Oswestry Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Oswestry’s crime rate in April 2023 reached 10.6 per 1,000 residents, a figure 41.3% above the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This elevation reflects the area’s status as a historic market town with a compact built-up core, where retail and public spaces may amplify certain crime types. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 38.7% of total crimes, significantly outpacing the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, a 58% gap that underscores the impact of concentrated social activity in the town centre. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 16.7% of total crimes, 53% above the UK average, a trend consistent with the presence of public spaces and community events. Shoplifting, at 14.5% of total crimes, was 212% above the UK average, likely driven by the town’s retail presence and seasonal Easter shopping activity. These patterns align with April’s seasonal context—spring weather and Easter holidays—suggesting that increased outdoor activity and foot traffic may contribute to higher rates of property-related crimes. The data also reveals a shift in crime mix, with property crimes (63 incidents) making up 33.9% of total crimes, compared to 38.7% for violent crimes, a balance that may reflect the area’s mix of residential and commercial zones.

April 2023 saw a 50% decrease in vehicle crime, a drop from four to two incidents, possibly linked to reduced parking activity during Easter holidays. Burglary also fell by 25%, from four to three, suggesting seasonal trends in residential security. However, shoplifting surged by 50%, rising from 18 to 27 incidents, potentially tied to increased foot traffic around Easter shopping. Possession of weapons rose sharply by 100%, with two reported cases, a figure that may reflect heightened public gatherings or events. Meanwhile, drugs-related crimes increased by 50%, from two to three, a shift that could be influenced by local social dynamics. These changes highlight a combination of seasonal activity and local crime patterns, with anti-social behaviour remaining a persistent concern at 16.7% of total crimes, significantly above the UK average.

Oswestry’s crime rate in April 2023 rose to 10.6 per 1,000 residents, marking a 12.8% increase from the previous month’s 9.4 per 1,000. This upward trend contrasts with a 12.8% rise in overall crime, though the daily crime count remains relatively low at around six incidents per day. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 94 residents, a figure that highlights the frequency of incidents in a community of 17,554. This monthly exposure rate, while notable, is contextually shaped by the area’s compact built-up nature, where a smaller population base amplifies the visibility of crime statistics. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that, despite the 41.3% gap between Oswestry’s rate and the UK average, local factors—such as the town’s historic retail core and seasonal activity—may influence the proportion of crimes relative to surrounding areas with larger populations.