Bidford-on-Avon Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

July 2024 saw Bidford-on-Avon maintain a low crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 39.3% below the UK average of 8.4. This figure underscores the area's consistent safety record, even during peak summer activity. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (25% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (22.2%) and criminal damage and arson (11.1%). These patterns align with the area's character as a historic built-up area within Stratford-on-Avon, where community cohesion and low population density may contribute to lower violent crime rates. Seasonal factors likely played a role, as July is typically marked by festivals, open-air events, and school holidays, which can both deter and, paradoxically, increase certain crime types. The absence of major spikes in property crime — despite the summer tourism peak — contrasts with typical trends in more densely populated areas. While anti-social behaviour remained the second most common category, its rate of 1.1 per 1,000 was 24% below the UK average, suggesting effective local policing or community engagement strategies. The low levels of shoplifting (0.1 per 1,000, 85% below UK average) may reflect the area's limited retail presence outside of Stratford-on-Avon's main town centre. Overall, the data illustrates a crime profile shaped by the area's rural-urban hybrid nature, where historical preservation and local amenities balance against the challenges of seasonal fluctuations.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift occurred in violence and sexual offences, which fell by 40% (from 15 to 9 incidents). This decline, though unexplained by the data, contrasts with the typical rise in violent crime during summer festivals. Vehicle crime and 'other crime' both doubled, with vehicle crime jumping from 1 to 2 incidents (100% increase). These spikes may reflect increased foot traffic and vehicle movement during July events, though no direct causal link can be confirmed. Burglary also rose by 50% (from 2 to 3), a modest increase that still keeps the category's rate (0.4 per 1,000) 29% above the UK average of 0.3. Anti-social behaviour remained 24% below the UK average despite its high local share of crimes, suggesting local interventions may be effective. The drop in violence and sexual offences is particularly striking, as these crimes often rise during summer months due to increased social interactions. Residents might find the 40% decrease in violent crime reassuring, though the small absolute numbers (9 incidents) mean the risk remains very low. The increases in vehicle crime and 'other crime' highlight the need for vigilance in areas with transient populations during festivals.

July's crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 represents a 10.1% decrease from June's 5.6, indicating a sustained downward trend. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 197 residents — a monthly exposure rate that is exceptionally low compared to national averages. Daily crime counts averaged approximately one incident per day, a figure that, while modest, reflects the area's small population and limited retail or nightlife infrastructure. When scaled to the local context, the 36 total crimes translate to a daily risk that is arguably lower than in many similar-sized towns. The previous month's rate of 5.6 per 1,000 was already below the UK average, suggesting a long-term improvement in local safety. This trajectory contrasts with national trends where violent crime often peaks in summer, though Bidford-on-Avon's unique demographics — including a strong community presence and proximity to Stratford-on-Avon's policing resources — may explain the divergence. The 1-in-197 monthly exposure figure, while abstract, provides a tangible sense of the area's safety: for a resident, the likelihood of experiencing a crime in July was far lower than the UK average, which would translate to a much higher monthly exposure rate. This comparison reinforces Bidford-on-Avon's position as an outlier in national crime statistics, though the reasons for this may require deeper analysis of local factors.