Cherwell Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cherwell's overall crime rate in February 2024 stood at 6.1 per 1,000 residents, marking a 14.1% reduction compared to the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This performance places the district among the safer areas in the country, though local patterns reveal a nuanced picture. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 34.3% of all reported crimes, with 357 incidents—2.1 per 1,000 residents. While this rate is 16% below the UK average for this category, the volume of violent crime remains a significant concern. Shoplifting emerged as the second most common offence, with 137 cases reported, 48% above the UK average for this category. This discrepancy may reflect the district's retail landscape, with high foot traffic in areas like Oxford and Bicester potentially contributing to higher shoplifting rates. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—likely influenced some patterns, though the sharp increase in robbery (150% month-on-month) suggests other factors at play. Cherwell's crime profile illustrates a balance between urban characteristics and the relative safety afforded by its population density and infrastructure, with targeted interventions likely required to address rising robbery rates while maintaining progress in reducing anti-social behaviour.

February saw a sharp 150% increase in robbery incidents, rising from 2 to 5 cases. This jump, though small in absolute terms, signals a concerning trend in targeted crimes. Shoplifting also rose by 44.2%, with 137 incidents reported—48% above the UK average for this category. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 16%, dropping from 94 to 79 cases, a decline that may reflect community initiatives or seasonal lulls. The balance between property and violent crime shifted slightly, with violence and sexual offences (357 cases) remaining the most common category.1 per 1,000 is 16% below the UK average. Residents may find the 14.1% overall reduction from the UK average reassuring, though the sharp rise in robbery warrants attention. The decrease in burglary (16.2%) and anti-social behaviour (16%) contrasts with the upward trend in shoplifting, illustrating a complex mix of local factors influencing crime patterns.

Cherwell's crime rate in February 2024 rose by 11.7% compared to the previous month, moving from 5.5 to 6.1 per 1,000 residents. While this increase may reflect seasonal patterns typical of winter months, the overall rate remains 14.1% below the UK average. Locally, 36 crimes were reported per day in February, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents within the district. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 164 residents, a measure that highlights the relative frequency of incidents in a population of 170,426. This monthly exposure rate, while slightly higher than the previous month, still places Cherwell among areas with lower crime density compared to the UK average. The population context is critical: a 1-in-164 ratio means that most residents experience no direct involvement in crime, though community vigilance remains essential in areas where specific crime types spike.