Banbury Crime Rate

Banbury presents an active urban crime profile, with an overall crime rate of 100.0 per 1,000 people. This figure is slightly higher than the UK average of 91.6, earning the town a safety score of 75/100. However, the area is currently experiencing a very positive trend, with a significant 9.7% year-over-year decrease in reported crime. This substantial reduction suggests that the town is becoming increasingly secure. While the overall volume of crime is higher than in some of the surrounding rural villages, the downward trajectory is a very encouraging sign for residents and prospective homeowners. A detailed analysis of the statistics reveals specific patterns, particularly regarding shoplifting and property crime, that require attention. This report provides a comprehensive breakdown of local crime data to help residents stay informed and take appropriate precautions.

Banbury has a more active crime landscape than the Cherwell district average, with violence and sexual offences, shoplifting, and public order offences being the most frequent categories. Violence and sexual offences represent the largest share, accounting for 43.1% of all recorded incidents at a rate of 43.0 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting is also significantly high, making up 10.1% of total crime, followed closely by public order offences at 10.0%.

Property-related crime in Banbury—comprising burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—occurs at a rate of 31.3 per 1,000 people. This is a notable figure that aligns closely with the national average, making property security a key priority for local homeowners. Burglary specifically makes up 2.5% of total crime, while vehicle crime accounts for 3.5%. Interestingly, the data shows that theft-related offences are most common during the morning and afternoon hours, while vehicle crime and burglary become more prominent during the night. For residents, this highlights the critical importance of robust security for both homes and vehicles, especially during the overnight hours when the risk of property-focused crime is at its highest. Overall, the safety profile of the town requires a consistent level of vigilance.

Banbury is currently experiencing a positive downward trend in recorded crime, with a 9.7% year-over-year decrease. Monthly data from 2025 reveals a fairly consistent level of activity, with crime rates ranging from a low of 7.4 per 1,000 people in February to a peak of 9.5 in July. Other high points occurred in March (9.1) and August (8.8). The end of the year saw a steady decline, with December recording a rate of 7.7 per 1,000. This downward trajectory across the 12-month period is an encouraging sign for the community, suggesting that local safety initiatives are proving effective. For a town of over 50,000 people, these figures represent a stable and improving urban environment. The consistent reduction in crime rates reinforces Banbury's status as a safe and improving place to live in North Oxfordshire.

How To Keep Safe in Banbury

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Banbury. While the overall numbers are improving, maintaining general personal safety and robust property security is essential.

• Prioritise Vehicle Security: With vehicle crime making up 32% of night-time incidents, always park in well-lit areas, ensure all windows are closed, and never leave valuables or bags visible inside the car.
• Be Mindful of Shoplifting Spillovers: Shoplifting is high in retail areas. If you live or walk near major shops, be aware of increased foot traffic and potential opportunistic theft in these zones.
• Install Motion Lighting: Use bright, motion-activated lighting around your driveway and property perimeter. This is a powerful deterrent for opportunistic thieves who rely on the cover of darkness.
• Enhance Home Security: Burglary is a risk throughout the day and night. Ensure all doors, windows, and gates are fitted with high-quality locks and are kept secure at all times.
• Community Vigilance: Stay active in local social media or neighbourhood watch groups. Sharing information about suspicious activity can help the whole community stay one step ahead of potential offenders and support the local downward crime trend.

Banbury displays distinct crime patterns throughout the day. Morning and afternoon periods are heavily influenced by theft-related offences, which account for 41% and 44% of incidents respectively. This suggests that opportunistic theft and shoplifting are most common during the hours when the town's retail centres are busiest. As the day transitions into evening, the nature of crime shifts toward 'Other' types, including public order and anti-social behaviour, which make up 58% of recorded activity. The night-time period (12am to 6am) presents a different risk profile; vehicle crime and burglary become much more prominent, combined accounting for 48% of all night-time incidents. This is a high concentration of night-time property crime for an urban area. These patterns indicate that while theft is a major daytime concern, the overnight hours are the most dangerous for vehicles and homes. Residents should ensure their most robust security measures are active during these high-risk windows.

In the local regional context, Banbury is the busiest urban hub and has a significantly higher crime rate than its immediate neighbours. It is notably more active than nearby Bodicote, which has a crime rate of 30.0 per 1,000, and Middleton Cheney at 35.3. It also maintains a higher crime profile than Broughton, which sits at 42.3 per 1,000. Only the small hamlet of Wroxton, which recorded 0.0 crimes, is safer in the immediate area. This positions Banbury as the primary commercial and residential centre for the region, which naturally results in higher recorded incidents. For those seeking a more peaceful environment, the surrounding villages offer significantly lower risk, though Banbury remains a safe and improving urban centre. Overall, it is the most active choice for the region.

Property crime in Banbury is recorded at 31.3 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is close to the national average and highlights a clear need for effective home and vehicle security. Traditional security measures, like standard CCTV or basic alarms, are often reactive—they only alert you once a crime has already been committed or provide footage after the fact. In a town like Banbury, where property crime is a primary concern, proactive protection is the key to prevention.

The scOS system provides an AI-powered security solution that focuses on stopping crime before it happens. By monitoring your property boundaries with multi-camera intelligence, scOS can detect an intruder the moment they step onto your land. It doesn't just record; it identifies genuine threats in real-time. In Banbury, where vehicle crime accounts for 32% of night-time incidents and burglary remains a risk throughout the day, scOS's ability to trigger an autonomous response—such as activating high-intensity lights or audible deterrents—can stop a thief before they even touch your property. This proactive approach makes your home a difficult target, ensuring that your property remains secure even in a busy urban environment.