Stroud Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

November 2023 saw Stroud's crime rate fall to 5.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 28% below the UK average of 7.5. This marks the lowest recorded rate for the area since 2020. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 41% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.3%. These figures align with seasonal patterns observed in mid-sized UK towns, where colder weather and shorter daylight hours often correlate with increased domestic disputes and public order issues. The area's relatively low property crime rate compared to the UK average—particularly for shoplifting and vehicle crime—may reflect its mix of rural and semi-urban character, with fewer high-traffic retail zones than major cities. Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping activity in November likely contributed to temporary spikes in anti-social behaviour, though the overall crime rate still declined month-on-month. The persistent gap between Stroud's crime rate and the UK average suggests effective local policing strategies or demographic factors such as a higher proportion of older residents, who tend to report fewer crimes than younger populations. However, the absence of significant increases in violent crime despite seasonal pressures indicates that community initiatives or environmental factors may be moderating risk in the area.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift occurred in vehicle crime, which fell by 60.6% from 104 incidents in October to 41 in November. This steep decline is consistent with seasonal trends in areas with significant commuter traffic, where holiday periods and reduced commercial activity may lower opportunities for vehicle-related offences. Conversely, 'other crime' increased by 50% (18 to 27 incidents), a category that includes unclassified offences and may reflect underreporting or evolving criminal activity patterns. Stroud's violent crime rate of 2.2 per 1,000 residents is 15% below the UK average of 2.6, a gap that has widened slightly from previous months. Anti-social behaviour also remained well below the UK average at 0.8 per 1,000, linked to the area's lower population density and community-focused policing. Theft from the person and drug-related offences both halved in November, though these categories remain below the UK average by 100% and 42.9% respectively. These reductions may be partially attributable to heightened police presence around major events like Bonfire Night or increased use of CCTV in key areas.

Stroud's November 2023 crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 residents represents a 16.5% decrease from October's 6.5, continuing a downward trend observed over the past year. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 23 crimes per day in November, a figure that remains significantly lower than the UK average when scaled to population size. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 185 residents, a ratio that is 28% better than the UK average and suggests a relatively safe environment for residents. When compared to the previous month, the most pronounced shift was in vehicle crime, which fell by 60.6% despite no major infrastructure changes or new policing initiatives being reported. This contrasts with the 18% increase in burglary and 50% rise in 'other crime', highlighting the volatility of specific offence categories. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Stroud's residents face a crime risk that is 28% lower than the national average, though this gap is narrower in property-related offences where Stroud's burglary rate is 18% above the UK average. These statistics indicate a combination of local characteristics—such as the area's mix of urban and rural landscapes—and broader national trends in crime prevention.