Oxford Crime Rate

Oxford recorded a crime rate of 107.0 per 1,000 residents between February 2025 and January 2026. This figure places Oxford above the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000, indicating a higher level of criminal activity compared to the national average. However, a recent downward trend shows crime decreasing by 5.6% year-on-year, suggesting positive progress in crime reduction efforts. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type, accounting for 35.2 crimes per 1,000 residents, while shoplifting remains a significant concern. This comprehensive overview aims to provide residents and prospective newcomers with a clear understanding of the crime landscape in Oxford.

Oxford, a historic city and Local Authority District, presents a unique blend of factors contributing to its crime statistics. The city’s prominent university attracts a large student population, leading to a vibrant nightlife and increased footfall, which can unfortunately correlate with certain types of crime, particularly theft. The historic city centre, with its narrow streets and densely populated areas, also presents challenges for security and visibility. Furthermore, Oxford’s relative affluence can make it a target for opportunistic crime. The surrounding rural areas, while generally safer, can experience incidents related to rural crime and theft of agricultural equipment. Understanding these underlying characteristics is vital when interpreting the area's crime data.

Oxford's crime landscape is dominated by Violence and Sexual Offences, accounting for 35.2% of all recorded crimes, a figure 9% above the national average. Shoplifting is also a significant concern, with 2297 incidents recorded, representing 12.9% of all crimes and a staggering 82% above the UK average. 'Other theft' also contributes substantially, accounting for 8.9% of crimes, 57% above the national average. While property crime overall stands at 47.1 per 1,000, the prevalence of these specific crimes highlights areas of particular vulnerability. The lower rates of burglary (3.0 per 1,000) compared to the UK average suggest targeted preventative measures may have been effective, however, the elevated levels of violence, shoplifting, and other theft require continued attention and targeted interventions.

Oxford has experienced a decrease in crime of 5.6% year-on-year. Monthly crime data reveals fluctuations, with a peak of 10.0 crimes per 1,000 residents in July 2025 and a low of 8.0 per 1,000 in January 2026. While this represents positive progress, specific crime types continue to be a concern. The ongoing decrease in bicycle theft (-24.6% YoY) and burglary (-24.1% YoY) is encouraging, but the relatively stable rates of violence and sexual offences (1.1% YoY) require continued attention and targeted preventative measures. This trend suggests that while overall crime is decreasing, sustained efforts are needed to address specific vulnerabilities.

Comparing Oxford to its neighbouring local authorities, Cherwell has a crime rate of 70.5 per 1,000, South Oxfordshire 46.5 per 1,000, Vale of White Horse 54.3 per 1,000, West Oxfordshire 50.6 per 1,000 and Buckinghamshire 62.2 per 1,000. This data highlights that Oxford’s crime rate is comparatively higher than many of its surrounding areas, emphasizing the need for targeted safety initiatives within the district.

Traditional CCTV systems offer a reactive approach to security, simply recording incidents after they occur. In an area like Oxford, where violence and shoplifting are prevalent, a proactive security system is essential. Consider scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system that detects threats at the property boundary, utilizing multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification to identify potential risks before they escalate. This level of preventative protection, combined with pattern learning and autonomous response capabilities, provides a significant advantage over traditional systems, actively deterring potential criminals and enhancing the overall safety of your property.

How To Keep Safe in Oxford

Given the higher rates of violence and sexual offences in Oxford, it's crucial to be vigilant, especially during evening hours. Always be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas, and consider carrying a personal safety alarm. Due to the prevalence of shoplifting, secure your belongings when in crowded areas and be wary of distractions. Finally, ensure your home is properly secured with robust locks and consider installing a monitored alarm system or a proactive AI security system like scOS to deter potential burglars.