Oakham Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Oakham, 2.9 crimes were reported in May 2023—a rate 63.7% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This translates to a per-capita risk that is lower than national benchmarks, with violent crime accounting for 44.2% of all incidents. The built-up area's crime profile in May reflects a mix of seasonal and local factors: longer evenings and bank holidays may have contributed to increased socialising, potentially explaining the sharp rise in violence and sexual offences. While property crime (18 cases) remained the second-highest category, the dominance of violent crime highlights a shift in risk patterns compared to earlier in the year. The UK comparison reveals that Oakham's rates for violence and sexual offences (1.3 per 1,000) are 53% below the national average, a disparity that may stem from the area's small, close-knit population and rural-adjacent character. Seasonal rhythms, such as the timing of May bank holidays, likely amplified interactions in public spaces, creating conditions where conflicts could escalate. The relatively low crime rate—especially for property offences—suggests that the built-up area's limited retail and commercial presence, compared to larger urban centres, may act as a natural deterrent to certain types of crime. However, the spike in violent incidents underscores the need for continued vigilance, particularly during periods of increased social activity.

May 2023 saw a dramatic 171.4% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from seven to 19 cases. This surge, combined with a 100% rise in burglary and other crime, highlights a shift in the crime mix towards more violent incidents compared to the previous month. While property crime (18 cases) remained the second-highest category, violent crime now constitutes 44.2% of all reported offences—a significant departure from the April breakdown. Violence and sexual offences in Oakham remain 53% below the UK average (2.8 per 1,000), suggesting that local factors may temper the national trend. Residents might find the 80% reduction in shoplifting (from five to two cases) particularly relevant, as it aligns with the seasonal context of fewer tourists in May compared to peak summer months.

Oakham's crime rate in May 2023 rose by 19.6% compared to April, increasing from 2.5 to 2.9 per 1,000 residents. This shift translates to roughly one reported crime per day in the built-up area, a figure that may feel more tangible for residents navigating daily routines. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 341 residents, a statistic that contextualises risk in terms of local population density. While the overall rate remains 63.7% below the UK average, the month-on-month increase suggests a dynamic interplay between seasonal factors and local patterns. The built-up area's relatively low population—14,664 residents—means that even modest absolute changes in crime numbers can register as significant percentage shifts, reflecting the unique scale of this rural-adjacent community.