Oxford Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a city with a population of 173,486, Oxford’s 1,601 reported crimes in September 2024 equate to 9.2 crimes per 1,000 residents — a figure 19.5% higher than the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This rate places Oxford in a distinct position compared to the national benchmark, reflecting the challenges of a university city with a dynamic population. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 28% of all crimes, with 449 incidents recorded — a rate of 2.6 per 1,000, matching the UK average for this category. Shoplifting, however, stood out as a significant concern, with 235 incidents reported at 1.4 per 1,000, placing the city 106% above the UK average for this category. Bicycle theft, at 136 cases, was 789% above the national average, likely linked to the high number of students and commuters reliant on cycling. The seasonal context of September — with the return of students and the transition to shorter evenings — may partly explain the mix of violent and property crimes. Anti-social behaviour, at 129 cases, was lower than the UK average, possibly reflecting the city’s efforts to manage public spaces effectively. These patterns underscore the interplay between Oxford’s academic environment and its crime dynamics, necessitating tailored approaches to public safety.

September 2024 saw notable fluctuations in crime trends, with bicycle theft increasing by 19.3% to 136 cases — the highest recorded level for this category in the month. Robbery incidents rose sharply by 38.5%, reaching 18 cases, while other crime increased by 40% to 28 cases, indicating potential shifts in criminal activity. Conversely, shoplifting decreased by 26.6% to 235 cases, possibly reflecting the impact of university term start dates or increased policing in retail areas. Theft from the person fell by 38.9% to 33 cases, a reduction that may be attributed to heightened awareness during the back-to-school period. Public order offences also declined by 16.9% to 118 cases, suggesting a temporary easing of tensions in public spaces. The city’s violent crime rate, while matching the UK average for violence and sexual offences, remains a key focus area. Shoplifting’s 106% above UK average highlights a specific vulnerability, linked to the high footfall in Oxford’s retail and academic hubs. These findings offer residents concrete insights — for instance, the drop in shoplifting may indicate that targeted interventions or seasonal factors are beginning to have an effect.

Oxford’s crime rate in September 2024 (9.2 per 1,000) marked a 9.3% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 10.2 per 1,000, reflecting a slight downward trend. On a daily basis, the city experienced approximately 53 crimes per day — a figure that, while manageable, underscores the frequency of incidents in a densely populated urban area. Over the course of September, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 108 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the density of Oxford’s population and its associated risks. Compared to the UK average, Oxford’s overall crime rate remains elevated, but the month-on-month decline suggests that local strategies may be yielding results. The city’s population of 173,486 means that even relatively small changes in crime rates can have measurable impacts on residents. For instance, the 19.5% gap between Oxford’s rate and the UK average translates to approximately 1,000 additional crimes annually — a statistic that emphasizes the need for sustained efforts to address local challenges. These comparisons provide context for residents, illustrating how Oxford’s crime profile both aligns with and diverges from national trends.