Rural Cherwell Crime Rate

Rural Cherwell offers a secure living environment with an overall crime rate of 54.9 per 1,000 people. This figure is well below the UK average of 91.6, earning the area an impressive safety score of 87/100. The area is currently experiencing a positive trend, with a 7.6% year-over-year decrease in reported crime. This combination of low crime and a downward trajectory makes Rural Cherwell a highly desirable location for families and those seeking a peaceful residential setting. While the area 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.

Rural Cherwell has a crime profile dominated by violence and sexual offences, other theft, and vehicle crime. Violence and sexual offences represent the largest share, accounting for 39.1% of all recorded incidents at a rate of 21.5 per 1,000 residents. Other theft follows at 10.2 per 1,000, while vehicle crime sits at 4.7 per 1,000.

Property-related crime in Rural Cherwell—comprising burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—occurs at a rate of 24.0 per 1,000 people. This is a notable figure for a rural area and represents a significant portion of the total criminal activity. Burglary specifically makes up 7.2% of total crime, while vehicle crime accounts for 8.6%. 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 64% 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 rural area is positive but requires vigilance regarding property.

Rural Cherwell is currently experiencing a positive downward trend in recorded crime, with a 7.6% year-over-year decrease. Monthly data from 2025 reveals some fluctuation, with crime rates ranging from a low of 3.5 per 1,000 people in February to a peak of 6.8 in July. Other high points occurred in March (5.6) and January (5.1). These fluctuations are typical for a rural area where a handful of incidents in a single month can significantly impact the rate. However, the overall annual trajectory remains clearly negative, which is an encouraging sign for the community. This consistent reduction reinforces the area's status as a low-risk environment within the Cherwell district. The lower rates seen in the late winter suggest a generally peaceful atmosphere, with occasional spikes in the summer.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Cherwell

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

• Prioritise Vehicle Security: With vehicle crime making up 41% 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 (63% and 66% 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.

Rural Cherwell displays distinct crime patterns throughout the day. Morning and afternoon periods are heavily influenced by theft-related offences, which account for 63% and 66% of incidents respectively. This is an exceptionally high concentration, suggesting that opportunistic theft is almost exclusively a daytime concern 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 30% 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 64% of all night-time incidents. This is a high concentration of night-time property crime for a rural 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, Rural Cherwell is one of the safest areas in the district. It is notably more secure than the urban centres of Banbury, which has a crime rate of 100.0 per 1,000, and Bicester at 77.5. It also maintains a lower crime profile than many other parts of the district. This positions Rural Cherwell as a premier choice for those seeking a balance between rural life and high levels of security. For residents, it offers a peaceful environment with significantly lower risk than the larger nearby towns. Overall, it remains a very safe choice for the region.

Property crime in Rural Cherwell is recorded at 24.0 per 1,000 residents, a figure that highlights the area's general safety but also underscores the need for effective vehicle and home 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 rural community where property crime is a primary concern, 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 Rural Cherwell, where vehicle crime accounts for 41% 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 in a more active rural environment.