Oakham Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Oakham's crime rate in September 2023 stood at 4.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 41.2% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This performance contrasts sharply with national trends, reflecting a uniquely low crime environment for a built-up area within Rutland. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 47.8% of all reported incidents (33 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (13.0%) and other theft (10.1%). These figures suggest a pattern where interpersonal conflicts and minor disturbances are more prevalent than property-related crimes. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return to school and university freshers' week—may partly explain the higher proportion of violent offences, as increased social activity and alcohol consumption in local venues could contribute to heightened tensions. However, the area's overall safety remains strikingly evident when compared to the UK average, with rates for anti-social behaviour, public order offences, and shoplifting all significantly below national benchmarks. This suggests that Oakham's community structures, policing strategies, or geographic isolation from major urban centres may play a role in maintaining lower crime levels. The data also highlights a relatively small number of property crimes, which could be linked to the town's compact size and limited commercial activity compared to larger urban areas. While the violence rate remains 16% below the UK average, the localised nature of incidents—often clustered in specific neighbourhoods or venues—indicates that targeted interventions may be more effective than broad-scale measures. Overall, the September figures reinforce Oakham's position as an area where crime remains subdued, even during periods of increased social activity.

September 2023 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories, with vehicle crime, drugs, and 'other crime' each experiencing a 100% increase from the previous month. This surge, though small in absolute terms (two additional incidents each), may signal emerging patterns, such as the use of vehicles for drug-related activities or unclassified crimes that warrant closer scrutiny. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped by 47.1% (from 17 to 9 incidents), a decline that could reflect the impact of local policing efforts or the seasonal shift away from peak summer social events. Public order offences also fell by 14.3%, aligning with the trend of reduced outdoor activity as nights lengthen. The breakdown of crime types reveals a stark contrast between Oakham and the UK average, with violence and sexual offences remaining 16% below the national rate. This discrepancy, despite the localised increase in violent crimes, may be attributed to Oakham's smaller population and the effectiveness of community-based crime prevention initiatives. For residents, the most immediately relevant statistic is the 100% rise in vehicle crime, which could prompt increased vigilance in securing vehicles during the autumn months. These changes, while modest, underscore the dynamic nature of local crime patterns and the importance of continuous monitoring to address emerging trends.

Oakham's September 2023 crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents represents a 5.4% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.0, indicating a continued downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day—a figure that, while seemingly small, reflects the town's low population density and effective crime management. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 213 residents, a statistic that highlights the rarity of criminal incidents in this built-up area. When compared to the UK average, Oakham's performance is markedly better, with its overall rate nearly half that of the national figure. This disparity becomes even more pronounced when examining specific crime categories: anti-social behaviour in Oakham is 55% below the UK average, while shoplifting is 82% below. These figures suggest that Oakham's unique demographic profile—likely characterised by a mix of older residents and a smaller, tightly-knit community—may contribute to its lower crime rates. The town's compact size and limited commercial activity could also play a role, as larger urban centres often experience higher volumes of property crimes and public order issues. For local residents, the combination of low crime rates and a manageable daily crime count reinforces the perception of Oakham as a safe and stable place to live, even as it navigates seasonal transitions that typically influence crime patterns elsewhere.