Stratford-on-Avon Crime Rate

Stratford-on-Avon is one of the safer districts in the UK, with an overall crime rate of 64.0 per 1,000 people—significantly lower than the national average of 91.7. This is reflected in its impressive safety score of 85/100, which far exceeds the UK average of 79. The crime trend in the area is currently stable, with a slight 1.2% decrease year-over-year. While the district is generally very secure, its affluence and popularity as a tourist destination do present specific challenges, particularly regarding anti-social behaviour in the town centre and property-related offences in residential areas. The following data provides a comprehensive look at the local crime landscape to help residents and visitors stay informed and protected.

About Stratford-on-Avon

Stratford-on-Avon is a predominantly rural and affluent Local Authority District in Warwickshire, famously known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The area's characteristics are defined by the historic market town of Stratford-upon-Avon and a large number of surrounding villages and countryside. The district is a major international tourism destination, which brings a high volume of transient visitors to the town centre, particularly during the summer months. This influx of tourism can influence rates of anti-social behaviour and opportunistic theft in commercial areas.

Economically, the district is prosperous, with high levels of employment and a large retired population. These factors contribute to its high safety score of 85/100. However, the affluence of the area and its rural nature can make it a target for specific crimes such as high-value vehicle theft and rural burglary, where criminals may target isolated properties. The transport links, including the M40 motorway, provide easy access for both residents and potential offenders. Despite these factors, the low population density and strong community engagement help maintain Stratford-on-Avon as one of the safer districts in the Midlands.

Crime Breakdown in Stratford-on-Avon

In Stratford-on-Avon, the most frequent crime category is violence and sexual offences, representing 33.6% of all reports with a rate of 21.5 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 21.0% and criminal damage and arson at 7.4%. The prevalence of anti-social behaviour is often linked to the high volume of visitors and nightlife in the main town centre.

Property crime is a significant component of the local statistics, with a combined rate of 21.7 per 1,000 people. This includes 531 burglaries (5.7% of total crime) and 685 vehicle crimes (7.3%). Interestingly, vehicle crime and burglary both have higher percentages of total crime here than in many urban areas, reflecting the targeting of affluent residential and rural properties. Shoplifting also accounts for 5.2% of reports. For homeowners, the data suggests that while violent crime is statistically the most common, the risk to property—particularly vehicles and homes—is a primary concern. Implementing robust, visible security measures is essential to protect against the 3.6 per 1,000 burglary rate and the relatively high frequency of vehicle-related offences.

Crime Trends in Stratford-on-Avon

The crime trend in Stratford-on-Avon is currently stable, with a 1.2% decrease year-over-year. This indicates that the district's reputation for safety is well-founded and consistent. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a very steady pattern. The year began with a low of 4.7 per 1,000 in December, remaining consistent through the winter.

As the tourism season approached, the rate saw a moderate increase, peaking at 6.1 per 1,000 in May and June. This likely reflects the higher volume of people in the district during the warmer months. The rate then stayed around 5.0 to 6.0 for the remainder of the year, ending at 5.4 in November. This seasonal variation is minor, suggesting that crime in the area is well-managed. For residents, the data confirms that there are no alarming spikes in activity, but a slight increase in awareness during the busy summer months is always sensible. The overall stability is a positive indicator for long-term residents and those considering moving to the area.

In the regional context of Warwickshire and the West Midlands, Stratford-on-Avon maintains a very favourable safety profile. While the comparison data for nearby areas like Warwick, Redditch, Wychavon, Coventry, Solihull, and Rugby is recorded as 0.0 per 1,000 in this specific set, Stratford-on-Avon's rate of 64.0 is remarkably low for a district with such high visitor numbers. It is generally considered much safer than the larger urban centres of Coventry and Birmingham. For those living in or considering a move to the region, Stratford-on-Avon offers a peaceful, low-crime environment that benefits from its rural character and engaged local communities, making it a highly desirable and secure location within the Midlands.

With a property crime rate of 21.7 per 1,000 people, residents in Stratford-on-Avon are increasingly looking beyond traditional security. In an affluent area where high-value vehicles and homes can be targets, reactive security—like standard CCTV that simply records a crime—is often insufficient. The scOS AI-powered operating system offers a proactive alternative by detecting threats at the property boundary. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS identifies suspicious patterns and can intervene autonomously using lights and speakers before a break-in occurs. For the 531 households affected by burglary and the 685 affected by vehicle crime annually, this shift from recording to preventing is crucial. scOS can even verify vehicle plates, ensuring that only genuine threats trigger an alert. By destroying the element of surprise, scOS makes your property a 'hard target,' encouraging opportunistic criminals to move on. In Stratford-on-Avon, proactive protection is the most effective way to maintain the safety and peace of mind that residents expect.

How To Keep Safe in Stratford-on-Avon

The most common crime in the district is violence and sexual offences, though the actual rate is low at 21.5 per 1,000. In the town centre, particularly during peak tourist season, stay aware of your surroundings in crowded areas. If you are out late enjoying the local hospitality, stick to well-lit routes and try to travel with others.

Property and vehicle crime are significant considerations given the area's profile. With 685 vehicle crimes reported, you should always park in well-lit areas or use a locked garage if available. Never leave high-value items, such as laptops or designer bags, visible in your car. For your home, consider the 5.7% burglary rate and ensure that your security is visible and proactive. Simple measures like ensuring all gates are locked and using smart timers for lights when you are away can be very effective. Finally, because anti-social behaviour accounts for 21.0% of reports, being part of a local neighbourhood watch can help you stay informed about any local disturbances and work with the community to maintain the area's high safety standards.