Painswick Crime Rate

Painswick's crime rate of 44.0 per 1,000 residents is 51.6% below the UK average, marking it as one of the safest areas in the country. However, the sharp 100% YoY increase in criminal damage and arson raises concerns about fire risks in the village's historic buildings. Despite this, the area's overall safety score of 89/100 reflects a strong community and effective local crime prevention measures.

Painswick is a historic built-up area within Stroud, characterized by a mix of residential properties and small-scale local businesses. As a commuter hub with easy access to nearby towns and the M4 motorway, it attracts a diverse population. The area's tight-knit community and limited commercial activity likely contribute to lower property crime rates, though its proximity to rural areas may influence patterns of criminal damage and arson.

The most surprising finding is that criminal damage and arson in Painswick is 5% above the UK average (6.9 vs 6.6 per 1,000), despite the area's overall safety. This slight elevation may be linked to the presence of older, timber-framed buildings in the village core, which could be more vulnerable to fire risks. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences, though rising by 12% YoY, remain 49% below the UK average—likely due to the area's low population density and limited nightlife. Anti-social behaviour, at 11.1 per 1,000, is 24% below the UK average, reflecting the community's strong social cohesion. The sharp decline in vehicle crime (-85.7% YoY) suggests effective local measures, such as reduced commuter parking or improved street lighting in key areas.

Crime in Painswick has increased by 5.8% year-on-year, driven by a 100% YoY rise in criminal damage and arson. This sharp increase may be linked to the area's historic buildings and seasonal patterns, with crime peaking in May 2025 (6.2 per 1,000/month). Other crimes, such as vehicle crime (-85.7% YoY) and burglary (-50.0% YoY), have declined, likely reflecting effective local measures. While the overall trend is upward, Painswick's crime rate remains 51.6% below the UK average, indicating the area is still significantly safer than most parts of the country.

How To Keep Safe in Painswick

Residents should focus on securing older timber-framed buildings against fire risks, as criminal damage and arson have increased by 100% YoY. Install smoke alarms and avoid leaving flammable materials near property boundaries. For vehicle crime, though rare, ensure cars are locked and stored in secure locations. Given Painswick's low crime rate, maintaining general vigilance—such as checking for unattended packages or unusual activity near homes—can help sustain the area's safety record.

Crime in Painswick shows distinct patterns across the day. Theft peaks in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), aligning with shopping hours in local stores. Vehicle crime, though rare, spikes at night (12am-6am), likely tied to unoccupied parking areas near the M4. Other crimes dominate in the evening and night, with 74% of 'other' crimes occurring after 6pm—possibly reflecting increased social interactions in the area's limited public spaces. Morning hours see minimal activity, with burglary accounting for 9% of crimes during this period, suggesting opportunistic targeting of homes left unattended during work hours.

Compared to the UK average, Painswick is significantly safer, with a crime rate 51.6% lower and a property crime rate 65.2% lower. This suggests residents can expect a lower risk of crime than most parts of the country, though no specific data is available for nearby areas.

For Painswick's residents, protecting against criminal damage and arson is key, scOS's AI boundary detection can monitor for suspicious activity near historic buildings, while automated lighting and speaker systems deter potential vandals. The system's ability to distinguish between genuine threats and regular activity—such as deliveries or neighbors—reduces false alarms, ensuring residents only receive alerts for real risks. With Painswick's crime rate 51.6% below the UK average, scOS provides a proportionate level of security that complements the area's existing safety profile.