Bicester Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

December 2025 marked a 13.6% rise in Bicester’s crime rate to 7.8 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 11.4% above the UK average. This figure, while higher than the national benchmark, reflects a mix of seasonal and local factors. The most prevalent crimes were shoplifting (35.9% of all incidents), followed by violence and sexual offences (27.6%) and other theft (7.6%). Shoplifting’s 391% surge above the UK average aligns with Bicester’s role as a retail hub, particularly during the Christmas shopping peak. The area’s lower-than-average rates for violence (14% below UK levels) and anti-social behaviour (68% below) may reflect community-focused policing or the influence of Bicester’s market town character, where public order is often prioritised. However, the sharp rise in other crime and criminal damage suggests unseasonal activity, potentially linked to increased property maintenance or holiday-related disruptions. The data also highlights a stark disparity: while shoplifting and theft dominate, crimes like burglary and theft from the person remain significantly below UK averages, due to Bicester’s lower population density and the presence of secure housing stock. As a built-up area within Cherwell, Bicester’s crime profile balances urban retail dynamics with the quieter rhythms of a market town, creating a unique context for law enforcement and community engagement.

December 2025 saw significant fluctuations in crime categories, with three types experiencing sharp increases. Other crime rose by 133.3%, driven by a surge from 3 to 7 incidents, likely linked to seasonal disputes or unseasonal activity. Criminal damage and arson jumped 87.5%, from 8 to 15 cases, possibly reflecting increased property maintenance demands or holiday-related incidents. Drug-related crimes also rose by 66.7%, from 6 to 10. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 75.0%, from 4 to 1, a drop that may reflect heightened policing or reduced incidents during the holiday season. Violent crimes decreased by 11.7%, from 94 to 83, a decline that contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences are 14% below the national rate. Shoplifting remained the most common crime, at 35.9% of all reported incidents, 391% above the UK average—consistent with Bicester’s retail presence and high foot traffic during the Christmas shopping period.

Bicester’s crime rate in December 2025 rose to 7.8 per 1,000 residents, a 13.6% increase from the previous month’s 6.9. This marks the first monthly rise since September, though the overall rate remains below the annual average for the area. Daily crime counts averaged 10 incidents per day, with the highest concentration occurring in retail zones and residential streets. Over the course of December, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 128 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local households. This ratio is slightly higher than the UK average when scaled to Bicester’s population of 38,656, though direct comparisons to national daily figures are not available. The increase aligns with seasonal factors such as empty homes during holiday periods and heightened foot traffic in commercial areas. Residents may notice a sharper focus on shoplifting and property crimes during the Christmas shopping peak, which could influence local policing priorities.