Oxford Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Oxford’s crime rate in February 2024 reached 8.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 12.7% above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This figure reflects the city’s unique blend of academic, commercial, and residential environments, which contribute to a distinct crime profile. Violence and sexual offences dominated the monthly tally, accounting for 35.1% of all incidents (467 cases), with a rate of 2.8 per 1,000—12% above the UK average. Shoplifting (9.9% of total crimes) and other theft (8.9%) also stood out, with rates 48% and 27% above national benchmarks respectively. These trends are consistent with Oxford’s status as a major retail and academic centre, where high foot traffic in shopping areas and student populations may drive property-related offences. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may have influenced the overall crime profile, though the persistence of certain categories, such as violence, suggests deeper structural factors. Anti-social behaviour (4.9% of total crimes) was 62% below the UK average, reflecting community-focused policing or the city’s relatively cohesive social fabric. While the overall rate remains elevated, the data highlights both areas of concern and pockets of relative safety, offering a nuanced picture of Oxford’s crime dynamics.

The most striking shift in February 2024 was the 100% increase in robbery, rising from 6 to 12 incidents. This jump, while small in absolute terms, highlights a potential vulnerability in specific areas, particularly those with high foot traffic or late-night activity. Concurrently, possession of weapons rose by 50%, from 8 to 12 cases, a figure that may reflect broader social tensions or targeted enforcement efforts. In contrast, burglary fell by 24.1%, from 58 to 44, possibly linked to seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity or increased security measures in residential areas. Bicycle theft also declined by 21.2%, from 85 to 67, a trend that may be attributed to colder weather deterring outdoor theft. Shoplifting remained 48% above the UK average (0.8 vs 0.5 per 1,000), underscoring Oxford’s role as a retail hub with persistent challenges in preventing theft from businesses. These shifts illustrate the combination of local demographics and seasonal influences on crime patterns.

Oxford's crime rate in February 2024 (8.0 per 1,000 residents) marks a 3.7% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.3 per 1,000. This slight decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns observed in the area during late winter, when outdoor activity and tourism dip. Locally, 46 crimes were reported per day on average, a figure that reflects the density of Oxford’s population and its mix of academic and residential zones. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 125 residents, a monthly aggregate that contextualises the rate in terms of individual risk. While this remains above the UK average, the decrease from January suggests a stabilisation in the area’s crime dynamics. The daily figure, though high, does not necessarily indicate a surge in danger but rather the concentration of incidents within a tightly populated and economically active district. This perspective is critical for residents seeking to understand how their local experience compares to national trends.