Stratford-on-Avon Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Stratford-on-Avon's crime profile in August 2024 showed a continuation of its long-term trend of being significantly safer than the UK average, with a crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 — 32.9% below the national figure. This performance, while impressive, is not uniform across all crime categories, with some types showing marked improvements and others reflecting the town's unique characteristics. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 30.6% of all reported crimes, a share that is 37% below the UK average. This discrepancy may be influenced by the town's relatively low population density and the presence of historic sites that deter violent incidents. Anti-social behaviour (19.4% of all crimes) and shoplifting (9.9%) followed, both of which are 24% and 30% below UK averages respectively. These figures are likely shaped by Stratford's mix of residential areas and tourist attractions, where anti-social behaviour may be more easily monitored, and shoplifting could be mitigated by the town's smaller retail footprint compared to larger cities. Seasonal factors also played a role, with August being a peak holiday month that typically increases burglary risk due to empty homes. However, the town's crime rate in this category was 35% below the UK average, suggesting that local measures — such as community engagement or property security initiatives — may be effective in reducing risks during this period. The overall pattern illustrates a balance between the challenges of managing a tourist destination and the benefits of a close-knit community structure that appears to contribute to lower crime rates.

August 2024 saw a marked reduction in certain crime categories, with theft from the person falling by 69.2% (from 13 to 4 incidents) — the most significant drop among all categories. This decrease may be attributed to heightened police patrols around tourist sites during the summer months, though no official initiatives were cited in the data. Meanwhile, shoplifting increased by 51.9% (from 52 to 79 incidents), a rise that aligns with Stratford's status as a tourist destination, where historic shops and visitor centres may attract opportunistic offenders. Vehicle crime also showed a notable decline, falling by 33% below the UK average, consistent with the town's lower density of commercial vehicle parking areas compared to urban centres. The drop in burglary (41.5% decrease from July) is particularly striking, as August is typically a high-risk period for such crimes due to increased property vacancies. This suggests that local deterrents, such as improved lighting in residential areas or community watch schemes, may be contributing to this trend. Residents may find the 69.2% reduction in theft from the person particularly reassuring, as it indicates a lower risk of personal victimisation during peak tourist hours.

Stratford-on-Avon's crime rate in August 2024 (5.5 per 1,000) marked a 7.6% decline from July's 5.9 per 1,000, reflecting sustained improvements in public safety. This reduction aligns with broader trends observed in the area over recent months, though August's figures still sit 32.9% below the UK average. On a daily basis, the town recorded approximately 26 crimes per day in August, a figure that, while lower than some urban centres, remains consistent with Stratford's character as a historic town with a mix of residential and tourist activity. Over the course of the month, 1 in every 183 residents experienced a reported crime, a ratio that underscores the relatively low exposure to crime compared to larger cities. This monthly exposure rate is particularly notable when considering Stratford's population of 146,258, as it suggests that the majority of residents are not directly affected by criminal activity on a regular basis. The decrease in burglary, which fell by 41.5% from July, may be linked to seasonal factors, as August is a peak holiday month when many homes are unoccupied, potentially deterring opportunistic offenders.