Oxford Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a city of 166,034 residents, Oxford recorded 1,516 crimes in September 2025 — roughly one crime for every 110 residents. This translates to a crime rate of 9.1 per 1,000 people, placing the city 23% above the UK average of 7.4. The data reflects a combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics, with September marking the start of university term and the return of students to the city. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 33.6% of all crimes, followed by shoplifting (11.5%) and other theft (9.2%). These figures are consistent with Oxford's character as a university city, where high foot traffic in retail areas and student populations may contribute to certain crime patterns. The rate of violent crime — 3.1 per 1,000 — is 20% above the UK average for this category, while shoplifting stands at 80% above the national average. This stark contrast with anti-social behaviour, which is 32% below the UK average, suggests a nuanced picture where some areas may benefit from community policing efforts or effective local initiatives. Seasonal context also plays a role, with the return of students increasing demand for services in areas like the city centre, where retail theft and public order incidents are more common. The data aligns with patterns seen in other university towns, where fluctuations in population and activity levels influence crime trends.

September 2025 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with possession of weapons rising by 54.5% (11 to 17 incidents) — a marked increase that may reflect heightened enforcement or changing patterns of illicit activity. Concurrently, drug-related crimes surged by 51.1% (45 to 68), suggesting a potential link to seasonal changes in substance use or distribution networks. These rises contrast with decreases in other categories: robbery fell by 44.8% (29 to 16), possibly due to increased policing during university term or shifts in criminal activity to less visible locations. Anti-social behaviour also dropped by 29.5% (183 to 129), a decline that could be attributed to targeted interventions in high-traffic areas or the timing of university term starts. The breakdown of crime types reveals a stark divergence from the UK average, with bicycle theft — at 471% above the national rate — underscoring Oxford's unique challenges. This anomaly may be explained by the city's cycling infrastructure and the high proportion of students who rely on bikes for transport. Meanwhile, shoplifting remains 80% above the UK average, consistent with the presence of retail hubs in the city centre and the transient nature of student populations. These figures highlight the need for tailored approaches to crime prevention in Oxford, balancing the demands of a vibrant academic community with the pressures of urban living.

Oxford's crime rate in September 2025 was 9.1 per 1,000 residents, a slight decrease of 2.2% from the previous month's rate of 9.3. This monthly decline suggests a stabilisation in crime trends, though the city still maintains a rate significantly above the UK average. On a daily basis, Oxford recorded approximately 51 crimes per day — a figure that, while high, reflects the city's population density and the presence of a large student demographic. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 110 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the frequency of incidents in a relatively small geographic area. When compared to the UK average, Oxford's violent crime rate (3.1 per 1,000) is 20% higher, a disparity that may be explained by the city's unique demographic profile. However, the rate of anti-social behaviour is 32% below the UK average, a contrast that could indicate effective community engagement or policing strategies in Oxford. The city's population of 166,034 means that each resident faces a higher risk of encountering crime than the national average, though the specific types of crime differ significantly. This comparison underscores the importance of context when interpreting crime statistics, as Oxford's profile as a university city shapes both the nature and frequency of incidents in ways distinct from other parts of the country.