Oadby and Wigston Crime Rate

Oadby and Wigston is a high-safety borough with an overall crime rate of 63.2 per 1,000 people, significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. This performance is reflected in an excellent safety score of 85/100. The area is currently seeing a positive trend, with crime decreasing by 6.6% year-over-year. This downward trajectory indicates that the borough is becoming increasingly secure for its residents. While violence and anti-social behaviour remain the most frequently reported issues, the overall low volume of crime—particularly property-related offences—makes Oadby and Wigston one of the safer suburban areas in the East Midlands. Residents can take confidence in these statistics, which point to a stable and well-protected community environment.

About Oadby and Wigston

Oadby and Wigston is a compact borough in Leicestershire, situated directly to the south of Leicester. The area is predominantly residential and suburban, serving as a popular location for families and commuters. It is home to the University of Leicester's Oadby Student Village, which introduces a significant transient student population into the district. This demographic can influence crime statistics, particularly in relation to opportunistic theft and anti-social behaviour.

The district features two main commercial hubs in Oadby and Wigston, which host a variety of retail outlets and local businesses. These areas contribute to the shoplifting rate, which is the third most common crime in the borough. The proximity to the city of Leicester also means the area experiences some urban overflow in terms of transport-related crime and public order offences. However, the borough's largely suburban character and high population density generally foster a strong sense of community, contributing to its high safety score and declining crime trend. High employment rates and a stable residential base further support the area's reputation as a secure and well-maintained part of the East Midlands.

Crime in Oadby and Wigston

The primary crime concern in Oadby and Wigston is violence and sexual offences, which account for 38.3% of all reported incidents, totalling 1,494 crimes. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 11.6% and shoplifting at 10.2%. These top three categories reflect a mix of interpersonal incidents and retail-focused offences common in suburban districts.

Property crime in the borough, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 22.8 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9, making Oadby and Wigston a relatively safe area for property owners. Within this category, criminal damage and arson (7.4%) and other theft (6.4%) are more frequent than burglary (5.0%) and vehicle crime (4.8%). With a burglary rate of 3.2 per 1,000 people, residents face a lower risk than many neighbouring urban areas. However, the prevalence of shoplifting and other theft suggests that opportunistic crime remains a factor that residents and business owners should address through consistent security practices. Protecting vehicles and securing home perimeters are the most effective ways to mitigate these local risks.

Crime Trends in Oadby and Wigston

Oadby and Wigston is experiencing a clear downward trend in criminal activity, with a 6.6% year-over-year decrease in total crimes. This suggests that the borough is becoming safer over time. The monthly trendData shows that the crime rate began the period at 5.5 per 1,000 in November 2024 and saw a peak of 6.1 in March 2025. Following this, the rate generally declined, reaching its lowest point of 4.2 in September 2025 before a slight rise to 4.7 in October.

This pattern of a spring peak followed by a late-year decline is common, but the overall reduction of 6.6% is a strong indicator of improving local safety. For residents, this means that the risk of crime is not only low compared to the UK average but is also actively diminishing. This positive trend, combined with the borough's high safety score, makes it an increasingly attractive area for those seeking a secure residential environment.

In the local context of Leicestershire and its borders, Oadby and Wigston’s crime rate of 63.2 per 1,000 residents is higher than its immediate neighbours. Areas such as Leicester, Blaby, Harborough, Charnwood, Hinckley and Bosworth, and Rugby are all currently reporting crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000. While this makes Oadby and Wigston appear as a statistical outlier with more activity, it is important to note that the borough remains much safer than the national UK average. Its position as a primary residential hub for the city of Leicester naturally draws more recorded incidents than its more rural or less densely populated neighbours, yet it maintains a high standard of safety overall.

Protecting Your Property in Oadby and Wigston

With a property crime rate of 22.8 per 1,000 residents, Oadby and Wigston is statistically safer than many parts of the UK, but property protection remains a key concern for its suburban population. Burglary and vehicle crime, while relatively low, still impact hundreds of households each year. Traditional security systems, like standard CCTV or basic alarms, often only alert homeowners after an incident has occurred. In a residential borough like this, the most effective security is that which prevents a crime from ever happening.

The scOS operating system offers a proactive alternative to traditional security. By using AI to monitor camera feeds simultaneously, scOS identifies threats at the property boundary—before a window is smashed or a door is forced. It can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting and audio warnings, effectively "scaring off" potential intruders. This proactive approach is particularly valuable in Oadby and Wigston, where opportunistic theft can be deterred by the mere presence of professional-grade, intelligent security. By choosing scOS, you are not just recording a crime for the police; you are actively preventing your home from becoming another statistic in the local crime breakdown.

How To Keep Safe in Oadby and Wigston

The most common crime in Oadby and Wigston is violence and sexual offences, which represents 38.3% of all reports. Personal safety, especially in public areas and during the evening, is a primary focus for local residents.

To maintain your safety in the borough, we suggest the following actions:

• When walking in Oadby or Wigston town centres, especially at night, stay in well-lit areas and avoid shortcuts through parks or unlit alleys.
• If you are a student or live near the student village, be aware of your surroundings when moving between the campus and residential areas.
• With shoplifting and other theft making up a significant portion of local crime (over 16% combined), always keep your personal belongings secure and never leave bags unattended in retail environments.
• Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the local authorities; early reporting can help prevent these issues from escalating into more serious offences.
• Ensure your home’s perimeter is secure, as criminal damage and arson account for 7.4% of reported crimes. Simple measures like defensive planting or motion-activated lighting can be very effective.