Cherwell Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Cherwell

Cherwell presents a generally positive picture regarding crime, with an overall crime rate of 71.7 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure stands notably below the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively safer environment. The area boasts a safety score of 83 out of 100, surpassing the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of recent trends, Cherwell has experienced a stable period, with a slight decrease of 3.3% year-over-year, suggesting consistent efforts in maintaining public safety. This overview sets the context for a deeper dive into the specific crime types and patterns observed across the district.

About Cherwell

Cherwell, a diverse local authority district, encompasses a mix of urban centres like Banbury and Bicester, alongside numerous rural villages and market towns. This varied landscape contributes significantly to its crime statistics. The district benefits from a largely residential character, interspersed with agricultural land and some industrial zones. Major transport links, including the M40 motorway and various railway lines, pass through Cherwell, which can sometimes influence crime patterns related to vehicle movement and transient populations. While tourism is present, particularly in its historic towns and countryside, it generally does not lead to significant spikes in crime. The population of over 170,000 residents experiences varying levels of population density across its different settlements, impacting local crime rates. The economic stability, with a mix of local businesses and proximity to larger employment hubs, plays a role in fostering a relatively low crime environment, contributing to its strong safety score compared to the national average.

Crime Breakdown in Cherwell

An analysis of crime types in Cherwell reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most prevalent category, accounting for 4,909 crimes, or 40.2% of the total, at a rate of 28.8 per 1,000 people. Following this, Shoplifting is the second most common offence with 1,543 incidents (12.6% of total, 9.1 per 1,000), reflecting challenges faced by local retail establishments. Anti-social behaviour ranks as the third most frequent crime, with 1,001 reported incidents (8.2% of total, 5.9 per 1,000), impacting community well-being.

Property-related crime in Cherwell, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at a rate of 27.4 per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, burglary accounts for 452 crimes (2.6 per 1,000), vehicle crime for 589 incidents (3.5 per 1,000), and other theft for 984 crimes (5.8 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest that while property crime is present, it is less common than the national average, yet remaining vigilant and investing in robust home security measures is always advisable to protect your assets.

Crime Trends in Cherwell

Cherwell has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with a slight decrease of 3.3% year-over-year. This indicates a consistent effort in maintaining public safety within the district. Looking at the monthly crime rates per 1,000 people, a degree of fluctuation is observed, typical for many areas. The crime rate saw a dip to 4.8 per 1,000 in February 2025, after hovering around 6.1-6.2 in late 2024. A peak was noted in July 2025 at 7.0 per 1,000, followed by a decrease towards 5.6 per 1,000 by September 2025. These monthly variations suggest that while the overall trend is stable, there are periods of increased activity, possibly influenced by seasonal factors or specific local events. For residents, this stable trend is reassuring, but understanding these monthly patterns can help in being more aware during periods of slightly higher incidence, particularly during summer months when activities tend to increase.

Crime in Nearby Areas

When comparing Cherwell to its neighbouring areas, a clearer picture of regional safety emerges. Cherwell's overall crime rate of 71.7 per 1,000 residents positions it favourably against many. For instance, Oxford, a larger urban centre, typically experiences higher crime rates due to its population density and vibrant nightlife. West Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse, often more rural in character, may present lower overall crime figures but could see specific types of crime, such as rural theft, become more prominent. South Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, both diverse in their makeup, offer varying crime landscapes, with Buckinghamshire being a larger county encompassing a range of urban and rural settings. Stratford-on-Avon, while geographically close, falls under a different police force area but shares some demographic and economic similarities that can influence crime. This regional context highlights Cherwell as a relatively safe area within its broader geographical setting, providing residents with a good understanding of local safety levels compared to their neighbours.

Protecting Your Property in Cherwell

Given Cherwell's property crime rate of 27.4 per 1,000 residents, which is below the UK average, it is still crucial for homeowners to consider robust security measures. Traditional security systems often provide footage of a burglary after it has occurred, acting reactively. However, for real peace of mind and proactive crime prevention, a different approach is needed.

Consider an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS. This technology is designed to prevent crime before it happens by detecting threats at your property boundary, rather than merely recording an incident after a break-in. Unlike many DIY systems that notify you post-event, scOS intervenes in real-time. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, ensuring no blind spots. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify suspicious vehicles with fake plates, while pattern learning distinguishes between family routines and genuine threats, reducing false alarms. With autonomous responses such as activating lights and engaging speakers, scOS destroys the element of surprise, often causing potential intruders to move on. Most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds; visible, professional-grade deterrence signals serious protection, making your property a less appealing target. Investing in such proactive security shifts the focus from recording a crime to preventing it entirely, offering a superior level of protection for your Cherwell home.