Oxford Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 marked a combination of stability and volatility in Oxford's crime profile. The area's crime rate of 8.0 per 1,000 residents placed it 25% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, a gap that reflects both the city's unique characteristics and its positioning within national trends. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 34.3% of all incidents, with a rate of 2.7 per 1,000—16% above the UK average. This aligns with Oxford's status as a university city, where student populations and nightlife contribute to higher rates of violent crime. Shoplifting, another significant category, saw a rate of 1.0 per 1,000, 72% above the UK average, likely driven by the city's high street and tourist footfall. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—may have contributed to a pre-spring lull in some areas, though this was offset by spikes in weapon possession and theft from the person. These fluctuations highlight the need for targeted policing strategies that address both persistent and emerging crime patterns, particularly in areas with high student density and commercial activity.

The most dramatic month-on-month change was the 220% surge in possession of weapons, rising from 5 to 16 incidents. This spike, though small in absolute terms, underscores a potential shift in local dynamics. Concurrently, theft from the person increased by 62.5%, from 16 to 26 cases, a rise that may reflect heightened activity in public spaces during winter. In contrast, vehicle crime fell sharply by 33.3%, and burglary dropped by 31.1%, both aligning with seasonal trends of reduced outdoor activity. Oxford's rates for shoplifting and other thefts are 72% and 67% above UK averages, respectively, likely driven by the city's retail and academic environments. Anti-social behaviour, however, rose 34.2% to 102 incidents, a category where Oxford's rate is 34% below the UK average—a paradox that may stem from targeted policing or community interventions.

Oxford's crime rate in February 2026 remained stable at 8.0 per 1,000 residents, matching the previous month's figure. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall crime trends. On a daily basis, 47 crimes were reported each day in February, reflecting the area's ongoing exposure to crime. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 125 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly impact for residents. When compared to the UK average, Oxford's rate is 25% higher, but this is offset by notable declines in specific categories like burglary and vehicle crime. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while Oxford's rate is above the national average, the local context—such as the presence of a university and retail hubs—shapes the distribution of crime types differently than in other areas.