Oxford Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Oxford's crime rate in February 2025 stood at 8.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 22.4% above the UK average of 6.7. This figure reflects the city's combination of factors, including its status as a university hub and a major tourist destination. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 30.7% of all incidents, with a rate of 2.5 per 1,000 — 6% above the UK average. Shoplifting, at 1.4 per 1,000, dominated the property crime category, more than doubling the national average. The seasonal context of February, a winter month with low outdoor activity, may contribute to the observed patterns, though the city's high population density and transient student community likely play a significant role. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than the UK average (48% below), remained a notable concern, particularly in areas with high concentrations of residential and commercial properties. The overall crime picture illustrates the challenges of managing public safety in an urban environment with a mix of academic, cultural, and commercial interests. The persistence of property crimes, particularly shoplifting, underscores the need for targeted interventions in retail zones, while the increase in burglary suggests potential vulnerabilities in residential security during the winter months.

February 2025 saw the most dramatic month-on-month change in burglary, which surged by 61.5% (39 to 63 incidents). This sharp increase, occurring alongside a 40% rise in anti-social behaviour, points to a shift in criminal activity patterns during the winter season. Meanwhile, possession of weapons fell by 42.1% (19 to 11), a decline that may reflect seasonal factors or targeted policing efforts. Shoplifting remained the most glaring outlier, with a rate 126% above the UK average (2.4 vs 0.6 per 1,000), likely driven by Oxford's high footfall in retail and university areas. The violent crime category, at 30.7% of total incidents, exceeded the UK average by 6%, a figure that may correlate with the city's nightlife and student population. Residents should be particularly vigilant in retail zones, where shoplifting rates are high compared to national trends.

Oxford's crime rate in February 2025 rose 7.1% compared to January's 7.6 per 1,000 residents, reflecting a continued upward trend. Daily crime activity averaged 48 incidents per day, a figure that, while local to Oxford, underscores the persistent presence of crime in the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 123 residents — a monthly exposure rate that highlights the frequency of incidents within the population. This rate, though not directly comparable to UK-wide figures, aligns with Oxford's status as a major urban centre with a high concentration of educational institutions and tourist attractions. The increase in property crimes, particularly burglary, suggests a shift in criminal focus toward residential and commercial spaces during the winter months. The population-scaled perspective reveals that residents face a measurable risk of encountering crime, though the overall rate remains within the bounds of typical urban dynamics.