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

Stratford-on-Avon's crime rate in February 2024 stood at 4.9 crimes per 1,000 residents, placing the area 31.0% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This consistent underperformance relative to national trends highlights the area’s distinct crime profile, shaped by its character as a historic market town with a strong tourism sector and limited industrial activity. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 36.7% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.0%) and other theft (8.6%). These figures align with the seasonal context of February, a winter month marked by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, which may partly explain lower rates of vehicle crime and burglary compared to busier periods. However, the prominence of violence and sexual offences suggests ongoing challenges in managing public safety within the town’s core areas, particularly around its historic landmarks and retail hubs. The UK comparison underscores Stratford-on-Avon’s relative safety, but the concentration of violent crime remains a focal point for local authorities. The town’s reliance on tourism and its compact urban layout likely contribute to higher incidences of anti-social behaviour, as transient populations and high foot traffic in central areas may amplify tensions. While the overall rate is lower than the UK average, the distribution of crime types reveals specific vulnerabilities that require targeted interventions.

February 2024 saw significant shifts in crime patterns, with theft from the person increasing by 100% (from 2 to 4 incidents) and possession of weapons rising by 85.7% (from 7 to 13). These increases, though modest in absolute terms, may reflect heightened indoor gatherings during colder weather or disruptions in local enforcement priorities. Conversely, drug-related crimes fell by 41.2% (from 17 to 10), a decline consistent with seasonal patterns where reduced socialising and lower foot traffic in public spaces may deter illicit activity. Vehicle crime also dropped by 27.5% (from 69 to 50), linked to fewer commuters and lower overall mobility during winter. Stratford-on-Avon’s rate of violence and sexual offences (1.8 per 1,000) was 28% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (0.8 per 1,000) was 24% below. This contrast with the UK trend highlights the area’s unique dynamics, where community cohesion and policing strategies may mitigate certain crime types. Residents may find the 26.0% decrease in burglary (from 50 to 37) particularly reassuring, though the absolute number remains a concern for property owners. The data also reveals that Stratford-on-Avon’s rate of possession of weapons (0.1 per 1,000) was 43% above the UK average, an anomaly that warrants closer scrutiny given the area’s otherwise low crime profile.

Stratford-on-Avon’s crime rate in February 2024 (4.9 per 1,000) marked a 2.2% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.1 per 1,000, reflecting a slight but sustained improvement in public safety. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 25 crimes per day over the 29-day period, a figure that contextualises the pace of criminal activity for local residents. When scaled to the population of 146,258, this equates to one reported crime for every 203 residents over the course of the month, a ratio that underscores the area’s relatively low exposure to crime compared to larger urban centres. This monthly exposure rate is particularly significant for households and businesses seeking to assess risk, as it provides a concrete measure of how frequently crime might intersect with daily life. While the overall rate is well below the UK average, the comparison section reveals that Stratford-on-Avon’s population size and geographic profile—characterised by a mix of historic residential areas and commercial zones—likely influence its crime dynamics. The area’s compact layout and limited industrial presence may contribute to lower rates of vehicle crime and burglary, but the concentration of violent and anti-social offences suggests that targeted policing in high-traffic areas remains critical. These figures, when viewed alongside the UK average, reinforce Stratford-on-Avon’s position as a safer alternative to many comparable towns, though local challenges in managing specific crime types persist.