Oxford Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile for Oxford in January 2026 reveals a distinct mix of offences that reflects the area's character as a major university city with significant retail and cultural hubs. With a crime rate of 8.0 per 1,000 residents—17.6% above the UK average—Oxford's data highlights a pronounced emphasis on violent and public order crimes. Violence and sexual offences alone constitute 35.1% of all reported crimes, a figure that is 12% higher than the UK average. This may be partly explained by the city's student population, which contributes to a dynamic nightlife and higher foot traffic in certain areas. Shoplifting, the second most common crime type at 12.3% of total incidents, is 75% above the UK average, likely driven by Oxford's high-street retail presence and tourist activity. Public order offences, at 8.3% of total crimes, also exceed the UK average by 67%, potentially linked to the city's vibrant social scene and university events. Seasonal context suggests that January's reduced retail footfall and shorter days may have influenced the crime pattern, with fewer outdoor crimes typical of this time of year. However, the persistent focus on violent and property-related offences indicates a need for targeted policing strategies in areas frequented by students and tourists. The relatively low rates of burglary and vehicle crime—both 6.4% of total incidents—suggest that Oxford's urban planning and security measures may be effective in mitigating these specific risks. The data also shows a notable absence of drug-related offences compared to the UK average, which could be attributed to the city's strict enforcement policies and community-focused initiatives. Overall, Oxford's crime mix illustrates a combination of its academic, commercial, and social environments, requiring a nuanced approach to crime prevention.

January 2026 saw notable shifts in Oxford's crime mix, with increases in several categories and marked disparities compared to the UK average. Violence and sexual offences rose by 10.8% compared to December, reaching 463 incidents—2.8 per 1,000 residents, 12% above the UK average. This surge may be linked to the post-holiday period, when university students return to campus and social activity intensifies. Shoplifting also increased by 12.3% of total crimes, with a 75% gap above the UK average, suggesting ongoing challenges in retail security despite Oxford's efforts to address the issue. Burglary rose sharply by 28.6%, from 35 to 45 incidents, potentially reflecting seasonal patterns in residential areas as students return. Conversely, anti-social behaviour decreased significantly, with rates 46% below the UK average, due to increased community engagement or enforcement during the month. Another striking contrast is the 500% above UK average rate for bicycle theft, which may be tied to the city's cycling infrastructure and the large student population reliant on bikes for transport. Theft from the person, at 1.2% of total crimes, was 17% below the UK average, due to lower foot traffic in retail areas during January. The month also saw a 54.5% drop in possession of weapons, from 11 to 5 incidents, indicating potential success in targeting knife crime through local initiatives. These fluctuations highlight the need for adaptive policing strategies that address both the persistent and emerging trends in Oxford's crime profile.

In January 2026, Oxford's crime rate of 8.0 per 1,000 residents marked a 2.6% decrease from the previous month's rate of 8.2 per 1,000, reflecting a slight but measurable downward trend. On a daily basis, Oxford recorded approximately 43 crimes per day in January—a figure that, while specific to the city, provides residents with a tangible sense of the frequency of incidents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 126 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the ongoing need for community vigilance and policing. When contextualised against the city's population of 166,034, this means that each resident faces a relatively low but non-negligible risk of encountering crime. Compared to the UK average, Oxford's crime rate remains higher, with the city's violent crime rates and shoplifting incidents far outpacing national figures. However, the decline from the previous month suggests that local strategies may be beginning to have an effect. The daily crime count, while consistent with Oxford's historical patterns, may be influenced by the city's unique demographic makeup, including its large student population and high levels of tourism. Residents should note that while the overall rate is above the UK average, the city's targeted approaches to specific crime types—such as the marked decrease in weapon possession—demonstrate that progress is being made in certain areas. These comparative metrics provide a balanced view of Oxford's position relative to national trends and highlight the importance of continued investment in community-based crime prevention initiatives.