Cotswold Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cotswold's crime rate in February 2025 stood at 4.0 per 1,000 residents, 40.3% below the UK average of 6.7 per 1,000. This marks a continuation of the area's consistently lower crime profile compared to national trends, a pattern observed in previous years. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 39.9% of all reported crimes (145 incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (18.5%) and burglary (8.3%). These figures align with Cotswold's character as a largely rural district with limited urban density, where violent crime tends to be proportionally lower than in major cities. However, the seasonal context of February—a winter month with reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may have influenced the distribution of crime types. For instance, the relatively low rate of shoplifting (5.0% of total crimes) could reflect reduced foot traffic in retail areas during the colder season. Conversely, the prominence of anti-social behaviour may be linked to increased indoor gatherings during the winter. The data also highlights Cotswold's strong performance in certain categories: violent crime rates are 32% below the UK average, and anti-social behaviour rates are 28% lower. These outcomes may be partly attributable to the area's community-focused policing strategies and the absence of high-density urban environments that often correlate with higher rates of public order offences.

February 2025 saw notable increases in three specific crime categories, raising concerns for residents. Bicycle theft surged by 100% compared to January, with one reported incident—a sharp rise from zero. Possession of weapons also doubled, with one case recorded, while drugs-related offences rose by 42.9% (from seven to ten). These increases, though small in absolute terms, suggest emerging trends that warrant attention. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 50% (from 32 to 16), and other crime decreased by 41.2% (from 17 to 10), reflecting a shift in crime dynamics. The overall balance between property and violent crime also shifted: violent crime accounted for 39.9% of total incidents, compared to property crime's 31.9% (116 incidents). This proportion is significantly below the UK average for violent crime (2.4 per 1,000 versus 2.0 per 1,000 nationally). Residents should be particularly aware of the rise in bicycle theft, which may be linked to increased winter cycling activity or vulnerabilities in secure storage options. The drop in vehicle crime could be attributed to reduced outdoor activity during February. These month-on-month fluctuations underscore the importance of vigilance in specific areas, even as Cotswold maintains its overall low crime profile.

Cotswold's crime rate in February 2025 fell to 4.0 per 1,000 residents, a 13.3% decrease from the previous month's rate of 4.6 per 1,000. This decline places the area in a stronger position relative to its own historical trends, though it remains well below the UK average. On a daily basis, the district recorded approximately 13 crimes per day in February—a figure that, while low, reflects the persistent need for community vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 253 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many comparable areas. When considering Cotswold's population of 91,661, this translates to a manageable level of risk for individuals, though the recent increases in specific categories (e.g. bicycle theft) suggest that localized concerns may still exist. The comparison to the UK average is particularly stark: Cotswold's violent crime rate (1.6 per 1,000) is 32% below the national figure, while anti-social behaviour rates are 28% lower. These disparities may be attributed to the area's rural nature, which often correlates with lower rates of certain crimes. However, the absolute numbers for drug-related offences and possession of weapons, though small, highlight the need for targeted awareness in these categories. For residents, the combination of low overall rates and localized spikes underscores the importance of staying informed about specific trends, even in a generally safe environment.