Cotswold Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 91,661, Cotswold saw 459 crimes in April 2024, equating to 0.5 crimes per resident. This rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents is 35.1% below the UK average of 7.7, reflecting a consistently lower crime profile compared to national trends. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (34.4% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (21.6%) and criminal damage and arson (8.9%). These figures align with Cotswold's character as a rural district with historic villages and tourist attractions, where public spaces often see higher foot traffic during Easter and spring festivals. The dominance of violent crime over property crime contrasts with many urban areas, likely due to the area's lower population density and community-focused policing strategies. Seasonal factors such as Easter and warmer weather may have contributed to increased outdoor activity, potentially influencing anti-social behaviour rates. Shoplifting and vehicle crime remained significantly below UK averages, reflecting the district's smaller retail footprint and higher levels of car ownership in rural households.

April 2024 saw significant month-on-month changes in specific crime categories. Criminal damage and arson surged by 46.4% (28 → 41), possibly linked to increased outdoor activities during spring. Shoplifting also rose sharply by 43.8% (16 → 23), though this remains 55% below the UK average. Conversely, drug-related offences fell by two-thirds (15 → 5), likely reflecting seasonal patterns in illicit activity. Violent crime remained 34% below the UK average, with 1.7 per 1,000 residents compared to the national rate of 2.6. Anti-social behaviour, while still 10% below the UK average, accounted for over a fifth of all crimes, highlighting ongoing challenges in managing public conduct in shared spaces. The most notable decrease was in theft from the person, which halved from 2 to 1 incidents, a trend consistent with Cotswold's lower tourist density compared to coastal resorts. These shifts suggest a combination of seasonal factors and local policing efforts, with some areas of the district showing resilience against typical spring crime spikes.

April 2024 marked a 6.5% decrease in Cotswold's crime rate compared to March's 5.4 per 1,000 residents. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 15 crimes per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 200 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is lower than many comparable districts, reflecting Cotswold's rural character and effective community engagement strategies. When scaled to the population, the 459 total crimes represent a crime rate that is 35% below the UK average, a consistent trend that has persisted for several years. The local context is critical: with a population of 91,661 spread across a largely rural landscape, the crime rate's relationship to population density is inverse compared to major urban centres. For residents, this means that while the absolute number of crimes is relatively low, the visibility of reported incidents in shared community spaces remains a focal point for local authorities. The daily crime count provides a tangible measure for residents, illustrating that the likelihood of encountering crime is significantly lower than in more densely populated areas.