Cherwell Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Cherwell’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 5.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 17.6% below the UK average of 6.8. This figure reflects a consistent trend of lower-than-average crime levels, though the local profile reveals distinct patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 44.4% of all crimes, with 426 incidents reported—a rate of 2.5 per 1,000, matching the UK average. This category’s alignment with national trends suggests broader societal factors, such as policing strategies or demographic distribution, may underpin its stability. Shoplifting, however, diverged sharply: at 0.8 per 1,000, it was 40% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This anomaly may partly explain the local retail sector’s heightened vigilance, particularly in high-traffic areas. Bicycle theft also stood out, with a rate of 0.1 per 1,000—double the UK average. These figures contrast with Cherwell’s generally low rates for property crimes, which collectively accounted for 39.2% of incidents, compared to 44.4% for violent crimes. Seasonal context suggests January’s reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours may have dampened opportunities for certain crimes, though the persistent nature of shoplifting and bicycle theft indicates localized pressures. The area’s character—likely a mix of urban and suburban environments with accessible retail and cycling infrastructure—may contribute to these patterns, though further analysis would be needed to confirm.

January 2026 saw notable shifts in specific crime categories. Theft from the person increased by 40%, rising from 5 to 7 incidents—a small but significant jump that may reflect targeted opportunism in low-footfall areas. Burglary also rose by 29.6%, from 27 to 35, possibly linked to seasonal property management practices or increased home occupancy during winter. Bicycle theft, already 100% above the UK average, grew by 25% to 10 incidents, highlighting a persistent challenge for local authorities. Conversely, other crime fell by 41.4% to 17 incidents, a drop that may reflect improved community reporting or targeted interventions. Robbery decreased by 31.3%, from 16 to 11, though this category’s low base rate (0.1 per 1,000) limits the significance of the decline. Vehicle crime fell by 27.1%, from 48 to 35, due to reduced outdoor activity during colder weather. The most striking outlier remained shoplifting, which was 40% above the UK average—a rate of 0.8 per 1,000. This suggests localized retail vulnerabilities, tied to Cherwell’s mix of commercial and residential zones. Residents concerned about personal safety might note that anti-social behaviour, at 0.4 per 1,000, was 57% below the UK average, indicating a relatively stable community environment.

Cherwell’s crime rate in January 2026 (5.6 per 1,000) was 1.9% lower than the previous month’s rate of 5.7, a stable trend with no significant directional shift. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 31 crimes per day—a figure that, while seemingly high, is contextualized by Cherwell’s population of 170,426. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 178 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average. This statistic underscores Cherwell’s generally safer profile, though it does not account for variations in crime severity or community-specific risks. When compared to the UK average, Cherwell’s crime rate was 17.6% below, a gap that persisted across multiple categories. For instance, anti-social behaviour was 57% below the UK average, and vehicle crime was 46% below, suggesting effective local policing or environmental design. However, the disparity in shoplifting rates—40% above the UK average—highlights a unique vulnerability. This contrast may reflect Cherwell’s specific retail dynamics, such as the presence of smaller, independently owned stores that could be more susceptible to targeted theft. The combination of lower overall rates and certain elevated categories paints a nuanced picture of a community that, while generally safer than the national average, faces localized challenges in specific areas.