Cotswold Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cotswold’s crime profile in August 2025 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property crimes, shaped by both local characteristics and seasonal dynamics. With a crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents—34.6% below the UK average—the area continues to demonstrate a pattern of relatively low overall crime. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 36.6% of all reported crimes, the highest proportion, followed by anti-social behaviour at 18.7% and other theft at 10.4%. This distribution suggests a focus on interpersonal conflicts and minor disturbances, which may be influenced by the area’s mix of rural and semi-urban environments. The prominence of violence as a crime type is notable, as it contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes often dominate. August, a peak holiday month, likely contributed to fluctuations in burglary rates, with empty homes potentially increasing vulnerability. However, the 35.7% decline in burglary compared to July indicates possible proactive measures by residents or local authorities. The relatively low incidence of vehicle crime and shoplifting—68% and 35.7% below the UK average, respectively—may reflect the area’s lower population density and reduced retail footfall outside of tourist hubs. These patterns align with Cotswold’s identity as a largely rural district with significant tourism infrastructure, where crime prevention efforts appear to be effective in curbing certain categories, even as others, like drug-related offences, show unexpected spikes.

August 2025 saw a stark rise in drug-related crimes, increasing by 300% from two to eight incidents. This jump, while not unprecedented, contrasts with the overall stability in violent crime rates, which remained 34% below the UK average. Other thefts rose by 56.3%, potentially reflecting increased retail activity during the summer months. Conversely, burglary and shoplifting both fell by 35.7%, possibly linked to heightened security measures in empty homes during the peak holiday season. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common crime type, was 32% below the UK average, suggesting effective community policing or fewer incidents in public spaces. These shifts underscore a combination of seasonal factors and local law enforcement efforts, with certain categories showing marked volatility despite the area’s overall low crime profile.

Cotswold’s crime rate in August 2025 remained stable compared to July, declining by 3.1% to 5.3 per 1,000 residents. This slight downward trend aligns with the area’s historically lower crime profile relative to the UK average. On a daily basis, 16 crimes were reported across the district, a figure that translates to roughly one reported crime for every 191 residents over the course of the month. When contextualised against the local population of 91,661, this suggests a relatively low level of exposure to crime compared to larger urban areas. The stability in overall rates contrasts with the UK’s generally higher average, reinforcing Cotswold’s position as a safer local authority. However, the monthly exposure metric provides a tangible perspective for residents, illustrating that the likelihood of encountering crime remains comparatively low even during peak summer months.