Cotswold Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cotswold's overall crime rate for January 2025 stood at 4.6 per 1,000 residents, marking a 35.2% reduction compared to the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This places the area among the safest in the country, with its crime profile shaped by a combination of seasonal factors and local demographics. Violence and sexual offences emerged as the most frequently reported category, contributing 31.3% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour at 21.7% and burglary at 10.7%. The post-holiday period in January likely contributed to reduced retail footfall, which may have dampened shoplifting rates to 0.2 per 1,000 — 68% below the UK average. This contrasts with the 31.3% share of violent crimes, which, while lower than the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000, remains a notable focus for local authorities. The area's semi-rural character, with historic market towns and limited urban density, may help explain the lower prevalence of property crimes compared to more densely populated regions. Anti-social behaviour, though still below the UK average, rose to 1.0 per 1,000 — 2% above the national figure, reflecting increased social interaction during colder months. These patterns underscore the interplay between local geography and seasonal rhythms in shaping crime trends.

January 2025 saw a marked 95.7% increase in burglary cases, rising from 23 to 45, a shift that may be linked to colder weather driving more indoor activities and potentially leaving homes less occupied. Conversely, violence and sexual offences decreased by 8.4%, from 143 to 131, a decline consistent with post-holiday periods when social gatherings reduce. Anti-social behaviour surged by 68.5% — from 54 to 91 — a figure that, while still below the UK average, suggests a need for targeted community interventions. Shoplifting rates fell to 0.2 per 1,000, 68% below the UK average, likely due to reduced retail footfall during January. The category of 'other crime' also increased by 70%, from 10 to 17, though this remains a small proportion of total crimes. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of crime patterns, with property crimes rising while violent crimes dipped. For residents, the 31.3% share of violence and sexual offences underscores the importance of community safety initiatives, even as overall rates remain significantly lower than the UK average.

Cotswold's crime rate in January 2025 rose 13.1% from the previous month's 4.0 per 1,000.2% below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 14 crimes per day — a figure that, while low in absolute terms, reflects the district's relatively small population of 91,661. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 219 residents — a monthly exposure rate that, when contextualised against the UK average, illustrates Cotswold's safety compared to national benchmarks. This statistic is particularly meaningful for residents, as it provides a tangible measure of risk that accounts for population size. The increase from the previous month was most pronounced in burglary, which rose by 95.7%, suggesting a need for further investigation into local factors such as increased home occupancy during colder weather. However, the broader trend of remaining well below the UK average reinforces Cotswold's position as a relatively secure area. When compared to the UK's 7.1 per 1,000, Cotswold's 4.6 per 1,000 rate demonstrates the impact of its semi-rural landscape and community-focused policing strategies, even as certain categories like anti-social behaviour show upward trends.