Cherwell Crime Rate

Cherwell district maintains a favourable safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 70.5 per 1,000 people. This figure sits comfortably below the UK average of 91.6, contributing to a strong safety score of 83/100. The district is currently benefiting from a positive trend, with crime rates decreasing by 5.6% year-over-year. This downward trajectory across the local authority area suggests that Cherwell is becoming an increasingly secure place for its 170,000+ residents. While urban centres like Banbury and Bicester naturally see higher concentrations of activity, the district as a whole remains a safe and stable part of Oxfordshire. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of crime types and regional trends to offer a clear picture of the safety landscape across Cherwell.

Cherwell is a largely rural and suburban local authority district in North Oxfordshire, characterized by its mix of historic market towns and picturesque villages. The district's crime statistics are influenced by its two main urban hubs, Banbury and Bicester, which serve as significant commercial and transport centres. The presence of the M40 motorway and major rail links between London and Birmingham increases the transient population and accessibility, factors that can influence local crime rates. Banbury, with its extensive retail and industrial sectors, and Bicester, home to the internationally famous Bicester Village shopping destination, attract millions of visitors annually, contributing to higher levels of shoplifting and opportunistic theft. Demographically, Cherwell is a relatively prosperous area, but the contrast between affluent rural villages and more densely populated urban wards creates a varied safety landscape. The district's economy is strong, driven by high-tech manufacturing, logistics, and retail, yet these same activities provide more targets for property-related offences compared to more isolated rural districts.

The crime landscape in Cherwell is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, shoplifting, and anti-social behaviour. Violence and sexual offences represent the largest category, accounting for 40.9% of all recorded incidents with 4,912 reports annually. Shoplifting is notably high, making up 12.0% of total crime, largely driven by the district's major retail centres. Anti-social behaviour follows at 8.3%.

Property crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—is a significant concern for residents, occurring at a rate of 26.2 per 1,000 people. Within this category, 'other theft' is the most frequent at 5.6 per 1,000, while vehicle crime and burglary account for 4.4% and 3.6% of total crime respectively. For homeowners and residents, these figures highlight that while serious violence is the top recorded category, the risk of opportunistic theft and property interference is a daily reality. The high rate of shoplifting also indicates a persistent presence of criminal activity in commercial zones, which can sometimes spill over into adjacent residential neighbourhoods. Robust security for both homes and vehicles remains essential across the district to mitigate these risks.

Cherwell is currently experiencing a positive downward trend in criminal activity. The most recent data shows a 5.6% year-over-year decrease in total crimes, a solid improvement in the district's safety profile. Monthly analysis from 2025 reveals a consistent level of activity with some seasonal fluctuation. Crime rates peaked in July at 7.0 per 1,000 people and reached other high points in March and August at 6.3. Conversely, February saw the lowest recorded rate of the year at 4.8 per 1,000. The end of the year remained stable, with rates fluctuating between 5.7 and 5.9. This steady reduction across the 12-month period is an encouraging sign for the community, suggesting that local safety initiatives are proving effective. For a district with a population of over 170,000, these figures represent a stable and secure environment that is moving in the right direction.

Cherwell sits within a region of Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties that generally enjoys high levels of safety. When compared to nearby areas like Oxford, West Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, and South Oxfordshire—all of which recorded 0.0 crimes in the latest data period—Cherwell appears more active. Similarly, Buckinghamshire and Stratford-on-Avon also show exceptionally low figures. However, it is important to contextualise Cherwell’s rate of 70.5 per 1,000; while higher than its immediate neighbours, it remains significantly safer than the national average. Cherwell’s role as a major commercial and transport hub for the region naturally results in higher recorded incidents than more purely residential or rural districts, but it continues to be a very safe choice for those living and working in the area.

Property crime across the Cherwell district occurs at a rate of 26.2 per 1,000 residents. This includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts, representing a significant portion of the total criminal activity. Traditional security systems often rely on a reactive model—cameras that record footage of a crime while it is happening or alarms that sound only after a window has been broken. For residents seeking true security in both urban and rural settings, proactive protection is a necessity.

The scOS system represents the next generation of security by focusing on prevention rather than just recording. Using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, it monitors property boundaries in real-time. It doesn't just watch; it understands. By identifying genuine threats—such as unauthorised individuals loitering at a boundary or suspicious vehicles—scOS can initiate an autonomous response. Whether activating deterrent lighting or engaging audible warnings, it destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. In an area like Cherwell, where shoplifting and property theft are prominent, having a system that intervenes before a crime is committed is the most effective way to protect your home and assets.

How To Keep Safe in Cherwell

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crime type in Cherwell. While many of these incidents occur in private or known-party settings, maintaining personal safety awareness is recommended across the district's urban and rural areas.

• Retail Awareness: In busy shopping areas like Bicester Village or Banbury town centre, stay vigilant against opportunistic theft and pickpocketing. Keep bags zipped and valuables out of sight.
• Secure Your Vehicle: With vehicle crime being a persistent issue, always ensure cars are locked and parked in well-lit areas. Proximity to the M40 makes vehicle security a priority for those living near major transport links.
• Home Perimeter Security: Ensure all external doors, windows, and garden gates are fitted with high-quality locks. Motion-activated lighting is a simple but effective deterrent for opportunistic property crime.
• Utilise Personal Safety Tech: Consider using personal safety apps that allow trusted contacts to monitor your location if you are walking alone in the evening.
• Community Engagement: Join local neighbourhood watch schemes or community alert groups. Staying informed about local trends is one of the best ways to stay one step ahead of potential criminal activity.