Lechlade-on-Thames Crime Rate

Statistics and Safety in Lechlade-on-Thames

Lechlade-on-Thames is a highly secure and desirable residential area, currently boasting a high safety score of 90/100. The area's overall crime rate is 42.2 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1. This indicates that Lechlade is one of the safer settlements in the region, offering a high level of security for its 3,153 inhabitants. The crime trend is currently stable, with a minor 3.1% increase year-over-year, suggesting that crime levels are consistent and predictable. While the area is safe, understanding the local crime breakdown and temporal patterns is essential for maintaining this high standard of safety. This report explores these factors to provide a comprehensive overview of the local security landscape.

Crime Breakdown in Lechlade-on-Thames

Lechlade-on-Thames experiences a crime profile led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 33.8% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common category at 21.1%, followed by vehicle crime at 15.8%. These figures highlight that while personal and social offences are frequent, property-related concerns are also a significant part of the local landscape.

For homeowners, property crime is a primary area of focus. The combined property crime rate is 16.5 per 1,000 people, which includes burglary (9.0%), other theft (9.0%), and criminal damage and arson (4.5%). The high rate of vehicle crime is particularly notable, suggesting that cars and vans are frequently targeted in the area. Burglary and other theft also represent a combined 18% of all crime, indicating that residential security is vital. For residents, the data suggests a need for a comprehensive security strategy that covers both the home and any vehicles parked on the property. The relatively low rate of criminal damage is a positive sign, but the frequency of theft and vehicle offences requires active mitigation. Overall, the data points to a secure environment where opportunistic property and vehicle crimes are the main risks.

Analysing Crime Trends in Lechlade-on-Thames

Lechlade-on-Thames is currently experiencing a stable trend in its safety profile, with a minor 3.1% year-over-year increase in total crime. An analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals a relatively consistent environment with some periodic fluctuations. The year started with low activity, but rates climbed significantly in July (6.3) and August (7.0), the highest points recorded in the data set. Following this, the rate dropped back to 2.2 by October.

This stability is a reassuring sign for the community, suggesting that crime is not prone to sudden, sustained spikes. The summer peak in July and August suggests a seasonal influence, potentially related to increased tourism or holiday activity in the Cotswolds. For residents, this means that while the village is already very safe, extra vigilance during the summer months is advisable. Understanding these trends allows the community to remain prepared and maintain the area's high safety standards throughout the year.

How To Keep Safe in Lechlade-on-Thames

The most common crime category in Lechlade-on-Thames is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for approximately 34% of all reported incidents. While the area is statistically safe, maintaining personal awareness is always beneficial.

• Vehicle Protection: As vehicle crime is a notable concern in Lechlade, ensure your car is always locked, windows are closed, and no valuables are left on display, particularly overnight when vehicle crime peaks at 64%.
• Perimeter Lighting: Use motion-activated lighting around your home and driveway. This can deter opportunistic thieves and make your property a less attractive target during the evening and night.
• Afternoon Home Security: With 32% of burglaries occurring in the afternoon, always ensure doors and windows are locked when you are out, even for short periods during the day.
• Community Awareness: Stay in touch with neighbours and report any suspicious activity or unfamiliar vehicles loitering in the area to the local police.
• Secure Entrance Points: Check that all gates and fences are in good repair to prevent easy access to the rear of your property, where intruders often prefer to operate.

Temporal Crime Trends in Lechlade-on-Thames

Crime patterns in Lechlade-on-Thames show distinct shifts across the four main time periods of the day. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft is a significant concern, accounting for 37% and 44% of offences respectively. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most likely when the village is active and residents are out and about.

The evening (6pm - 12am) sees a significant rise in vehicle crime, which makes up 39% of reports. However, the most notable pattern occurs during the night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime surges to 64% of all incidents. This is an exceptionally high concentration, indicating that vehicles are particularly vulnerable while residents are asleep. Burglary also peaks in the afternoon at 32% and remains a high risk in the evening at 28%. These findings highlight the critical importance of afternoon home security and overnight vehicle protection, as these are the peak times for property-related offences in the area.

Local Context: Comparing Lechlade-on-Thames to Surrounding Areas

In the regional context of the Cotswolds, Lechlade-on-Thames maintains a strong safety profile. While it is a larger settlement than many of its immediate neighbours, its crime rate remains low. Several very small nearby areas, including Southrop, Langford, Filkins, and Eastleach Turville, all recorded a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people, which is typical for tiny rural hamlets. Lechlade's rate of 42.2 is excellent for a built-up area with more amenities and a larger population. It offers a secure residential environment that outperforms most national and regional averages, making it one of the more desirable locations in the area for those prioritising safety and a low-crime lifestyle.

Proactive Security for Lechlade-on-Thames Homeowners

With a property crime rate of 16.5 per 1,000 people, Lechlade-on-Thames is a safe area, but the 15.8% share of vehicle crime and the threat of burglary (9.0%) still require attention. Traditional security systems often fail because they are reactive, recording a crime only after it has occurred. For homeowners in Lechlade, where vehicle crime is a significant property-related concern, a system that can protect both the home and the driveway is vital.

An AI-powered security operating system like scOS provides the proactive protection needed to prevent crime before it happens. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundaries 24/7, identifying suspicious activity before a break-in or vehicle theft is attempted. Its DVLA vehicle verification is particularly effective for Lechlade residents, as it can instantly flag unknown or suspicious vehicles near your property. By deploying autonomous responses like lights and audible alerts, scOS destroys the element of surprise, forcing potential intruders to move on. This shift from recording to preventing ensures that your home remains the safe haven it's meant to be.