 50%, from two to one incident, a decrease that aligns with broader seasonal trends where summer holidays reduce foot traffic in high-risk areas. Burglary rates in Cotswold stood 82% above the UK average, a discrepancy that may reflect the area’s historic properties and rural landscapes, which can present unique security challenges. Meanwhile, bicycle theft increased by 700%, rising from one to eight cases, tied to the influx of visitors using cycles during summer months. These shifts highlight the tension between Cotswold’s appeal as a tourist destination and the localized crime risks that accompany it, with property crime rates showing a mixed picture compared to national benchmarks.

Cotswold’s crime rate in July 2023 rose by 17.8% compared to June’s 5.1 per 1,000, reaching 6.0 per 1,000. This increase, though modest, reflects shifting patterns in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 18 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the scale of activity for residents and local authorities. Over the course of July, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 168 residents, a monthly aggregate that underscores the relative safety of the district compared to national benchmarks. With a population of 91,661, Cotswold’s crime statistics must be interpreted through the lens of its demographic profile: a mix of historic market towns, rural villages, and commuter suburbs. The area’s lower-than-average rates for anti-social behaviour and public order offences align with its character as a low-density, community-focused region, though the surge in theft from the person highlights vulnerabilities tied to seasonal tourism. This contrast between stable and volatile crime categories illustrates the complexity of managing a district that balances rural tranquillity with urban hubs like Cirencester, where retail and hospitality sectors may attract transient populations.