Rural Cherwell Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Rural Cherwell's crime profile in February 2026 reveals a distinct balance between property and violent crime, with property offences accounting for 48% of all incidents. At 3.4 crimes per 1,000 residents, the area's crime rate is 46.9% below the UK average of 6.4, marking one of the lowest rates in the country. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, which made up 31.5% of total incidents at 28 cases—still 53% below the UK average for this category. Other theft (18%) and criminal damage and arson (13.5%) followed, with the latter showing a 9% increase above the UK average. This built-up rural area's crime picture is shaped by seasonal factors typical of winter months, when reduced outdoor activity and colder temperatures may limit opportunities for certain crimes. The data suggests that while violent crime remains relatively low, the sharp rise in vehicle crime (up 250% from the previous month) indicates shifting patterns that could reflect changes in local transportation habits or seasonal vulnerabilities. The overall crime rate's consistency with other rural areas highlights the influence of geographical factors, where limited public spaces and strong community networks may contribute to lower crime levels compared to more densely populated regions. This pattern is further reinforced by the area's significantly lower rates of public order offences (51% below UK average) and anti-social behaviour (78% below UK average), suggesting a general trend of lower conflict and disorder compared to national averages.

February 2026 witnessed a stark contrast in crime trends, with violent crime rates declining sharply while property-related incidents showed mixed movements. Violence and sexual offences dropped by 48.1% compared to the previous month, falling from 54 to 28 incidents. This decline is notable given the area's generally low violent crime profile, though it remains 53% below the UK average. Conversely, vehicle crime surged by 250%, jumping from 2 to 7 incidents. This sharp increase may be linked to seasonal factors such as winter driving conditions or changes in vehicle storage patterns. Criminal damage and arson also rose by 140%, a 12-incident increase that could reflect colder weather-related incidents or targeted vandalism. Meanwhile, shoplifting emerged as a new category for the first time in February, with one reported incident—a 100% increase from the previous month's zero. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of crime patterns in Rural Cherwell, where property crimes now account for 48% of total incidents, slightly edging out violent crimes which make up 31.5%.

Rural Cherwell's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 3.4 per 1,000 residents, a 15.3% decrease from the previous month's 4.0. This drop aligns with typical winter patterns, where reduced outdoor activity and colder temperatures may limit opportunities for certain crimes. Daily crime statistics show an average of three reported incidents each day, a figure that reflects the area's relatively low overall crime levels. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 297 residents, illustrating a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than many urban centres. With a population of 26,412, the local context suggests that community cohesion and limited public spaces may contribute to this lower exposure from the data alone. These figures place Rural Cherwell well below the UK average for both overall crime and several specific categories, highlighting a consistent pattern of lower-than-average criminal activity in this built-up rural area.