Cherwell Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cherwell’s December 2023 crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 residents marked a 23.6% deficit compared to the UK average of 7.2, reflecting a safer-than-average profile for the area. The crime mix revealed a near-even split between property and violent crimes, with property crimes (377) slightly outpacing violent crimes (371). Violence and sexual offences dominated the category breakdown, accounting for 39.5% of all incidents, though this rate (2.2 per 1,000) was 16% below the UK average. Shoplifting, however, remained a local outlier, with 123 incidents recorded—43% above the UK average. This discrepancy may be attributed to Cherwell’s retail hubs, which attract both residents and visitors, creating opportunities for theft. Seasonal factors in December, including Christmas shopping and extended dark hours, likely contributed to the persistence of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, which rose by 29.8%. Meanwhile, the sharp decline in burglary (25%) and possession of weapons (55.6%) could reflect increased security measures or reduced foot traffic during the holiday period. These patterns highlight the combination of local geography, seasonal rhythms, and crime dynamics, suggesting that Cherwell’s crime profile is shaped by a combination of its urban-rural mix and community-specific factors.

December 2023 saw a dramatic 500% increase in robbery, with incidents rising from one to six. This spike, though small in absolute terms, underscores a potential shift in criminal activity during the festive season. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour rose by 29.8%, possibly linked to the holiday period’s social dynamics. Shoplifting, at 123 incidents, remained 43% above the UK average, reflecting a persistent challenge in retail areas. Conversely, burglary and possession of weapons fell sharply, with the latter dropping 55.6%—a trend that may align with seasonal changes in population distribution. The balance between property and violent crime remained close, with property crimes (377) narrowly outpacing violent crimes (371), a dynamic that could indicate local factors such as economic pressures or community engagement efforts.

Cherwell’s crime rate in December 2023 stood at 5.5 per 1,000 residents, an 8.9% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.1. This downward trend suggests a seasonal shift, possibly linked to holiday-related activities or community initiatives. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 30 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the monthly total of 939 incidents. When scaled to the population of 170,426, this equates to one reported crime for every 181 residents over the course of the month. While this monthly exposure is lower than the UK average, the local context—such as Cherwell’s mix of urban and rural characteristics—may influence how residents perceive and experience crime. The reduction in burglary (down 25%) and anti-social behaviour (down 29.8%) contrasts with the sharp rise in robbery, highlighting shifting patterns that require further analysis.