Oakham Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences in Oakham during February 2024 stood at 1.8 per 1,000, 28% below the UK average for this category. This stark divergence from the national norm highlights a unique local dynamic, likely shaped by the town’s character as a small market town with limited nightlife infrastructure. The overall crime rate of 4.4 per 1,000 for Oakham was 38% below the UK average of 7.1, a gap consistent with the area’s low population density and limited urban sprawl. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 42.2% of all crimes reported, followed by criminal damage and arson (12.5%) and public order offences (9.4%). These figures suggest a focus on interpersonal disputes and property-related incidents rather than large-scale criminal activity. February’s low outdoor activity, typical of a winter month, may have contributed to the relative absence of vehicle crime and burglary, though these categories still saw notable month-on-month shifts. The seasonal lull in tourism and retail activity could explain the subdued levels of shoplifting and theft from the person, though the category’s 400% increase in February raises questions about local factors. The town’s compact size and strong community networks may play a role in maintaining lower crime rates, though further analysis of specific incidents would provide clearer insight.

Shoplifting in Oakham surged by 400% in February compared to January, rising from 1 to 5 incidents. This sharp increase, despite the month’s low outdoor activity, suggests a possible shift in retail patterns or unseasonal foot traffic. Meanwhile, burglary saw a 200% increase, rising from 1 to 3 cases, though this remains well below the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. The category’s 33% deficit relative to the national rate underscores the town’s overall safety profile. Criminal damage and arson rose by 33.3%, a modest increase that still left the rate at 0.6 per 1,000, 11% above the UK average of 0.5. This anomaly may reflect local factors such as the preservation of historic buildings in the area, which could be more susceptible to vandalism. On the decline side, vehicle crime dropped by 75%, falling from 4 to 1, a trend consistent with the winter months when outdoor activity is limited. Anti-social behaviour also decreased by 40%, from 10 to 6, a drop that aligns with the seasonal lull in social gatherings. Public order offences fell by 14.3%, though they remained 18% below the UK average. For residents, the most immediate insight is the 400% spike in shoplifting, which may warrant closer attention from local retailers and community leaders.

Oakham’s crime rate in February 2024 (4.4 per 1,000) was 3.1% higher than the previous month’s rate of 4.2, reflecting a modest upward trend. Over the 29 days of February, this translated to an average of 2 crimes per day, a figure that remains significantly lower than the UK average when scaled to population size. The monthly exposure rate of 1 crime for every 229 residents highlights the town’s relative safety, though this metric must be contextualised within Oakham’s smaller population of 14,664. Compared to the UK average, Oakham’s overall crime rate was 38% lower, a gap that persisted across most categories. For example, anti-social behaviour was 62% below the UK average, a disparity likely attributable to the town’s tight-knit community and limited public spaces. However, the 11% above-average rate for criminal damage and arson suggests a unique vulnerability, possibly linked to the preservation of historic architecture. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while Oakham’s residents face a lower risk of most crimes, the town’s specific infrastructure and social dynamics create distinct challenges. This nuanced comparison underscores the importance of tailoring local safety initiatives to the area’s particular needs rather than adopting generic national strategies.