Banbury Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Banbury

Banbury records an overall crime rate of 104.4 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure is slightly higher than the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000. Despite this, Banbury maintains a safety score of 74 out of 100, which is a solid score indicating a reasonably safe environment, though it falls just below the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of recent trends, Banbury has experienced a stable period, with a minor decrease of 4.0% year-over-year. This suggests consistent efforts in managing crime levels within the area, providing a foundation for understanding the specific crime types and patterns detailed below.

Crime Breakdown in Banbury

Analysing crime types in Banbury reveals Violence and sexual offences as the most frequent category, with 2,338 crimes, accounting for 42.5% of the total, at a rate of 44.3 per 1,000 people. Shoplifting is the second most common offence, with 608 incidents (11.0% of total, 11.5 per 1,000), highlighting retail security challenges. Public order offences rank third with 533 incidents (9.7% of total, 10.1 per 1,000), impacting community peace.

Property-related crime in Banbury, encompassing burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 33.7 per 1,000 residents. This is marginally above the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, burglary accounts for 141 crimes (2.7 per 1,000), vehicle crime for 237 incidents (4.5 per 1,000), and other theft for 262 crimes (5.0 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures underscore the importance of robust security measures to protect homes and vehicles, as property crime levels are consistent with national trends.

Crime Trends in Banbury

Banbury has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with a slight decrease of 4.0% year-over-year. This indicates a consistent effort in managing crime levels within the area. Examining the monthly crime rates per 1,000 people, fluctuations are evident. The crime rate was 10.4 in October 2024, decreasing to 7.4 in February 2025. A subsequent rise was observed, peaking at 9.5 in July 2025, before settling at 8.3 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 generally 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 Time Patterns in Banbury

An analysis of crime patterns in Banbury reveals distinct shifts in activity throughout the 24-hour cycle. During the morning hours (6am - 12pm), theft accounts for 40% of crimes, alongside vehicle crime at 17% and 'other' offences at 34%. This period often coincides with the start of the working day and commercial activity, creating opportunities for certain types of property crime.

The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) shows a similar trend with theft remaining the highest at 45% and 'other' offences at 34%, while burglary rises to 15%. This suggests continued activity in public and commercial areas, as well as potential targeting of residential properties when occupants are out.

As the evening (6pm - 12am) progresses, the nature of crime shifts. 'Other' offences become dominant at 54%, alongside theft (18%) and vehicle crime (16%). This period often sees increased social activity and potential for public order issues.

Finally, night-time (12am - 6am) presents a clear focus on vehicle crime, which accounts for 40% of incidents, and 'other' offences at 38%. Burglary also remains a concern at 15%. The cover of darkness often facilitates these types of crimes, particularly when streets are quieter and properties are unattended.

Crime in Nearby Areas

When comparing Banbury to its immediate neighbours, a localised perspective on crime emerges. Banbury's overall crime rate of 104.4 per 1,000 residents is higher than some of its surrounding, often more rural, areas. Bodicote, for example, typically presents a significantly lower crime rate, reflecting its quieter, more residential character. Similarly, Wroxton and Broughton (Cherwell) are generally smaller settlements that may experience different crime dynamics, often with lower overall figures. Middleton Cheney, another nearby area, also provides a point of comparison, likely showcasing variations based on its specific demographics and local amenities. This regional context highlights Banbury as a more urban centre within the Cherwell district, with crime patterns that reflect its larger population and commercial activity compared to its smaller, more tranquil neighbours.

Protecting Your Property in Banbury

With Banbury's property crime rate of 33.7 per 1,000 residents, which is marginally above the UK average, it is crucial for homeowners to prioritise effective security. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide footage of a burglary after it has occurred, offering a reactive response. To truly safeguard your property, a proactive approach to crime prevention is essential.

Consider an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS. This advanced 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 comprehensive coverage. 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 Banbury home.