Oxford Crime Rate July 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Oxford's crime rate in July 2025 stood at 10.0 per 1,000 residents, marking a 16.3% increase over the UK average of 8.6 per 1,000. This urban academic hub, known for its historic university and tourist attractions, saw violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile at 30.7% of total incidents, followed by shoplifting (12.4%) and anti-social behaviour (10.6%). The seasonal context of peak summer, with schools out and festivals in full swing, likely contributed to heightened activity in public spaces. Violent crime rates in Oxford were 2% above the UK average, while shoplifting surged to 85% above the national figure—a stark divergence from the typical pattern observed in smaller towns where retail theft is less concentrated. Anti-social behaviour, though 29% below the UK average, remains a significant concern in Oxford's densely populated areas. The town's mix of student accommodation, historic sites, and tourist infrastructure creates unique challenges for crime prevention, with public order offences and theft from the person also showing marked deviations from national trends. As the city transitions into its busiest season, these statistics underscore the need for heightened vigilance in crowded areas and around university campuses.

July 2025 saw significant month-on-month increases in drug-related offences (+116.7%), theft from the person (+97.0%), and anti-social behaviour (+39.4%), with drug-related crimes tripling from 30 to 65 incidents. These spikes align with the summer festival season, which often correlates with increased substance use and public disturbances. Shoplifting, already 85% above the UK average, remained the second-highest category, reflecting the vulnerability of Oxford's high-street retail areas to opportunistic theft. Bicycle theft in Oxford was 650% above the UK average, a figure that may partly explain the city's need for enhanced cycle parking solutions. While vehicle crime decreased by 10% and other crime fell by 13.6%, these declines were offset by the sharp rise in drug-related incidents. Residents should be particularly cautious in areas with temporary event spaces, where drug use and anti-social behaviour are concentrated. The contrast between Oxford's elevated theft rates and its relatively low burglary figures (11% above UK average) highlights the city's unique crime profile, driven more by transient populations than by residential break-ins.

Oxford's crime rate in July 2025 rose from 9.0 to 10.0 per 1,000 residents, an 11.7% increase over the previous month. This translates to approximately 54 crimes reported each day in the city, with one crime occurring for every 100 residents over the course of the month. When compared to the UK average, Oxford's 10.0 per 1,000 rate places it in the upper tier of local authority districts, though the city's population of 166,034 means its absolute number of crimes (1,664) is proportionally aligned with its size. The daily crime figure provides a tangible context for residents: on average, 54 crimes occur each day, a pace that may feel more pronounced during summer months when the city hosts major events. While the 16.3% gap above the UK average is significant, Oxford's crime picture is shaped by its unique demographic composition, including a large student population and tourist influx. This comparison underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas with high foot traffic, where the city's crime profile diverges most sharply from national norms.