Oakham Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Oakham during October 2023 reveals a distinct profile shaped by the area’s characteristics as a built-up town within Rutland’s rural landscape. With a total of 56 crimes reported, the area’s crime rate of 3.8 per 1,000 residents places it 52.5% below the UK average of 8.0, a stark contrast to the national trend. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (22 incidents, 39.3% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (14.3%) and criminal damage and arson (14.3%). This emphasis on violent and disorderly incidents suggests a focus on interpersonal conflicts and community tensions, possibly influenced by the area’s small-town dynamics. Seasonal factors, such as the transition to darker evenings and the Halloween period, may have contributed to increased reporting of certain offences. The low incidence of property crimes—such as burglary (0.1 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000)—aligns with Rutland’s broader rural character, where fewer commercial and residential targets may limit opportunities for such crimes. Oakham’s violent crime rate (1.5 per 1,000) is 44% below the UK average, a figure that may reflect both effective local policing and the community’s social fabric. However, the 50% increase in drug-related crimes compared to the UK average highlights a potential vulnerability that warrants further exploration. These patterns underscore the importance of tailoring crime prevention strategies to the unique needs of built-up areas within rural counties, balancing localized efforts with broader national initiatives.

October saw notable shifts in crime types, with possession of weapons increasing by 100% (from 0 to 1 incident) and burglary doubling from 0 to 2 cases. These spikes, though small in absolute terms, highlight emerging trends that may warrant closer attention. Conversely, violence and sexual offences fell by 33.3%, a significant drop that aligns with the category’s 44% deficit compared to the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour also declined sharply, down 33.3% to 8 incidents, reflecting a broader pattern of reduced disorderly conduct. Drug-related crimes rose by 100% to 4 cases, a figure that sits 50% above the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000. This contrast between drug offences and the overall low crime rate illustrates a combination of local and national factors, with the latter’s proximity to rural Rutland potentially influencing patterns of illicit activity.

Oakham's crime rate in October 2023 stood at 3.8 per 1,000 residents, marking an 18.9% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4.7 per 1,000. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in smaller built-up areas, where seasonal transitions and local community initiatives may influence reporting patterns. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately two crimes per day, a figure that, while low, reflects the sparse distribution of incidents across Rutland’s population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 262 residents, a statistic that contextualises the low frequency of incidents relative to the area’s size. With a population of 14,664, this monthly exposure rate underscores the relatively safe environment in Oakham compared to larger urban centres. The reduction in violence and sexual offences—down 33.3% from September—may partly explain the overall decline, though local factors such as increased community engagement or seasonal changes remain plausible contributors.