Bicester Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Shoplifting dominates Bicester's crime profile in April 2024, accounting for 32.8% of all reported crimes. With a crime rate of 6.8 per 1,000 residents, the area remains 11.7% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. The sharp rise in shoplifting—now 86 incidents, 2.2 per 1,000 residents—suggests a possible link to the Easter period, when foot traffic in retail hubs increases. This figure is 228% above the UK average for the category, highlighting a stark contrast to national trends. Violent crimes, at 82 incidents (31.3% of total), are 18% below the UK average, a pattern consistent with Bicester's relatively low levels of violence and sexual offences compared to major urban centres. Anti-social behaviour (22 incidents) and public order offences (18 incidents) also fall significantly below UK averages, reflecting the town's quieter character outside of its commercial areas. Seasonal factors, including spring weather and the Easter holiday, likely contribute to shifts in crime patterns, with increased outdoor activity potentially driving shoplifting and minor disturbances. However, the absence of major spikes in property crimes or violent incidents suggests that Bicester's crime profile remains stable and manageable compared to both its regional peers and the national average.

April 2024 saw a 109.8% increase in shoplifting, with 86 incidents reported—more than double the 41 recorded in March. This surge, which places shoplifting at 2.2 per 1,000 residents, is 228% above the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000. Concurrently, drug-related offences rose by 300%, jumping from 1 to 4 incidents, a stark anomaly that may reflect seasonal changes in substance use or targeted policing efforts. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 87.5% (from 8 to 1 incidents), and burglary dropped by 55.6% (from 9 to 4), potentially linked to reduced vehicle presence during Easter or improved security measures. Violent crimes (82 incidents) remain 18% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (22 incidents) is 51% below national rates, underscoring Bicester's generally lower levels of disorder compared to larger cities. The town's public order offences (18 incidents) are 6% below the UK average, suggesting effective local policing of public spaces. For residents, the 109.8% rise in shoplifting may warrant heightened vigilance in retail areas, particularly during peak shopping hours.

Bicester's crime rate in April 2024 (6.8 per 1,000) represents a 22.4% increase from the previous month's rate of 5.5 per 1,000.7% below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 9 crimes per day, a figure that translates to roughly one reported crime for every 148 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is significantly lower than the UK average, which would see one crime for every 130 residents. The population context further illustrates Bicester's relatively low crime burden: with 38,656 residents, the town's total of 262 crimes equates to a manageable burden per capita. While the overall rate has risen compared to March, the distribution of crime types remains distinct from national trends. For instance, shoplifting's dominance (32.8% of all crimes) contrasts sharply with the UK's lower proportion of such incidents, likely due to Bicester's retail presence and seasonal foot traffic. These figures suggest that while the town's crime rate has increased slightly, its profile remains characterised by lower levels of violent crime and property offences compared to the national average.