Kidlington Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Kidlington's overall crime rate in February 2026 stood at 4.3 per 1,000 residents, marking a 32.8% deficit compared to the UK average of 6.4. This places the area among the safer built-up regions in the country. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 41.8% of all reported incidents (28 cases), a figure 22% below the UK average for this category. Shoplifting and other theft followed, contributing 25.3% of total crimes. The winter months typically see reduced outdoor activity, which may partly explain the lower levels of property crime relative to other seasons. However, the area's proximity to Oxford University and its mixed-use character—combining residential, retail, and educational zones—likely influences the distribution of violent and public order offences. Despite the overall safety, the sharp rise in shoplifting and other crime categories underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-traffic retail areas. The seasonal context of February, a pre-spring lull with limited tourism and fewer large-scale events, aligns with the subdued levels of public order and vehicle crime, though the sharp increase in shoplifting suggests potential vulnerabilities in retail security measures.

February 2026 saw a dramatic surge in shoplifting, with cases rising by 200% compared to January (3 to 9). This spike may reflect seasonal shopping patterns or targeted retail vulnerabilities. Other crime also jumped by 150% (2 to 5), potentially tied to unseasonal activity or gaps in local enforcement. Robbery cases doubled from 1 to 2, a figure 11% above the UK average. In contrast, crimes such as burglary and vehicle crime halved (2 to 1), aligning with the winter lull in outdoor activity. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, though their rate (1.8 per 1,000) was 22% below the UK average, suggesting effective local policing in high-risk areas. Public order offences fell 27% below the UK average (0.3 vs 0.4 per 1,000), due to fewer large gatherings in February. Residents may find the sharp increase in shoplifting particularly noteworthy, as it highlights a specific risk in retail environments.

Kidlington's crime rate in February 2026 (4.3 per 1,000) represents a 7.0% decline from January's 4.6, reflecting a continued downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day over the 28-day month, a figure that contextualises the pace of local incidents. Monthly exposure calculations show that, over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 234 residents—a rate significantly lower than the UK average. This statistic offers a tangible perspective for residents, illustrating that the likelihood of experiencing a crime is relatively low compared to national benchmarks. The population-scaled context further highlights Kidlington's position as a safer built-up area, with its crime profile diverging from the UK average in several key categories. While the overall rate remains below the national figure, the sharp increases in shoplifting and other crime categories demonstrate that localised risks can emerge even in generally safe areas. These findings suggest that while broader trends point to a safer Kidlington, specific vulnerabilities in retail and other sectors warrant attention.