Oakham Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

November 2023 saw Oakham’s violent crime surge to unprecedented levels, with violence and sexual offences doubling from 22 to 44 incidents. This dramatic increase, which constitutes 66.7% of all recorded crimes, contrasts sharply with the area’s typically low crime profile as a market town within Rutland. The overall crime rate stood at 4.5 per 1,000 residents, 40% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. Violent crimes dominated the breakdown, while property crimes accounted for just 19.7% of total incidents. Seasonal factors may have played a role: Bonfire Night’s pyrotechnic displays, coupled with Black Friday shopping activity, could have heightened tensions in the town centre. Anti-social behaviour and other thefts remained below UK averages, suggesting community cohesion in areas outside the retail core. The low rate of vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000) aligns with Oakham’s limited commuter traffic, though the rise in violence raises questions about local policing strategies during peak seasonal events. This pattern diverges from Rutland’s broader rural crime trends, where property crime typically outpaces violent crime. The town’s small population and historic character may contribute to its distinct crime profile, though the November spike underscores the need for targeted interventions during high-impact periods.

The most striking shift in November was the 100% increase in violence and sexual offences, which rose from 22 to 44 incidents. This category alone now represents 66.7% of all crimes recorded, marking a significant departure from previous months. Concurrently, other crime surged by 100% (from 0 to 1 incident), and other theft increased by 50% (from 2 to 3). These spikes occurred despite a 75% drop in drug-related crimes (from 4 to 1) and 66.7% reduction in vehicle crime (from 3 to 1). The violent crime surge places Oakham’s rate at 3.0 per 1,000 for this category, 16% above the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remains 71% below the UK average, with only 4 incidents recorded. For residents, the most immediate concern is the sharp rise in violence, which now exceeds the national average for this category. This suggests that local factors—such as increased foot traffic during November events or changes in policing focus—may be influencing crime patterns. The contrast between violent and property crime trends highlights the need for targeted strategies, as property crime rates (13 incidents) remain well below the UK average for this category.

Oakham’s crime rate in November 2023 rose 17.8% from the previous month’s 3.8 per 1,000 to 4.5 per 1,000. This increase translates to roughly 2 crimes per day across the built-up area, a figure that reflects the town’s small population of 14,664 residents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 222 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is 40% below the UK average. While the overall rate remains low, the shift in crime composition is notable: the proportion of violent crimes rose significantly, while property crimes fell. This dynamic suggests that local factors, rather than broad demographic trends, may be driving the change. The 1-in-222 resident monthly exposure figure underscores the relatively low risk for Oakham residents compared to the UK average, but the doubling of violent crime highlights a specific vulnerability during November. The contrast between the town’s low vehicle crime rate (0.1 per 1,000) and the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000 further illustrates how Oakham’s unique characteristics—such as its limited commuter traffic and historic infrastructure—shape its crime profile. These comparisons reveal that while Oakham remains a safer area overall, targeted efforts may be needed to address the recent surge in violence.