Monthly Crime Statistics

Oswestry Crime Rate March 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Oswestry’s crime rate in March 2023 was 9.4 per 1,000 residents, 23.7% above the UK average. Violence and sexual offences were 28% above the UK average, highlighting a significant local concern.

165
Total Crimes
9.4
Per 1,000 People
7.6
UK Average
0%
vs Previous Month

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Oswestry’s crime rate in March 2023 was 9.4 per 1,000 residents, a figure that placed it 23.7% above the UK average of 7.6. This disparity was most pronounced in the category of violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 37% of all crimes and were 28% above the UK average. Such a marked deviation from the national trend raises questions about local factors, such as the town’s historic character and the social dynamics of its built-up area. The seasonal transition to spring, with its longer evenings and the change in clocks, may have contributed to increased social interactions in public spaces, potentially exacerbating incidents of violence. Anti-social behaviour, making up 19.4% of crimes, was 73% above the UK average, suggesting that the town’s compact layout and its reliance on tourism or retail activity could be influencing these patterns. Meanwhile, shoplifting—10.9% of crimes—was 104% above the UK average, a figure that may be linked to the presence of high-traffic retail areas. These trends contrast with the relatively low rates of vehicle crime and burglary, which were 58% and 39% below the UK average, respectively. This divergence could reflect the town’s smaller scale, which may limit opportunities for such crimes, or the effectiveness of local policing. The overall crime profile in Oswestry thus appears to be shaped by a combination of its geographic and demographic characteristics, with a particular emphasis on social and retail spaces that may be more prone to certain types of incidents. As March marked the beginning of the spring season, the shift in daylight hours and social activity may have played a role in shaping the crime profile, though further analysis would be required to establish a definitive link.

March 2023 saw violence and sexual offences account for 37% of all crimes in Oswestry, a category that was 28% above the UK average. This stark contrast to the UK figure underscores the need for focused interventions in areas where such incidents are concentrated. Anti-social behaviour, making up 19.4% of crimes, was 73% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect the impact of seasonal transitions, such as the shift to longer evenings. Meanwhile, shoplifting—10.9% of crimes—was 104% above the UK average, suggesting that retail areas may be particularly vulnerable. Conversely, vehicle crime and burglary were both significantly below UK averages, with vehicle crime 58% below and burglary 39% below. These discrepancies could indicate the effectiveness of local measures, such as CCTV coverage or community engagement initiatives. A resident might note that the high rate of anti-social behaviour, while concerning, may be partly explained by the town’s historic character and the social dynamics of its built-up area.

Oswestry’s crime rate in March 2023 stood at 9.4 per 1,000 residents, a figure 23.7% above the UK average of 7.6. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 106 residents, a monthly exposure that provides context for local residents. Daily crime activity averaged approximately five incidents per day, a figure that, while not directly comparable to national data, highlights the frequency of incidents within the built-up area. With a population of 17,554, the localised nature of crime in Oswestry—particularly in areas with high foot traffic or social activity—suggests that community-specific factors, such as the town’s historic core and retail presence, may influence patterns. This monthly exposure contrasts with the UK-wide average, which is not provided here, but underscores the need for targeted local analysis. The relatively low rates of vehicle crime and burglary compared to the UK average may reflect the town’s compact layout or effective local policing strategies, though further investigation would be needed to confirm this.

Crime Breakdown - March 2023

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences613.537%
Anti-social behaviour321.819.4%
Shoplifting18110.9%
Criminal damage and arson17110.3%
Public order120.77.3%
Other theft110.66.7%
Vehicle crime40.22.4%
Burglary40.22.4%
Drugs20.11.2%
Other crime20.11.2%
Bicycle theft10.10.6%
Theft from the person10.10.6%

Understanding Our Data

How we source and verify crime information for Oswestry

4,683+
Areas Covered
8.2M+
Crime Records
100%
Official Sources

Understanding the Calculations

The crime rate represents the number of recorded incidents per thousand residents in Oswestry. This approach ensures fair comparison regardless of area population size.

Our Information

All statistics come from official government sources: Police.uk provides recorded crime data while the Office for National Statistics supplies population figures. We aggregate data at multiple geographic levels for context.

Formula Used

Crimes per 1k residents = (Total incidents ÷ Population) × 1,000

Our statistics derive entirely from UK government databases:

  • Police.ukCrime records from territorial police forces across England and Wales (43 total)
  • Office for National StatisticsPopulation statistics and the Crime Survey for England and Wales
  • Home OfficeNationwide crime data and official policy records
  • FOI RequestsAdditional statistics obtained via formal requests to police services
Our system covers 4,683+ areas across England and Wales, including major urban centers, towns, and administrative regions. We refresh statistics immediately when official sources publish updates (generally monthly) and maintain archives for historical analysis.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 19 April 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month