Oakham Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Oakham's crime rate in November 2024 stood at 4.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 36.8% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This marks a continuation of the area's consistently lower-than-average crime profile, a trend likely influenced by its status as a small built-up area within Rutland, where community cohesion and limited urban density may contribute to reduced opportunities for certain crimes. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 34.3% of all reported crimes, followed by shoplifting (17.1%) and anti-social behaviour (11.4%). The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night, Black Friday shopping, and extended darkness—may have shaped these patterns, with increased foot traffic during retail events contributing to shoplifting incidents. While violent crime rates remained below UK averages, the breakdown shows a specific focus on violence and sexual offences, which may reflect local dynamics such as the area's proximity to major transport routes or the presence of transient populations during seasonal events. The relatively low property crime rate (36.8% of total crimes) compared to the UK average suggests that Oakham's built-up area may have effective security measures or fewer high-value assets in public spaces. However, the seasonal factors of November—such as reduced visibility and heightened consumer activity—could still play a role in shaping crime patterns, requiring ongoing monitoring of trends during similar periods.

November 2024 saw a dramatic 100% increase in shoplifting incidents, rising from six to twelve cases. This surge aligns with Black Friday shopping activity, which often coincides with heightened retail crime across the UK. The same month also witnessed a 100% rise in possession of weapons offences, moving from one to two incidents, a figure that may reflect increased police scrutiny or seasonal fluctuations in illegal activity. Bicycle theft, which had previously been absent in October, emerged with one reported case—a stark contrast to the previous month. These increases occurred alongside notable declines in anti-social behaviour (down 42.9%) and burglary (down 25.0%), suggesting that targeted policing or community initiatives may have temporarily curbed these issues. The shift in crime mix also highlights a persistent gap between Oakham and the UK average: violence and sexual offences in Oakham are 38% below the UK rate, while shoplifting is 16% above. This disparity may reflect Oakham's smaller retail footprint compared to larger urban centres, where shoplifting rates tend to be higher. For residents, the 100% increase in shoplifting serves as a concrete reminder to remain vigilant during peak shopping periods, even in areas with generally low crime rates.

Oakham's crime rate rose by 6.0% from October 2024 (4.5 per 1,000) to November 2024 (4.8 per 1,000), a modest increase within a historically low crime environment. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately two crimes per day in November—a figure that, while seemingly low, may be influenced by the concentrated nature of certain offences, such as the 100% surge in shoplifting. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 209 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the area's relative safety compared to the UK average. With a population of 14,664, Oakham's crime statistics must be interpreted within the context of its small-scale built-up area, where crime rates are naturally lower than in densely populated urban centres. The 6.0% increase from October, though statistically significant, is unlikely to represent a sustained trend, particularly given the concurrent declines in anti-social behaviour and burglary. For residents, the monthly exposure rate of 1-in-209 provides a tangible benchmark for understanding how frequently crime impacts the local community, even as broader national trends remain distinct.