Rural Oxford Crime Rate

Rural Oxford offers a high level of safety for its residents, with an overall crime rate of 76.6 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6, reflecting the quieter nature of the district's less urbanised areas. The area's safety score is an impressive 82/100, which is well above the national average of 79. Most encouragingly, the crime trend in Rural Oxford is decreasing sharply, with a 15.7% reduction in total offences year-over-year. This data, covering the period from January 2025 to December 2025, highlights Rural Oxford as a secure and improving environment, making it an attractive location for those seeking a safe residential setting.

In Rural Oxford, the most frequently reported crimes are violence and sexual offences, which account for 38.0% of the total with 108 incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 12.0%, followed by drug-related offences at 10.6%. These figures suggest that personal safety and community conduct are the primary focus areas for local law enforcement in these less urbanised parts of the district.

Property crime in Rural Oxford—which includes burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft—occurs at a rate of 22.7 per 1,000 residents. Vehicle crime is a notable concern within this category, making up 6.7% of all reports. Burglary accounts for 4.2%, which is slightly higher as a percentage of total crime than in the more urban Oxford areas. For residents in these rural settings, the statistics highlight a specific need for vehicle and home security. The isolated nature of some properties can make them targets for opportunistic theft, making robust, visible security measures particularly effective.

The crime trend in Rural Oxford is exceptionally positive, with a 15.7% year-over-year decrease in total criminal reports. This significant reduction suggests that the area is becoming increasingly secure and that local safety initiatives are proving effective.

Monthly data for 2025 reveals some fluctuation in the crime rate per 1,000 residents. The year began with low rates in January (4.9) and February (5.1), followed by a slight rise in March (7.6). Interestingly, May saw the lowest rate of the year at just 2.2. The crime rate then climbed during the summer and autumn, reaching its annual peak of 9.4 in August. The year concluded with relatively high rates in November (9.2) and December (8.4). Despite these seasonal increases toward the end of the year, the overall annual decrease of 15.7% confirms a strong long-term improvement in the safety of Rural Oxford.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Oxford

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Rural Oxford, accounting for 38.0% of reports. While these areas are generally very safe, the rural context requires specific safety considerations.

1. Ensure that your home's perimeter is well-defined and secure; well-maintained fences and gates can deter opportunistic trespassing and anti-social behaviour.
2. Given that vehicle crime is a notable concern (6.7%), always park in well-lit areas or secure garages, and never leave tools or valuables in vehicles overnight.
3. Be mindful of personal safety when walking in isolated rural areas after dark; carry a torch and ensure your phone is fully charged.
4. Join or support a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme; in rural communities, residents looking out for one another is one of the most effective ways to prevent crime.
5. Secure all outbuildings, such as sheds and barns, with high-quality locks, as these are often targeted for theft of equipment and fuel in rural locations.

Crime in Rural Oxford exhibits specific patterns tied to the time of day. During the morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft is the most prominent issue, accounting for 36% and 39% of reports respectively. This suggests that opportunistic crimes occur when residents are away from home or engaged in daily activities.

As night falls, the nature of crime changes significantly. In the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order issues, make up 54% of incidents. However, the most striking pattern occurs during the night (12am-6am), where vehicle crime surges to account for 46% of all reported crimes. Burglary also remains a consistent threat during the afternoon and night, making up 15% and 14% of crimes in those periods. These insights highlight that while daytime is a risk for general theft, the overnight period is the critical time for vehicle and property security in Rural Oxford.

When compared to the more densely populated Oxford urban area, Rural Oxford is considerably safer, with a crime rate of 76.6 per 1,000 compared to Oxford's 101.8. This difference highlights the safety benefits of the district's rural settlements. For residents and potential movers, Rural Oxford provides a more tranquil and secure alternative to the city centre, while still benefiting from the proximity to Oxford's economic and cultural hubs. The significant downward trend in crime further distinguishes the rural areas as a region where safety is actively improving, offering a distinct contrast to the higher-activity urban environment nearby.

Properties in Rural Oxford, while statistically safer, often face unique security challenges due to their more isolated locations. With a property crime rate of 22.7 per 1,000, and vehicle crime representing 6.7% of all reports, traditional reactive security—like standard CCTV that only records a crime—is often insufficient. In rural settings, the deterrent must happen before an intruder reaches the property.

The scOS AI-powered home security system is ideal for rural Oxford homes. Its proactive protection uses multi-camera intelligence to watch your entire property boundary simultaneously. Because scOS can distinguish between family members, deliveries, and genuine threats, it provides reliable security without constant false alarms. In the event of a threat, scOS's autonomous response—activating lights and speakers—can deter a criminal instantly. For rural residents, this immediate, automated intervention is crucial, as it provides a first line of defence that doesn't rely on immediate outside assistance. By making your property a difficult target, scOS ensures that opportunistic criminals move on to easier options.