Cherwell Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

October 2023 saw Cherwell’s overall crime rate at 6.4 per 1,000 residents, a figure 20% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This performance places the area firmly in the lower quartile of national crime rates, a position consistent with its character as a largely rural district with limited urban density. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 42.4% of all reported incidents, a proportion that aligns with the area’s demographic profile of mixed residential and commuter populations. Shoplifting followed closely, contributing 11.9% of total crimes, while other theft and anti-social behaviour formed the next significant categories. Seasonal factors likely influenced these patterns: the autumnal transition, combined with darker evenings and Halloween-related activity, may have increased opportunities for certain crimes. The lower-than-average rates for anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime—61% and 62% below UK averages, respectively—suggest that Cherwell’s community dynamics, potentially including strong local policing or lower transient populations, contribute to its comparatively safer environment. These findings reflect a blend of geographic, demographic, and seasonal influences that shape the area’s crime profile.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in October 2023 was an 85.7% increase in theft from the person, rising from 7 to 13 incidents. This surge, though relatively small in absolute terms, contrasts sharply with a 42.9% decrease in possession of weapons, which fell from 7 to 4 cases. The crime mix also shifted: violent crimes accounted for 42.4% of all reported incidents, a significant share, while property crimes (415) and violent crimes (465) remained broadly balanced. Shoplifting in Cherwell was 38% above the UK average, with 131 incidents recorded. This divergence highlights local factors—such as the presence of retail hubs or seasonal shopping activity—that may be driving discrepancies compared to national trends. The 27.2% rise in shoplifting, from 103 to 131 cases, further underscores the influence of October’s shorter evenings and Halloween-related foot traffic on retail crime.

Cherwell's crime rate in October 2023 rose 6.6% compared to September, moving from 6.0 to 6.4 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, reflects shifting patterns in specific crime types. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 35 crimes per day—a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 155 residents, a metric that highlights the relative frequency of incidents within the local population. While this rate remains 20% below the UK average, the month-on-month rise suggests a potential influence from seasonal factors such as shorter evenings and Halloween-related activity, which may have altered patterns of public behaviour. The population context further underscores that Cherwell’s lower-than-average crime profile persists, despite the upward trend in October.