Cotswold Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Cotswold’s crime profile in October 2025, accounting for 37.1% of all reported incidents. This category, at 1.7 per 1,000 residents, was 36% below the UK average, underscoring the area’s relatively low exposure to violent crime despite its status as a rural district. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 19.4% of total crimes, with a rate of 0.9 per 1,000—29% below the UK average. This aligns with seasonal factors, as October’s darker evenings and Halloween festivities may have heightened tensions in local communities. The overall crime rate of 4.6 per 1,000 residents was 40.3% below the national average of 7.7, a gap that reflects Cotswold’s unique demographic and geographic profile. As a largely rural area with a strong sense of community, Cotswold’s lower crime rates may be partly attributable to social cohesion, limited urban density, and targeted policing efforts. However, the persistence of violence and sexual offences—despite being below the UK average—suggests that local authorities must remain vigilant in addressing root causes such as alcohol-related incidents or domestic disputes, which may be more prevalent in smaller, close-knit communities. The seasonal context of October, with its shorter days and increased use of artificial lighting, may also have contributed to a rise in anti-social behaviour, though the exact mechanisms remain to be explored.

October saw a 100% increase in theft from the person, rising from zero to one incident, a stark anomaly in an otherwise stable month. Drug-related crimes also rose by 60%, from five to eight, though this remains well below the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. Shoplifting increased by 50%, from 22 to 33, potentially linked to pre-Christmas shopping activity and Halloween events. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 50% compared to the previous month, a drop consistent with seasonal trends and reduced daylight hours. Robbery also declined by 50%, from two to one, reflecting a broader pattern of violent crime reduction in the area. Vehicle crime in Cotswold is 76% below the UK average, suggesting that local factors—such as lower traffic density or effective policing in rural areas—may be contributing to this disparity. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of crime patterns, with seasonal events and community-specific factors playing a key role.

Cotswold’s crime rate in October 2025 fell to 4.6 per 1,000 residents, a 4.0% decline from the previous month’s rate of 4.8. This continued downward trend contrasts with the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, highlighting the area’s consistently lower crime profile. On a daily basis, 14 crimes were reported in October, a figure that, while seemingly high, is proportionally modest given the local population of 91,661. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 217 residents, a statistic that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to national benchmarks. This monthly exposure is further contextualised by Cotswold’s rural character, where community cohesion and lower population density may contribute to reduced opportunities for certain types of crime. The decline in vehicle crime, which fell by 50% compared to the previous month, aligns with seasonal patterns, as darker evenings and reduced commuter traffic likely deter such offences. These figures, while specific to Cotswold, reflect broader trends in rural areas where community policing and local initiatives may play a role in maintaining safety.