Oxford Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Oxford’s crime profile in January 2026 reveals a striking imbalance between violent and property crimes, with violence and sexual offences dominating at 35.1% of total incidents. This contrasts sharply with the UK average, where such offences account for only 15% of all crimes. The city’s elevated rate of shoplifting—82% above the national average—reflects its unique demographic and economic context as a university hub, where transient populations and high foot traffic in retail areas create fertile ground for theft. Public order offences, at 8.3 per 1,000, also exceed the UK average by 71%, potentially linked to the concentration of nightlife and student social spaces in the city centre. Seasonal factors likely play a role in this pattern: January’s post-holiday period, shorter daylight hours, and reduced retail activity may have dampened outdoor crime while intensifying indoor disputes. However, the overall crime rate of 8.0 per 1,000—21.2% above the UK average—suggests that Oxford’s urban density, academic institutions, and tourism infrastructure contribute to a distinct crime environment. The city’s relatively low rates of anti-social behaviour (45% below the UK average) and theft from the person (17% below) hint at localised efforts in community policing or environmental design, though these remain areas for deeper investigation.

January 2026 saw a 10.8% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 418 to 463 cases. This surge, combined with a 36% jump in 'other crime' and a 28.6% rise in burglary, underscores a shift in the crime mix towards more severe offences. Shoplifting remained the second-highest category, with 163 incidents—82% above the UK average—likely driven by post-holiday retail activity and university student populations. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 54.5%, and theft from the person dropped by 50%, suggesting a possible reduction in opportunistic crimes during shorter winter days. The 35% increase in vehicle crime compared to the UK average may reflect the city’s dense road network and high vehicle density, though this remains an area for further analysis.

Oxford's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 8.0 per 1,000 residents, a 2.6% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.2 per 1,000. This slight decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns, where post-holiday periods see reduced retail footfall and fewer outdoor activities. On a daily basis, Oxford recorded an average of 43 crimes per day, reflecting a consistent level of activity despite the drop in the overall rate. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 126 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. When compared to the UK average, Oxford’s population of 166,034 faces a higher-than-average crime burden, though the month-on-month trend suggests a minor but measurable shift. The local population’s density and Oxford’s status as a university city likely contribute to the persistent presence of property and violent crimes, though the decrease in anti-social behaviour—45% below the UK average—hints at potential local initiatives or seasonal factors influencing community dynamics.