Kidlington Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Kidlington's February 2024 crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents marked a continued trend of being 28.2% below the UK average of 7.1. This built-up area within Cherwell saw violence and sexual offences account for 32.5% of all reported crimes, followed by shoplifting (22.5%) and public order offences (11.3%). The area's crime profile reflects a mix of persistent issues and seasonal patterns: while violent crime remains a significant concern, the low outdoor activity typical of winter months may have contributed to reduced property crimes. Shoplifting and public order offences are both above UK averages, with shoplifting at 122% above the national rate. This suggests local factors—such as the presence of retail hubs or social dynamics in public spaces—may be influencing these categories. Conversely, anti-social behaviour and burglary are significantly below UK levels, linked to the area's relatively stable community environment. February, as a pre-spring lull, may have seen fewer outdoor crimes, though the persistent nature of violence and sexual offences indicates ongoing challenges that could be tied to the area's demographic or socioeconomic characteristics.

February 2024 saw a 260% increase in shoplifting compared to January, with 18 incidents reported—more than triple the previous month's 5. This surge, which puts shoplifting at 122% above the UK average, may reflect seasonal retail patterns or targeted activity in high-traffic areas. Public order offences also rose sharply, increasing by 125% to 9 cases, a marked shift from the 4 reported in January. This could be linked to colder weather driving more indoor gatherings or disruptions in public spaces. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 37.5% (from 8 to 5), and burglary dropped 33.3% (from 3 to 2), suggesting some success in addressing these issues. The area's violent crime rate—2.6 per 1,000—remains 32% below the UK average, though it accounts for over a third of all crimes. Residents might find the sharp rise in shoplifting particularly noteworthy, as it highlights vulnerabilities in retail security or potential shifts in criminal behaviour during the winter months.

Kidlington's crime rate in February 2024 rose 3.9% compared to January's 4.9 per 1,000.2% below the UK average. At 3 crimes per day on average, the local figure underscores a relatively low level of daily criminal activity compared to larger urban areas. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 196 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average, which would be significantly higher given Kidlington's overall safer profile. The population context further illustrates this: with 15,684 residents, the 80 reported crimes represent a manageable volume, particularly when considering the area's built-up nature and proximity to Oxford. While the 3.9% increase from January may seem concerning, the absolute numbers remain small, and the broader trend of being well below the UK average suggests that local efforts in policing or community engagement may be contributing to sustained safety. This comparative context helps residents understand that, despite the rise in specific categories like shoplifting, Kidlington remains a comparatively secure place to live.