Oxford Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In August 2025, Oxford’s overall crime rate stood at 9.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 14.8% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This rate translates to a risk of one reported crime for every 107 residents over the course of the month, a figure that, while not inherently alarming, underscores the need for vigilance in a city with a complex mix of urban and academic influences. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 32.6% of all reported incidents, followed closely by anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. These patterns align with Oxford’s character as a major university city, where the presence of students and the concentration of retail hubs contribute to specific vulnerabilities. The high rate of shoplifting—1.0 per 1,000—suggests that Oxford’s high streets and commercial districts are particularly targeted, likely due to the dense population of young adults and the city’s role as a regional shopping destination. Meanwhile, the elevated rate of bicycle theft (0.6 per 1,000) is consistent with the presence of a large student population, who often use bikes for commuting. The seasonal context of August, a peak holiday month, may have influenced burglary rates, as the temporary absence of residents during vacations could have created opportunities for opportunistic thieves. However, the city’s overall crime rate does not reflect a dramatic surge in violence or property crime, with anti-social behaviour and public order offences remaining relatively stable. The data also highlights a marked disparity between Oxford and the UK average for certain categories, such as bicycle theft, which is 757% above the national rate. This stark difference may be attributed to the city’s unique demographic profile and the density of its academic community. While the overall rate is higher than the UK average, the breakdown of crime types suggests that the city’s challenges are not uniformly distributed, with retail and transport-related offences affecting specific areas. This nuanced picture offers insights into the local dynamics that shape criminal activity in Oxford, where the interplay of academic, commercial, and residential factors creates a distinct crime profile.

August 2025 saw a sharp 61.1% increase in robbery cases, rising from 18 to 29, marking a stark contrast to the 52.3% drop in theft from the person, which fell from 65 to 31. This shift in crime mix suggests a potential reallocation of criminal activity, possibly influenced by seasonal dynamics such as increased foot traffic in tourist areas or changes in policing priorities. Vehicle crime also rose by 24.4%, from 45 to 56, a trend that may be linked to the city’s growing population of commuters and the increased number of vehicles on the road during the summer months. Meanwhile, burglary increased by 20.9%, from 43 to 52, a figure that could be partially explained by the seasonal context of August, when more homes are unoccupied due to holidays. However, these increases are tempered by notable declines in other areas, such as the 42.1% drop in possession of weapons, which fell from 19 to 11. This reduction may indicate successful interventions or a shift in criminal behaviour. The city’s violent crime rate, at 3.1 per 1,000, is 8% above the UK average, while shoplifting remains 59% higher than the national average, highlighting specific vulnerabilities in retail areas.

Oxford’s crime rate in August 2025 fell by 6.8% compared to July’s rate of 10.0 per 1,000, reflecting a slight downward trend despite the month’s peak holiday activity. On a daily basis, the city recorded approximately 50 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for residents and visitors alike. Over the course of August, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 107 residents—a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents within the local population. This statistic, while not directly comparable to national figures, highlights the scale of criminal activity relative to Oxford’s 166,034 residents. The decrease in overall rate contrasts with seasonal expectations, as August typically sees increased burglary risks due to empty homes during holidays. However, the reduction in theft from the person by 52.3% and a 30.8% drop in drug-related crimes may reflect temporary shifts in criminal activity or improved policing focus. The daily crime count, while high, remains a local metric without a national benchmark, making it a useful tool for understanding local patterns rather than broader comparisons.