Wolvercote Crime Rate

Wolvercote, an urban settlement within Oxford, maintains a favourable safety profile with an overall crime rate of 81.5 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6. The area boasts a high safety score of 81/100, indicating it is safer than many parts of the country. The recent crime trend is classified as stable, with a minor year-over-year change of 4.8%. For residents, Wolvercote offers a more secure environment than the more central parts of Oxford, with property crime rates that are particularly low compared to national figures. This data provides a detailed look at the safety landscape for this residential community.

Crime in Wolvercote

Wolvercote's crime data shows that violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported incidents, accounting for 43.2% of the total with 57 reported crimes. This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 16.7% (22 crimes) and anti-social behaviour at 13.6% (18 crimes). Together, these three categories make up the vast majority of local police activity.

Property crime in Wolvercote, which encompasses burglary, various types of theft, and vehicle crime, occurs at a rate of 24.7 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.2. Specifically, burglary and bicycle theft are relatively rare, each accounting for only 1.5% of total crimes. Vehicle crime is also low at 3.0%. For residents, this suggests that while the overall crime rate is 81.5 per 1,000, the risk of serious property loss or home invasion is considerably lower than in more central urban areas, though criminal damage remains a notable concern for property maintenance.

The crime trend in Wolvercote is currently stable, with a modest 4.8% increase in total crimes compared to the previous year. Monthly data from 2025 reveals some variation, with the crime rate per 1,000 people starting at 6.2 in January and fluctuating through the year. The lowest activity was recorded in June (3.7), while the highest rates occurred in September and December, both reaching 9.9.

This stability suggests that Wolvercote does not suffer from rapidly changing crime patterns. The end-of-year increase in December is a common seasonal trend across the UK. For residents, this stable trend means that the area's reputation as a relatively safe suburb of Oxford remains intact, with no significant new threats emerging. The consistent safety score of 81/100 further reinforces the view that Wolvercote remains a secure and predictable environment for its population.

How To Keep Safe in Wolvercote

Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Wolvercote. While many of these incidents may not involve the general public, maintaining personal awareness is always beneficial. To stay safe in the local area:

• Be aware of your surroundings when walking through the area's many green spaces and canal paths, particularly during the quieter evening hours.
• If walking alone at night, stick to well-lit residential streets and avoid less populated shortcuts.
• Report any instances of anti-social behaviour or criminal damage to the local police, as these are the next most common issues in the area and early reporting helps prevent escalation.
• Ensure your home's exterior is well-maintained and that any damage to fences or gates is repaired quickly, as this helps maintain the area's overall safety and deters opportunistic criminal damage.
• Engage with local community groups or neighbourhood watch schemes to stay informed about any specific local safety concerns or trends.

Crime in Wolvercote shows distinct patterns throughout the day. Morning and afternoon periods are characterised by a higher proportion of theft-related offences (36% and 41% respectively), likely linked to daytime activity in local commercial or residential areas. As the day progresses into the evening and night, the nature of crime shifts significantly. During the evening hours, 73% of reported incidents fall into the 'Other' category, which includes anti-social behaviour and public order offences. At night, while the overall volume of crime is lower, vehicle-related crime becomes more prominent, accounting for 23% of incidents. This suggests that while daytime risks are primarily opportunistic theft, nocturnal concerns are more focused on vehicle security and general anti-social behaviour.

Wolvercote sits in a diverse local area in terms of safety. Compared to the main Oxford urban area, which has a crime rate of 101.8 per 1,000, Wolvercote is considerably safer at 81.5. It also compares favourably to Kidlington, which has a rate of 60.2. However, it has a higher crime rate than the nearby village of Yarnton (47.6) and Cassington, which shows a zero crime rate in this period. This positioning is typical for a suburb that bridges the gap between a major city and more rural Oxfordshire villages. Residents considering the region will find Wolvercote to be a secure middle ground with strong safety scores and manageable crime levels.

With a property crime rate of 24.7 per 1,000, Wolvercote is safer than many areas, but maintaining this security requires a proactive approach. Traditional security systems like Ring or Nest are reactive; they notify you after someone has already approached your door or, worse, after a break-in has occurred. They provide footage of the crime, but they don't necessarily stop it.

For Wolvercote homeowners, a proactive system like scOS offers a superior alternative. By using AI to monitor all cameras simultaneously, scOS identifies threats at the property boundary. It distinguishes between the regular postman and a suspicious stranger lingering by your vehicle. If a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously activate lights or speakers, destroying the element of surprise that burglars rely on. In a low-crime area like Wolvercote, the visible presence of professional-grade, intelligent security acts as a powerful deterrent, ensuring your home remains one of the safest in the neighbourhood.