South Cerney Crime Rate

South Cerney is an exceptionally safe village within the Cotswold district, boasting an overall crime rate of just 33.9 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, resulting in a superior safety score of 93/100. The area is currently following a positive trend, with crime decreasing by 5.4% year-over-year. As a sought-after residential location with a population of 4,698, South Cerney offers a very secure environment for its residents. While no area is entirely crime-free, the statistics here are among the best in the region. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of crime types and time patterns to help you understand the local safety landscape in South Cerney.

In South Cerney, the crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which make up 34.0% of all reports (11.5 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is also a notable factor at 19.5%. Interestingly, shoplifting is the third most common crime at 15.1%, which is relatively high for a smaller settlement and suggests activity concentrated around local retail points. The overall property crime rate for South Cerney is 12.1 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary and vehicle crime, both of which are very low at 0.6 per 1,000 (1.9% each). While the total volume of crime is low, the concentration of theft-related offences means that local businesses and residents should still maintain basic security precautions.

The crime trend in South Cerney is currently stable and decreasing, with a 5.4% reduction in total offences year-over-year. Monthly data shows that crime rates were lowest in late 2024, with only 1.5 per 1,000 in November. There was a gradual increase through the first half of 2025, peaking at 4.5 in August. This summer peak is common in the Cotswolds as visitor numbers increase. However, the rates have remained relatively low throughout the year, never exceeding 4.5 per 1,000. For residents, this downward trend and the consistently low monthly figures reinforce South Cerney's status as a very secure village. The slight increase in the latter half of 2025 (averaging around 4.0) suggests a period of slightly higher activity, but it remains well below national and regional averages.

How To Keep Safe in South Cerney

The most common crime type in South Cerney is violence and sexual offences, though the actual number of incidents is very low. We recommend staying aware when walking through the village at night, particularly in less-populated areas. Shoplifting is also a notable factor (15.1%), so local business owners should ensure their premises are well-monitored. For residents, although burglary and vehicle crime are rare, it is always wise to keep doors locked and valuables out of sight. During the afternoon, when theft-related offences peak (75% of period activity), ensure that any home deliveries are not left in plain view on porches. Engaging with the South Cerney community through local social media groups can also keep you informed of any unusual activity or safety alerts from the neighbourhood policing team.

Crime in South Cerney shows distinct time-of-day patterns. Theft-related offences are most common during the daylight hours, accounting for 71% of morning crimes and 75% of afternoon incidents. This suggests that opportunistic theft and shoplifting are the primary drivers of daytime activity. As the day progresses into the evening and night, the profile shifts. While the overall volume of crime drops, the percentage of burglary and vehicle crime increases. Burglary rises from 5% in the morning to 17% during the night (12am-6am). Similarly, vehicle crime peaks at night, making up 27% of recorded incidents in that period. This indicates that while the village is generally safe, property and vehicle security are most critical during the overnight hours when most residents are asleep.

South Cerney sits within a cluster of very safe Gloucestershire and Wiltshire villages. Its crime rate of 33.9 per 1,000 is very similar to nearby Ashton Keynes (31.3). Other immediate neighbours like Siddington, Latton, and Down Ampney all report 0.0 crimes in this dataset, indicating an incredibly quiet local region. Compared to the broader Cotswold district and nearby urban areas, South Cerney remains a premier choice for those seeking a low-crime residential setting. The consistency of these low rates across the local area suggests a stable and secure regional environment.

While South Cerney enjoys a low property crime rate of 12.1 per 1,000 people, maintaining that security requires a modern approach. Traditional security systems are often reactive, only providing evidence after a crime has been committed. For a village as safe as South Cerney, the goal of security should be total prevention. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that monitors your property boundaries proactively. It uses multi-camera intelligence to detect threats before they can gain entry, distinguishing between known residents and suspicious activity. If an intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously trigger responses like lights and speakers to deter them instantly. This proactive stance is the most effective way to protect high-value properties in the area. By moving beyond simple recording to real-time intervention, scOS helps ensure that South Cerney residents remain protected from opportunistic crime, keeping the village's safety score among the highest in the country.