Monthly Crime Statistics

Oxford Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Oxford recorded 1,594 crimes in September 2024, a 24.7% increase above the UK average. Shoplifting rates were 106% higher than the national average, highlighting a key concern for local authorities.

1,594
Total Crimes
9.6
Per 1,000 People
7.7
UK Average
-9.7%
vs Previous Month

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In September 2024, Oxford recorded 1,594 crimes, translating to a crime rate of 9.6 per 1,000 residents. This figure places the city 24.7% above the UK average, a significant disparity that warrants scrutiny. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 27.9% of all reported incidents, followed by shoplifting at 14.6% and bicycle theft at 8.5%. These patterns align with Oxford's status as a university city, where high foot traffic and transient populations contribute to specific vulnerabilities. The elevated rate of violence and sexual offences may partly explain the overall crime rate's position relative to the UK, a trend consistent with the seasonal influx of students during the freshers' period. Shoplifting's 106% increase over the UK average highlights the challenges faced by retail sectors in a city with a large student population, while bicycle theft's 789% elevation underscores the need for targeted measures to protect cycling infrastructure. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return to academic routines and the transition into cooler weather—may have influenced crime dynamics, with increased activity in university areas contributing to higher rates of violent and property-related offences. These findings reflect the interplay between local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and the broader crime profile, offering insights into areas requiring focused intervention.

September 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Robbery incidents rose by 38.5%, increasing from 13 to 18, a sharp contrast to the 35.8% decrease in theft from the person, which fell from 53 to 34. This divergence may partly explain the overall crime rate's position relative to the UK average. Shoplifting, a major concern, declined by 27.5% compared to August, though it remained 106% above the national average, indicating persistent challenges in retail areas. Meanwhile, bicycle theft increased by 18.4%, from 114 to 135, a figure that is 789% above the UK average, likely linked to the university's large student population and the influx of new cyclists during the freshers' period. These trends illustrate the combination of seasonal activity and local vulnerabilities, with certain crime types showing marked sensitivity to academic cycles and environmental factors.

Oxford's crime rate in September 2024 stood at 9.6 per 1,000 residents, a 9.7% decrease from the previous month's 10.6 per 1,000. This represents a notable reduction in overall crime. above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 53 crimes per day, reflecting a consistent rhythm of activity that aligns with Oxford's academic calendar. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 104 residents, illustrating the frequency of incidents in a densely populated and academically active region. This monthly exposure figure, while lower than the previous month, still underscores the need for vigilance in a city with a high concentration of students and transient populations. The population-scaled perspective highlights that even a slight decrease in the rate can translate to meaningful reductions in absolute numbers, though the overall rate remains elevated compared to national benchmarks.

Crime Breakdown - September 2024

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences4452.727.9%
Shoplifting2321.414.6%
Bicycle theft1350.88.5%
Anti-social behaviour1290.88.1%
Other theft1190.77.5%
Public order1150.77.2%
Criminal damage and arson1000.66.3%
Vehicle crime870.55.5%
Drugs700.44.4%
Burglary640.44%
Theft from the person340.22.1%
Other crime290.21.8%
Robbery180.11.1%
Possession of weapons170.11.1%

About Our Crime Statistics

Official government data sources for Oxford

4,683+
UK Locations Monitored
8.2M+
Data Records
100%
Government Sources

Crime Rate Methodology

We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.

Information Sources

Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.

Mathematical Formula

Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000

We exclusively use official UK government information sources:

  • Police.ukRecorded crime data from England and Wales' 43 territorial police forces
  • Office for National StatisticsDemographic data and Crime Survey statistics
  • Home OfficeNational offence records and crime policy information
  • FOI RequestsSupplementary data from direct police force requests
We monitor crime data across 4,683+ locations throughout England and Wales, covering the majority of significant towns, cities, and county areas. Updates occur promptly following new official data releases (approximately monthly), with historical records preserved for trend tracking.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 7 March 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month