Lechlade-on-Thames Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Lechlade-on-Thames, within the Cotswold district, reveal a crime rate of 44.1 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, and reflects a safety score of 90/100 – a considerably higher rating than the UK average of 79/100. However, while the overall crime rate is relatively low, there has been a concerning increase of 6.9% year-on-year. This trend, while still below previous years, warrants attention and proactive measures. Understanding the specific types of crimes occurring, and their patterns, is key to maintaining the area's high safety score and ensuring the wellbeing of residents.

Crime statistics for Lechlade-on-Thames reveal a concerning pattern of offences. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 30.2% of recorded crimes, with 42 incidents reported between January 2025 and December 2025. Anti-social behaviour follows closely, representing 20.1% of crimes, and demonstrating a need for community engagement and preventative measures. Vehicle crime is also a significant concern, with 21 incidents indicating a vulnerability in securing vehicles. Property crime overall, encompassing burglary, theft and criminal damage, totals 19.0 per 1,000 residents. While this figure remains below the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, the specific nature of the crimes requires focused attention. The occurrence of shoplifting, at just 0.7 per 1,000, is comparatively low, suggesting that other areas are experiencing more retail-related crime. Understanding the unique factors within Lechlade-on-Thames, such as its rural location and close-knit community, is essential for developing targeted crime prevention strategies.

The 6.9% year-on-year increase in crime within Lechlade-on-Thames, while not drastic, signals a concerning trend that requires attention. Examining the monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a notable spike in crime during July and August 2025 (6.3 and 7.0 per 1,000 respectively). This could be attributable to factors such as increased tourism or seasonal changes in activity. However, the overall upward trajectory suggests a need for proactive measures to address the underlying causes of this increase. While October saw a relative lull in crime (2.2 per 1,000), the subsequent months demonstrate a rebound, indicating that the trend is persistent and requires continuous monitoring and adaptation of preventative strategies.

How To Keep Safe in Lechlade-on-Thames

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially when out alone. Consider walking with a friend or using well-lit routes. Vehicle crime is also a concern; always lock your car, remove valuables, and consider a car alarm. Anti-social behaviour can often be a precursor to more serious crime, so report any suspicious activity to the police. Finally, ensure your home is secure with robust locks and consider installing motion-sensor lighting to deter potential burglars. Remain vigilant and report anything that seems out of place.

Crimes in Lechlade-on-Thames exhibit distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglaries are most likely to occur during the morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm), with a smaller proportion occurring overnight (12am-6am). Vehicle crime is notably concentrated during the evening and night, particularly between 11pm and 6am, suggesting a vulnerability during these hours. Violence and sexual offences tend to be more frequent during the evening hours, often on weekend nights. Understanding these temporal trends allows for targeted preventative measures, such as increased patrols during high-risk periods and community awareness campaigns.

Comparing Lechlade-on-Thames to its surrounding areas reveals a stark contrast in crime rates. Neighbouring villages such as Southrop, Langford (West Oxfordshire), Filkins, and Eastleach Turville all report a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 residents. This highlights that Lechlade-on-Thames experiences a comparatively higher level of crime than many of its rural counterparts. The reasons for this difference likely stem from a combination of factors, including population density, economic activity, and proximity to larger towns. The data underscores the importance of targeted crime prevention strategies specifically tailored to Lechlade-on-Thames’ unique circumstances.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actually preventing threats at your property line is another. Consider a proactive security solution like scOS. scOS uses AI to learn your routines and identify suspicious activity at your property boundary, alerting you before a break-in can happen. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all angles simultaneously, instantly verifying vehicle plates with the DVLA database, and creating an element of surprise for potential intruders. The visible presence of scOS, combined with its autonomous response capabilities – activating lights and speakers – can be a powerful deterrent, often causing burglars to reconsider their actions within those crucial first 60 seconds. While DIY security systems have their place, professional-grade protection like scOS provides a significantly higher level of security and peace of mind, particularly given the recent increase in crime within Lechlade-on-Thames.