Oakham Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

August 2023 saw Oakham maintain its position as one of the safest areas in the UK, with a crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents — 38.3% below the national average of 8.1. This reflects a long-standing trend for the built-up area within Rutland, where low population density and limited urban sprawl contribute to reduced opportunities for property crime. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (23.3%) and other theft (11%). These figures align with Oakham’s character as a historic market town with a strong community presence, though the prominence of violent crime suggests the need for targeted local initiatives. Seasonal factors may also play a role: August, as a peak holiday month, typically sees increased tourism and transient populations, which could contribute to rises in certain categories. However, the overall rate remains significantly lower than the UK average, with violent crime rates 32% below the national figure for this category. The low incidence of shoplifting (83% below UK average) and burglary (71% below) further underscores Oakham’s rural context, where commercial activity is more limited than in major urban centres. This data illustrates a combination of local demographics, geographic isolation, and seasonal fluctuations, all of which shape the area’s distinct crime profile.

August 2023 marked a 15.8% increase in Oakham’s overall crime rate compared to July, driven by sharp rises in anti-social behaviour (+466.7%) and criminal damage and arson (+250%). These spikes, though alarming, occurred against a backdrop of continued performance well below the UK average for most categories. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common crime type (27 incidents), with rates 32% lower than the national average — a figure that may reflect Oakham’s relatively small population and tight-knit community structures. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped 80% (from 5 to 1), likely due to reduced summer traffic or increased parking security measures. The 83% deficit in shoplifting compared to the UK average highlights the town’s limited retail presence, with fewer high-traffic commercial areas to attract such crimes. Residents might find the 2.7% share of drugs-related offences (1 incident) particularly noteworthy, as this category has not featured prominently in previous months. These shifts in crime patterns suggest a dynamic local environment, where seasonal tourism and community dynamics interact in ways that require ongoing monitoring.

Oakham’s August crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents represents a 15.8% increase from July’s 4.3 — a rise that, while significant, still leaves the area 38.3% below the UK average. This translates to roughly 2 crimes per day in August, a figure that, while not negligible, is far lower than the national average of 8.1 per 1,000. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 201 residents — a statistic that, when contextualised against Rutland’s rural character, suggests a relatively low risk of personal exposure to crime. This monthly exposure rate is particularly notable when compared to urban areas, where similar figures might reflect far higher population densities. The 15.8% month-on-month increase raises questions about transient factors, such as the influx of holidaymakers during August, which may temporarily disrupt local patterns. However, the absence of a corresponding rise in property crimes (which remained 71% below the UK average for burglary) indicates that the area’s geographic and demographic profile continues to provide a natural buffer against certain types of crime. For residents, this means that while crime rates may fluctuate seasonally, Oakham’s overall safety remains a consistent feature compared to the UK as a whole.