Oxford Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Oxford’s crime rate for November 2025 stood at 9.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 24.7% above the UK average of 7.3 per 1,000. This elevated rate reflects the city’s unique demographic and geographic profile as a major university town, where high population density, transient student populations, and vibrant commercial activity contribute to a distinct crime profile. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (32.3% of all reported incidents), shoplifting (11.8%), and other theft (10.3%). These figures align with Oxford’s character as a hub for education and tourism, where public order offences and retail-related crimes are likely to be more common than in less populated or industrial areas. Seasonal factors also played a role: the onset of dark evenings, coupled with events like Bonfire Night and the Black Friday shopping period, may have contributed to the higher-than-average rates of violence and shoplifting. However, the data also reveals some unexpected trends, such as the 43% shortfall in anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average, which could indicate effective community policing or a reduction in alcohol-related incidents during the month. The city’s crime picture remains complex, with certain categories—like bicycle theft—far exceeding national averages, while others, such as burglary, show a notable decline. These patterns suggest that local interventions, such as increased surveillance in high-risk areas or targeted awareness campaigns, may be necessary to address the most pressing issues while building on areas of improvement.

November 2025 saw sharp increases in two specific crime categories: possession of weapons jumped by 125% (from 4 to 9 cases), and robbery surged by 109.1% (from 11 to 23 cases). These rises, though not reflected in the overall crime rate, signal potential shifts in criminal activity that may require targeted policing. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour dropped by 37.8% (from 148 to 92 cases), a decline that could be linked to seasonal factors such as the end of term or reduced outdoor activity during darker evenings. The city’s shoplifting rate (1.1 per 1,000) remains 75% above the UK average, a persistent issue likely tied to Oxford’s retail presence and the influx of shoppers during Black Friday. Bicycle theft, at 0.6 per 1,000, is 900% above the UK average, a stark contrast to the 33% reduction in burglary, which may reflect the effectiveness of local initiatives or changes in criminal focus. These disparities highlight the need for tailored strategies to address specific vulnerabilities in the area.

Oxford’s crime rate remained stable between October and November 2025, with a marginal 0.6% increase from 9.0 to 9.1 per 1,000 residents. This suggests a broadly consistent pattern of criminal activity, though the slight uptick deserves closer attention to emerging trends. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 50 reported crimes per day, a figure that aligns with the high density of population and institutions in Oxford. Over the course of November, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 110 residents, highlighting the frequency of incidents in a relatively small geographic area. This monthly exposure rate, while not alarmingly high, underscores the need for continued vigilance, particularly in areas with high foot traffic such as the city centre and university campuses. The local population of 166,034 means that crime rates are amplified by the concentration of students, staff, and visitors, creating a unique environment where certain types of crime—such as theft and public order offences—are more prevalent than in less densely populated regions. This context helps explain why Oxford’s crime profile diverges from the UK average, particularly in categories like shoplifting and violence.