Oakham Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

August 2024 marked a continued period of relatively low crime in Oakham, with an overall crime rate of 4.4 per 1,000 residents — 46.3% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. The area's crime profile remains distinct, with violence and sexual offences dominating at 43.1% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (23.1%) and public order offences (12.3%). This pattern aligns with Oakham's character as a small built-up area within Rutland, where community dynamics and local infrastructure shape crime trends. Seasonal factors in August, such as increased tourism and the summer holiday period, may partly explain the persistent presence of public order offences and anti-social behaviour, though these remain significantly below UK averages. Property crimes accounted for only 20% of the total (13 incidents), a stark contrast to the national emphasis on property-related offences. The area's low crime rate may also reflect the relatively low population density and the presence of open spaces, which could reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the seasonal context of August — a peak holiday month — introduces unique challenges, including the risk of burglary in empty homes and increased public disorder in areas frequented by tourists. These factors suggest that while Oakham's overall crime environment remains safer than the UK average, targeted monitoring of seasonal trends may be necessary to maintain this trajectory.

August 2024 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories, with criminal damage and arson increasing by 200% (from 2 to 6 incidents), shoplifting doubling (from 0 to 2), and vehicle crime rising by 100% (from 0 to 1). These increases contrast with decreases in drugs-related offences (-66.7%) and other theft (-57.1%), though the latter category remains well below the UK average. The violent crime category, which accounted for 43.1% of all incidents, was 29% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000 — a significant deviation that may reflect local policing priorities or community resilience. The most striking contrast to the UK average appears in shoplifting, which was 86% below the national rate, suggesting that retail areas in Oakham may have effective security measures or lower foot traffic during the summer months. For residents, the most immediate data point is the 29.9% increase in the overall crime rate from July 2024 (3.4 per 1,000 to 4.4 per 1,000), which, while notable, still leaves Oakham's crime profile significantly safer than the UK average. This month-on-month change may be attributed to seasonal factors, such as the timing of local festivals or variations in tourist activity, which could temporarily elevate certain types of crime.

The crime rate in August 2024 (4.4 per 1,000) represents a 29.9% increase compared to July 2024's rate of 3.4 per 1,000, yet it remains 46.3% below the UK average. This relative stability against the national backdrop suggests that Oakham's local conditions — including its small population and rural setting — continue to buffer against broader crime trends. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 2 crimes per day in August, a figure that, while reflecting the month-on-month increase, remains low by UK standards. Over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for every 226 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the rarity of crime in this area. When contextualised against Rutland's population of 14,664, this figure translates to a manageable level of risk for residents, particularly when compared to larger urban centres where crime rates are typically much higher. The population-scaled perspective also highlights the significance of the 29.9% month-on-month change — in absolute terms, this corresponds to an increase of 12 crimes (from 53 to 65), a shift that, while statistically significant, does not alter the fundamental safety profile of Oakham. Residents may find this data useful in understanding that, despite the increase, the area remains one of the safest in the UK, with crime levels that are low relative to the national average.