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

Stratford-on-Avon recorded a crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 residents in July 2024, placing it 29.8% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This marked contrast to national trends is particularly evident in violence and sexual offences, which occurred at a rate of 1.9 per 1,000 — 33% below the UK average. The area’s crime profile reflects a combination of seasonal factors and local characteristics. As a historic market town with a strong tourism sector, Stratford-on-Avon experiences heightened activity during July, when schools are closed and festivals draw visitors. Yet the data suggests that community initiatives or the town’s compact nature may contribute to lower-than-expected violent crime rates. Anti-social behaviour accounted for 17.1% of all crimes, the second-highest category, likely linked to increased foot traffic and events in the town centre. Vehicle crime, at 0.5 per 1,000, was slightly above the UK average, potentially tied to the presence of commuter parking and visitor vehicles. The seasonal context of July — with its festivals and outdoor events — may also explain the higher incidence of criminal damage and arson (37% below UK average), as temporary structures or decorations could be targeted. However, the overall crime rate remains lower than national benchmarks, suggesting that Stratford-on-Avon’s policing strategies or community cohesion may play a role in maintaining safety despite the summer influx.

July 2024 saw sharp increases in theft from the person (+160%) and bicycle theft (+85.7%), rising from 5 to 13 and 7 to 13 cases respectively. These jumps may reflect the summer surge in tourism, with more visitors carrying valuables and cycling in the town. Conversely, drug-related crimes fell by 45% (20 to 11), possibly due to heightened police presence during events or seasonal shifts in illicit activity. Vehicle crime, though slightly above the UK average (0.5 vs 0.5 per 1,000), remained stable compared to previous months. Burglary rates (0.4 per 1,000) were 29% above the UK average, linked to the town’s historic properties and the temporary nature of some tourist accommodations. The most significant outlier was the 33% below UK average rate for violence and sexual offences, a category that typically dominates national statistics. This divergence may indicate the effectiveness of local safety measures or the relatively low population density of Stratford-on-Avon, which could reduce opportunities for such crimes. For residents, the 160% rise in theft from the person is a critical warning: visitors are advised to secure personal belongings during festivals and evening events.

The crime rate in Stratford-on-Avon rose by 3.9% in July 2024 compared to the previous month’s rate of 5.7 per 1,000, though it remains well below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 28 crimes per day in July — a figure that, while manageable, underscores the impact of seasonal activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 169 residents, a ratio that highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban centres. With a population of 146,258, the town’s crime statistics demonstrate a balance between the pressures of tourism and the benefits of its smaller-scale infrastructure. The 3.9% increase from June may reflect the start of the summer tourist season, with festivals and events drawing crowds to the town’s historic sites. However, the overall rate remains significantly lower than the UK average, suggesting that Stratford-on-Avon’s policing priorities or community engagement strategies may be effective in mitigating crime. The monthly exposure metric (1 in 169 residents) provides a tangible reference for residents: in a typical week, one would expect roughly one crime to occur for every 24 residents, a rate that, while not negligible, is far below the national standard.