Bicester Crime Rate

Bicester offers a secure living environment with an overall crime rate of 77.5 per 1,000 people. This figure is below the UK average of 91.6, earning the town a strong safety score of 83/100. The area is currently experiencing a positive trend, with a 5.4% year-over-year decrease in reported crime. This combination of low crime and a downward trajectory makes Bicester a highly desirable location for families and those seeking a peaceful residential setting. However, a detailed analysis of the statistics reveals that Bicester has an exceptionally high rate of shoplifting, which accounts for over a quarter of all recorded incidents. This report provides a comprehensive breakdown of local crime data, including time-based patterns and property crime trends, to help residents stay informed and secure.

Bicester has a crime profile dominated by violence and sexual offences, shoplifting, and public order offences. Violence and sexual offences represent the largest share, accounting for 35.4% of all recorded incidents at a rate of 27.4 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting is also exceptionally high, making up 25.6% of total crime, followed by public order offences at 7.2%.

Property-related crime in Bicester—comprising burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—occurs at a rate of 35.8 per 1,000 people. This is significantly above the national average and represents a major concern for local homeowners and businesses. Shoplifting and other theft combined account for nearly a third of all recorded offences, largely driven by the town's major retail centres. Interestingly, the data shows that theft-related offences are most common during the morning and afternoon hours, while vehicle crime becomes much more prominent during the night, accounting for 33% of all incidents between 12am and 6am. 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 high level of vigilance.

Bicester is currently experiencing a positive downward trend in recorded crime, with a 5.4% year-over-year decrease. Monthly data from 2025 reveals a fairly consistent level of activity, with crime rates ranging from a low of 4.8 per 1,000 people in February to a peak of 7.8 in December. Other high points occurred in August (7.5) and July (7.4). The end of the year saw a slight increase, with December recording the highest rate of the year. 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 nearly 40,000 people, these figures represent a stable and improving urban environment. The consistent reduction in crime rates reinforces Bicester's status as a safe and improving place to live in North Oxfordshire.

How To Keep Safe in Bicester

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

• Prioritise Vehicle Security: With vehicle crime making up 33% 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 exceptionally high in retail areas. If you live or work near major shops like Bicester Village, 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.

Bicester displays distinct crime patterns throughout the day. Morning and afternoon periods are heavily influenced by theft-related offences, particularly shoplifting, which account for 54% and 56% of incidents respectively. This is an exceptionally high concentration, suggesting that shoplifting is almost exclusively a daytime concern 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 54% 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 46% of all night-time incidents. This is a high concentration of night-time property crime for an urban area. These patterns indicate that while shoplifting 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, Bicester is the most active urban hub and has a higher crime rate than its immediate neighbours. It is notably more active than nearby Chesterton, which has a crime rate of 27.4 per 1,000, and Ambrosden at 26.9. It also maintains a higher crime profile than Launton, which sits at 41.2 per 1,000. Only the small hamlet of Bucknell, which recorded 0.0 crimes, is safer in the immediate area. This positions Bicester as the primary commercial and residential centre for the region, which naturally results in higher recorded incidents, particularly shoplifting. For those seeking a more peaceful environment, the surrounding villages offer significantly lower risk, though Bicester remains a safe and improving urban centre. Overall, it is the most active choice for the region.

Property crime in Bicester is recorded at 35.8 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is significantly above 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 Bicester, where property and retail-related 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 Bicester, where vehicle crime accounts for 33% of night-time incidents and shoplifting is exceptionally high, 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 retail and residential environment.