Cotswold Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

A sharp 150% increase in robbery incidents in May 2025 has emerged as the most unexpected development in Cotswold's crime profile. This surge, from 2 to 5 reported cases, contrasts with broader trends of declining crime rates in the area, which overall stood at 5.7 crimes per 1,000 residents — 29.6% below the UK average of 8.1. The local authority district's crime profile in May reveals a combination of violent and property crimes, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 33.2% of all incidents (173 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour at 26.5% (138 cases). This pattern aligns with Cotswold's character as a rural district with a mix of historic villages and tourist attractions, where outdoor drinking and socialising during longer evenings may contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour. Seasonal factors appear to influence public order offences, with 39 cases recorded — a 31% deficit compared to the UK average. However, the unexpected rise in robbery, which typically sees lower rates in rural areas, suggests localized shifts in criminal activity that warrant further analysis. Cotswold's crime rate remains significantly below the national average, with property crimes comprising 25% of all incidents and violent crimes accounting for over a third. The data underscores the area's relative safety compared to UK-wide trends, though the robbery increase highlights the need for targeted policing in specific locations.

Robbery incidents in Cotswold rose dramatically by 150% in May 2025, jumping from 2 to 5 cases — the most significant monthly-on-month increase in any crime category. This surge contrasts with steep declines in vehicle crime (-64.3%) and bicycle theft (-50%), which fell to 10 and 1 cases respectively. The area's violent crime rate of 1.9 per 1,000 (33.2% of total crimes) is 33% below the UK average for violence and sexual offences, reflecting Cotswold's generally lower levels of violent crime. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.5 per 1,000, is 6% above the UK average, suggesting localized pressures in specific communities or areas. Other crime — which includes unclassified incidents — increased by 78.6% (14 to 25 cases), potentially indicating underreported or emerging criminal activities. The data also shows public order offences (39 cases) and criminal damage (37 cases) both significantly below UK averages, consistent with Cotswold's rural character and lower population density. Residents may find the 75% reduction in vehicle crime particularly relevant, as this could reflect improved security measures in local car parks or reduced opportunities for theft in sparsely populated areas.

Cotswold's crime rate in May 2025 rose 25.1% from the previous month's 4.5 per 1,000, though it remains well below the UK average. The local authority recorded 521 crimes over 31 days, translating to an average of 17 crimes per day — a figure that, while modest, reflects the area's population of 91,661 residents. On a monthly basis, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 176 residents, a statistic that contextualizes the scale of criminal activity in relation to Cotswold's demographic profile. This monthly exposure rate is significantly lower than many urban areas but aligns with the district's rural nature, where crime rates are typically lower due to factors such as lower population density and stronger community ties. The 25.1% increase from April highlights seasonal fluctuations, with longer evenings and bank holidays in May likely contributing to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. However, the overall rate remains 29.6% below the UK average, emphasizing Cotswold's relative safety. The data also shows that 33.2% of crimes in May were violent, compared to 33% of UK crimes being anti-social behaviour — a divergence that underscores the distinct character of criminal activity in this rural district.