Banbury Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Banbury's crime profile in February 2026, accounting for 34.9% of all reported incidents. This category alone exceeds the UK average by 29%, with a rate of 3.0 per 1,000 residents. The overall crime rate for the area stands at 8.7 per 1,000, 35.9% above the UK's 6.4 per 1,000—a stark divergence that raises questions about local factors driving this disparity. While property crimes (184) and violent crimes (160) are the two largest categories, the prominence of violence and sexual offences suggests a deeper issue affecting community safety. This is particularly notable given Banbury's character as a commuter hub and retail centre, where public spaces may be more vulnerable to incidents involving alcohol or disputes. Seasonal context also plays a role: February, a winter month with low outdoor activity, typically sees a pre-spring lull in some crime types, yet violence remains consistently high. Criminal damage and arson, at 1.1 per 1,000, are 139% above the UK average, pointing to potential links with local property dynamics or anti-social behaviour patterns. Public order offences, which rose to 1.0 per 1,000, are 144% above the UK average, indicating a need for targeted policing in areas where disorder is concentrated. The data illustrates a combination of environmental factors, community demographics, and enforcement priorities, all of which may contribute to the elevated rates observed in Banbury compared to national benchmarks.

February 2026 saw a 150% increase in burglary cases, rising from 10 to 25 incidents. This sharp rise contrasts with the 50% decrease in robbery cases, which fell from six to three. Possession of weapons also surged by 100%, with five incidents reported—a category that is 43% above the UK average. Meanwhile, theft from the person dropped by 40%, from five to three cases, though it remains slightly below the UK rate. The dominance of violence and sexual offences—34.9% of all crimes—highlights a significant departure from the UK average, which stands at 2.3 per 1,000. Public order offences, at 1.0 per 1,000, are 144% above the UK average, suggesting a potential link to local social dynamics or environmental factors. These shifts underscore the need for targeted interventions in areas where violent crime and public disorder are concentrated.

Banbury's crime rate in February 2026 rose to 8.7 per 1,000 residents, a 9.0% increase from the previous month's rate of 8.0. This brings the area's monthly exposure to approximately one crime for every 115 residents, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents for local residents. On a daily basis, the area saw roughly 16 crimes reported each day, highlighting the ongoing need for community vigilance. When compared to the UK average, Banbury's rate remains significantly higher, but the month-on-month trajectory shows a consistent upward trend. This increase, though modest, suggests that local factors—such as seasonal transitions or shifts in community activity—may be influencing crime patterns. The population context further illustrates that the rate is not isolated to a specific demographic but reflects broader trends across the built-up area. Understanding these figures in relation to Banbury's character as a commuter hub and retail centre provides insight into why property crimes and public order issues remain persistent concerns.