Upper Heyford Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Upper Heyford

Upper Heyford records an overall crime rate of 41.8 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively safe environment. The area boasts a strong safety score of 88 out of 100, notably surpassing the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of recent trends, Upper Heyford has experienced an increasing period, with a 30.6% rise year-over-year. This upward trend suggests a need for increased awareness regarding public safety within the area, providing a foundation for understanding the specific crime types and patterns detailed below.

Crime Breakdown in Upper Heyford

An analysis of crime types in Upper Heyford reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most prevalent category, with 115 crimes, accounting for 55.0% of the total, at a rate of 23.0 per 1,000 people. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common offence with 26 incidents (12.4% of total, 5.2 per 1,000), impacting community well-being. Other theft ranks third with 14 incidents (6.7% of total, 2.8 per 1,000), affecting personal property.

Property-related crime in Upper Heyford, encompassing burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 9.6 per 1,000 residents. This is substantially lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, burglary accounts for 9 crimes (1.8 per 1,000), vehicle crime for 8 incidents (1.6 per 1,000), and other theft for 14 crimes (2.8 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest a significantly lower risk of property crime than the national average, yet remaining vigilant and investing in robust home security measures is always advisable to protect your assets.

Crime Trends in Upper Heyford

Upper Heyford has experienced an increasing crime trend over the last year, with a notable 30.6% rise year-over-year. This suggests a need for increased awareness regarding public safety within the area. Examining the monthly crime rates per 1,000 people, fluctuations are evident. The crime rate was 2.2 in October 2024, rising to 3.8 in November, before hovering around 3.0-3.4 for several months. A subsequent rise was observed, peaking at 6.0 in July 2025, before settling at 3.8 by September 2025. These monthly variations suggest that while the overall trend is increasing, understanding these patterns can help in being more aware during periods of slightly higher incidence, particularly during summer months when activities tend to increase.

Crime Time Patterns in Upper Heyford

An analysis of crime patterns in Upper Heyford reveals distinct shifts in activity throughout the 24-hour cycle. During the morning hours (6am - 12pm), theft accounts for 51% of crimes, alongside 'other' offences at 23% and burglary at 13%. This period often coincides with the start of the working day and commercial activity, creating opportunities for certain types of property crime.

The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) shows a similar trend with theft remaining the highest at 53% and 'other' offences at 21%, while burglary rises to 21%. This suggests continued activity in public and commercial areas, as well as potential targeting of residential properties when occupants are out.

As the evening (6pm - 12am) progresses, the nature of crime shifts. 'Other' offences become dominant at 43%, alongside theft (23%) and burglary (20%). This period often sees increased social activity and potential for public order issues.

Finally, night-time (12am - 6am) presents a clear focus on vehicle crime, which accounts for 35% of incidents, and 'other' offences at 28%. Burglary also remains a concern at 26%. The cover of darkness often facilitates these types of crimes, particularly when streets are quieter and properties are unattended.

Crime in Nearby Areas

When comparing Upper Heyford to its immediate neighbours, a localised perspective on crime emerges. Upper Heyford's overall crime rate of 41.8 per 1,000 residents positions it as relatively safe compared to the wider UK average, though it is experiencing an increasing trend. Fritwell and Ardley and Fewcott, for example, typically present lower crime rates, reflecting their quieter, more residential character. Lower Heyford and Steeple Aston, also nearby, are generally smaller settlements that may experience different crime dynamics, often with lower overall figures. This regional context highlights Upper Heyford as an area with a moderate crime rate within the Cherwell district, which is currently seeing a rise in incidents, prompting a need for local awareness compared to its more tranquil neighbours.

Protecting Your Property in Upper Heyford

Given Upper Heyford's property crime rate of 9.6 per 1,000 residents, which is substantially below the UK average, it is still crucial for homeowners to consider robust security measures, especially with an increasing crime trend. Traditional security systems often provide footage of a burglary after it has occurred, acting reactively. However, for real peace of mind and proactive crime prevention, a different approach is needed.

Consider an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS. This technology is designed to prevent crime before it happens by detecting threats at your property boundary, rather than merely recording an incident after a break-in. Unlike many DIY systems that notify you post-event, scOS intervenes in real-time. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, ensuring no blind spots. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify suspicious vehicles with fake plates, while pattern learning distinguishes between family routines and genuine threats, reducing false alarms. With autonomous responses such as activating lights and engaging speakers, scOS destroys the element of surprise, often causing potential intruders to move on. Most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds; visible, professional-grade deterrence signals serious protection, making your property a less appealing target. Investing in such proactive security shifts the focus from recording a crime to preventing it entirely, offering a superior level of protection for your Upper Heyford home.