Oswestry Crime Rate

Oswestry recorded a crime rate of 87.4 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. While this is slightly below the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, it's important to understand the specific types of crimes occurring. The safety score for Oswestry stands at 80/100, indicating a relatively safe environment compared to the national average of 79/100. Overall, crime rates have remained stable year-on-year, showing a 4.7% change. This stability suggests consistent levels of crime within the period, although localised variations may exist. Understanding these trends is vital for both residents and local authorities in developing effective crime prevention strategies.

Oswestry’s crime statistics reveal a concerning prevalence of violence and sexual offences, accounting for 40.4% of all reported incidents. These are followed by anti-social behaviour (18.6%), and criminal damage and arson (8.7%). Shoplifting represents 8.2% of the total, while public order offences contribute 7.5%. Other forms of theft, including ‘other theft,’ account for a further 12.1%. The relatively low rate of burglary (2.0%) is a positive aspect, but the higher incidence of violence and anti-social behaviour warrants attention. The distribution of these crimes across the area is likely influenced by factors such as the town's location near the Welsh border, the presence of a market town economy, and the diverse demographic makeup of the local population. Further investigation into the specific locations and circumstances of these crimes is required for targeted preventative measures.

Crime rates in Oswestry have remained relatively stable year-on-year, exhibiting a 4.7% change between January 2025 and December 2025. While this indicates a consistent level of crime, monthly variations exist. For example, crime rates peaked in July 2025 at 10.4 per 1,000 residents, while February 2025 saw a lower rate of 5.5 per 1,000. The fluctuations throughout the year highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and adaptable crime prevention strategies, rather than relying on static, long-term solutions.

How To Keep Safe in Oswestry

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Oswestry, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially when out alone. Avoid walking down poorly lit streets at night and consider using well-lit routes. With anti-social behaviour also being a significant concern, reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities is vital. Secure your property by ensuring doors and windows are locked, and consider installing security lighting. Finally, be mindful of your belongings when shopping, as shoplifting is a recurring issue in the area. A community-minded approach, combined with practical safety measures, can contribute to a safer Oswestry for everyone.

Crimes in Oswestry tend to occur throughout the day and night, though patterns emerge when analysed by period. Burglary is most likely to occur during the afternoon (11%) and night (15%), while theft is more common during commercial hours, particularly in the afternoon (52%). Vehicle crime is notably more prevalent during the night (20%), and violence, although less frequent overall, tends to peak during the evening hours (6pm-12am) on weekends. Understanding these time-based patterns can help residents and businesses take preventative measures and remain vigilant during periods of heightened risk.

Comparing Oswestry’s crime rate to surrounding areas, Morda has a significantly lower rate of 32.3 per 1,000, while Whittington (Shropshire) sits at 47.2 per 1,000. Gobowen shows a slightly higher rate at 71.4 per 1,000, and Trefonen has a considerably lower rate of 25.7 per 1,000. These variations highlight the localised nature of crime and suggest that factors beyond Oswestry’s borders influence the overall safety of the region.

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