Oadby and Wigston Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Oadby and Wigston’s crime profile in December 2023, accounting for nearly 40% of all reported crimes. With a total crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents — 22.2% below the UK average of 7.2 — the area continues to show a pattern of relatively low overall crime. Violence and sexual offences, at 2.2 per 1,000, were 16% below the UK average, a figure that may partly reflect the local community’s resilience during the festive season. However, burglary stood out as a significant concern, with a rate of 0.8 per 1,000 — 129% above the UK average of 0.3. This discrepancy could be linked to seasonal factors, such as empty homes during the holiday period creating opportunities for opportunistic burglars. Meanwhile, public order offences and shoplifting maintained rates close to the UK average, suggesting a balance between local enforcement efforts and typical urban challenges. The month’s context — Christmas shopping, extended evenings, and the start of the party season — likely contributes to the persistent presence of violence and sexual offences, which often peak during periods of increased social interaction and alcohol consumption. These patterns highlight the need for targeted interventions during high-risk periods, while the overall lower crime rate underscores the effectiveness of existing community-focused policing strategies.

December 2023 saw sharp increases in robbery and theft from the person, with both crimes doubling from previous month levels. Robbery rose by 100% (2 to 4 incidents) and theft from the person increased by 100% (0 to 2 incidents), a concerning spike that may reflect heightened vulnerability during the festive season when households are less secure. In contrast, anti-social behaviour fell by 57.1% (28 to 12), potentially linked to increased community engagement during the holiday period or more visible policing in public spaces. Vehicle crime also dropped by 46.2% (26 to 14), which could be attributed to reduced foot traffic and fewer outdoor activities during colder weather. Burglary remained a standout issue, with its rate of 0.8 per 1,000 — 129% above the UK average — suggesting a need for targeted prevention measures around residential areas. The area’s public order offences and shoplifting rates, however, remained near the UK average, indicating that local enforcement efforts are effectively balancing typical urban crime pressures. For residents, the doubling of robbery incidents is a direct concern, highlighting the importance of securing homes and valuables during the holiday period.

Oadby and Wigston’s crime rate in December 2023 rose by 3.5% compared to the previous month’s rate of 5.4 per 1,000, a modest increase that may reflect seasonal fluctuations. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 11 crimes per day, a figure that places it within the normal range for a local authority of its size. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 178 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average. This statistic, when contextualised with the local population of 61,695, suggests that the area’s residents face a lower risk of encountering crime compared to the national average. However, the significant disparity in burglary rates — 129% above the UK average — indicates that while the overall crime picture is positive, specific categories require closer attention. The 3.5% increase from November to December, though small, may be influenced by the holiday season’s unique dynamics, such as increased home visits and the temporary absence of residents during Christmas. These patterns underscore the importance of maintaining consistent community engagement and targeted crime prevention strategies, even during periods of perceived lower overall risk.