Cherwell Crime Rate

Cherwell is a safe and well-regarded local authority district in Oxfordshire, with a current crime rate of 70.9 per 1,000 residents. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.7, contributing to the area's high safety score of 83/100. The crime trend in Cherwell is currently classified as stable, having seen a 4.2% decrease year-over-year. Data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a consistent safety profile across the district’s various settlements. With a property crime rate of 26.7 per 1,000, Cherwell offers a secure environment for both residents and businesses, maintaining its reputation as one of the safer regions in the United Kingdom.

About Cherwell

Cherwell is a diverse local authority district in North Oxfordshire, characterised by a mix of historic market towns, modern urban developments, and picturesque rural villages. The area’s crime statistics are influenced by its primary urban centres, Banbury and Bicester, which serve as major retail, commercial, and transport hubs. These towns attract a significant transient population due to their proximity to the M40 motorway and major rail links to London and Birmingham. Bicester, in particular, is home to Bicester Village, a major international tourism destination that significantly increases footfall and, consequently, shoplifting statistics. The district also features a strong industrial presence and several military bases, contributing to a stable resident population. Economic factors, including relatively high employment rates but varying levels of housing affordability, also play a role in the local crime profile. The combination of high-density retail areas and quiet rural pockets creates a varied safety landscape across the district.

Crime in Cherwell

In the Cherwell district, the most frequently reported crime is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 40.6% of all incidents, with a rate of 28.8 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting is the second most common offence at 12.1%, largely driven by the district's major retail hubs. Public order offences round out the top three at 8.2%. Property-related crime is a significant factor for local residents and business owners, with a combined rate of 26.7 per 1,000 people. This encompasses burglary (3.8%), vehicle crime (4.5%), criminal damage (7.0%), and various forms of theft. For homeowners, the burglary rate of 2.7 per 1,000 is relatively low compared to national averages, but it still represents 456 incidents annually. This overall property crime profile suggests that while Cherwell is generally safe, opportunistic theft and vehicle-related offences are the most likely threats to residents' belongings.

Crime Trends in Cherwell

The crime trend in Cherwell is currently stable, with a 4.2% decrease in total offences over the last 12 months. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a very consistent crime rate, generally hovering between 5.6 and 6.3 per 1,000 residents. There was a slight seasonal peak in July 2025, when the rate reached 7.0 per 1,000, which is typical for many UK districts during the summer months. However, the rates quickly returned to their lower baseline for the remainder of the year. This stability is a positive indicator for the district, suggesting that local law enforcement and community safety initiatives are effectively managing criminal activity. For residents of Cherwell, this means a predictable and secure environment where the risk of crime is not currently escalating, reinforcing the area's high safety score.

Comparing Cherwell to neighbouring districts provides important regional context. While areas like Oxford, West Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, and South Oxfordshire are listed with 0.0 crimes per 1,000 in this specific dataset, Cherwell’s rate of 70.9 per 1,000 remains strong against broader national benchmarks. In the wider region, Cherwell is often viewed as a safer alternative to the more densely populated city of Oxford. It also compares favourably to neighbouring Buckinghamshire and Stratford-on-Avon. For those looking to settle in the Oxfordshire area, Cherwell provides a balanced safety profile that combines the security of rural living with the managed risks of its thriving market towns.

With a property crime rate of 26.7 per 1,000 people in Cherwell, residents should consider the benefits of proactive home security. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or DIY doorbells, are often reactive—they record the crime as it happens but do little to stop it. For true peace of mind, a proactive approach is essential. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to prevent crime before it occurs. By detecting threats at the property boundary using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can trigger autonomous responses like activating lights or audio warnings. This destroys the element of surprise for opportunistic burglars and vehicle thieves. In a district like Cherwell, where property crime makes up a significant portion of police reports, having a system that actively deters intruders rather than just providing footage for an insurance claim is a superior way to protect your home and family.

How To Keep Safe in Cherwell

The most common crime type across the Cherwell district is violence and sexual offences. To enhance your personal safety, it is recommended to remain aware of your surroundings, particularly when visiting the busier town centres of Banbury and Bicester during evening hours. Stick to well-lit main roads and avoid using isolated paths or shortcuts through unlit parks. When shopping in major retail hubs, keep a close eye on your personal belongings to prevent opportunistic theft. For homeowners across the local authority, ensuring that your property is well-lit and that all entry points are secured with high-quality locks is a fundamental deterrent. Engaging with local neighbourhood watch schemes can also provide valuable community-led safety updates. Since vehicle crime is also a factor, always ensure your car is locked and that no valuables are left on display, even when parked in residential driveways or secure car parks.