Bicester Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a resident of Bicester, the crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 residents in September 2023 translates to a 1-in-149 chance of being directly affected by crime over the course of the month. This figure, 16.2% below the UK average, suggests that the area's built-up character — a blend of residential and commercial spaces — may contribute to a relatively lower baseline risk compared to more densely populated or economically disadvantaged regions. The most prevalent crime type, violence and sexual offences (32.3% of total incidents), aligns with the seasonal context of September, a time when university freshers and back-to-school activities increase foot traffic in town centres. Public order offences (10.4% of total) further reflect this dynamic, with nights drawing in and social interactions intensifying in the evenings. However, the data also reveals stark contrasts: shoplifting, at 21.2% of all crimes, was 150% above the UK average, a discrepancy that may be attributed to Bicester's retail presence. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour incidents were 70% below the national rate, indicating effective community engagement or policing in residential areas. These patterns illustrate how local geography and social rhythms shape crime profiles, with Bicester's mix of commercial hubs and quieter residential zones creating a nuanced risk landscape that differs from both national averages and similar towns.

September 2023 saw sharp increases in burglary and other crime, with burglary rates surging by 266.7% (from 3 to 11 incidents) and 'other crime' rising 300% (from 1 to 4). These jumps, while statistically significant, may partly reflect seasonal shifts as students return to the area, increasing opportunities for opportunistic crimes. Conversely, shoplifting incidents fell by 30.4% (from 79 to 55), a decline that aligns with the end of the summer tourist season, when high streets typically see higher foot traffic. The breakdown also reveals a stark contrast between local and national trends: shoplifting in Bicester was 150% above the UK average, while vehicle crime was 58% below. This divergence suggests that local factors — such as the presence of retail hubs — exert a stronger influence on specific crime types than broader national patterns. For residents, the 30.4% drop in shoplifting offers a tangible example of how seasonal rhythms can impact local crime trends.

Bicester's September 2023 crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 residents marked a 7.8% decrease from August's 7.3 rate, reflecting a slight shift in local crime dynamics. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 149 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure in terms of population density. Daily, the area experienced approximately 9 crimes, a statistic that translates to a tangible presence in everyday life — equivalent to a local resident facing a 1-in-149 chance of being directly affected by crime. This rate, while lower than the UK average, is not uniform across crime categories. For instance, shoplifting incidents in September were 150% above the UK average, a stark contrast to burglary rates, which were 6% below the national figure. This divergence highlights the complex relationship between local factors and crime types, with retail areas likely contributing to the shoplifting spike. The population-scaled perspective reinforces that while Bicester's overall safety is commendable, targeted vigilance in high-risk categories remains necessary.