Kidlington Crime Rate

Kidlington offers a secure living environment with an overall crime rate of 60.2 per 1,000 people. This figure is well below the UK average of 91.6, earning the area an impressive safety score of 86/100. The town is currently experiencing a stable trend, with a minimal 1.9% year-over-year increase in reported crime. This combination of low crime and a stable trajectory makes Kidlington a highly desirable location for families and those seeking a peaceful residential setting. While the town is generally quiet, a detailed analysis of the statistics reveals specific patterns, particularly regarding vehicle crime and burglary during the overnight hours. This report provides a comprehensive breakdown of local crime data to help residents stay informed and secure.

Kidlington has a crime profile dominated by violence and sexual offences, shoplifting, and other theft. Violence and sexual offences represent the largest share, accounting for 39.1% of all recorded incidents at a rate of 23.5 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting follows at 6.8 per 1,000, while other theft sits at 5.5 per 1,000.

Property-related crime in Kidlington—comprising burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—occurs at a rate of 23.4 per 1,000 people. This is significantly below the national average, making Kidlington a secure location for homeowners. Burglary specifically makes up 4.8% of total crime, while vehicle crime accounts for 4.7%. Interestingly, the data shows that theft-related offences are most common during the morning and afternoon hours, while vehicle crime and burglary become much more prominent during the night, combined accounting for 60% of all incidents between 12am and 6am. For residents, this highlights the critical importance of robust security for both homes and vehicles, especially during the overnight hours when property crime risk is at its highest. Overall, the safety profile of the town is positive but requires vigilance regarding property.

Kidlington is currently experiencing a stable trend in recorded crime, with a 1.9% year-over-year increase. Monthly data from 2025 reveals some fluctuation, with crime rates ranging from a low of 3.8 per 1,000 people in January to a peak of 7.5 in June. Other high points occurred in March (5.6) and November (5.5). These fluctuations are typical for a town where a handful of incidents in a single month can significantly impact the rate. However, the overall annual trajectory remains stable, which is an encouraging sign for the community. This consistent safety profile reinforces the town's status as a low-risk environment within the Cherwell district. The lower rates seen in the early part of the year suggest a generally peaceful atmosphere, with occasional spikes in the spring and summer.

How To Keep Safe in Kidlington

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Kidlington. While the overall numbers are low, maintaining general personal safety and robust property security is always advisable.

• Prioritise Vehicle Security: With vehicle crime making up 35% of night-time incidents, always park in well-lit areas, ensure all windows are closed, and never leave valuables or bags visible inside the car.
• Install Motion Lighting: Use bright, motion-activated lighting around your driveway and property perimeter. This is a powerful deterrent for opportunistic thieves who rely on the cover of darkness.
• Be Mindful of Theft: Theft-related offences are most common in the morning and afternoon (51% and 54% respectively). Always keep personal belongings secure when out in public and avoid leaving delivery parcels in visible locations.
• Enhance Home Security: Burglary is a risk throughout the day and night. Ensure all doors, windows, and gates are fitted with high-quality locks and are kept secure even when you are at home.
• Community Vigilance: Stay active in local social media or neighbourhood watch groups. Sharing information about suspicious activity can help the whole community stay one step ahead of potential offenders.

Kidlington displays distinct crime patterns throughout the day. Morning and afternoon periods are heavily influenced by theft-related offences, which account for 51% and 54% of incidents respectively. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most common during the hours when residents are active or commuting. As the day transitions into evening, the nature of crime shifts toward 'Other' types, including public order and anti-social behaviour, which make up 42% of recorded activity. The night-time period (12am to 6am) presents a different risk profile; vehicle crime and burglary become much more prominent, combined accounting for 60% of all night-time incidents. This is a high concentration of night-time property crime for an urban area. These patterns indicate that while theft is a major daytime concern, the overnight hours are the most dangerous for vehicles and homes. Residents should ensure their most robust security measures are active during these high-risk windows.

In the local regional context, Kidlington is a safe residential hub. It is notably more secure than nearby Islip, which has a crime rate of 63.2 per 1,000. However, it is less secure than nearby Yarnton (47.6) and Bletchingdon (36.6). The small village of Begbroke recorded 0.0 crimes, making it the safest in the immediate vicinity. This positions Kidlington as a safe residential hub within its immediate rural and suburban context. For those looking for a balance between village life and accessibility, Kidlington offers a safe environment, though it requires slightly more security awareness than the exceptionally low-crime hamlets nearby. Overall, it remains a secure choice for the region.

Property crime in Kidlington is recorded at 23.4 per 1,000 residents, a figure that highlights the area's general safety but also underscores the need for effective home and vehicle security. Traditional security measures, like standard CCTV or basic alarms, are often reactive—they only alert you once a crime has already been committed or provide footage after the fact. In a community that values its high safety score, proactive protection is the key to prevention.

The scOS system provides an AI-powered security solution that focuses on stopping crime before it happens. By monitoring your property boundaries with multi-camera intelligence, scOS can detect an intruder the moment they step onto your land. It doesn't just record; it identifies genuine threats in real-time. In Kidlington, where vehicle crime accounts for 35% of night-time incidents and burglary remains high during the night, scOS's ability to trigger an autonomous response—such as activating high-intensity lights or audible deterrents—can stop a thief before they even touch your property. This proactive approach makes your home a difficult target, ensuring that your property remains secure even when the town is at its quietest.