Benson Crime Rate

Benson is an exceptionally safe urban settlement with a crime rate of 30.4 per 1,000 residents, which is substantially lower than the UK average of 91.6. The area maintains an impressive safety score of 93/100, reflecting its secure nature. Recent data shows a positive trend, with crime decreasing by 5.3% year-over-year. The local crime profile is primarily led by violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour, while other theft and criminal damage also feature in the top categories. Property-related crime is a tangible factor here, with a rate of 12.2 per 1,000. This analysis explores the specific crime types, monthly trends, and time-based patterns in Benson to help residents understand their local security environment and take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their property.

Benson's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences (37.1%), anti-social behaviour (12.2%), and other theft (9.6%). Property-related crime overall—including burglary, various thefts, and vehicle offences—stands at a rate of 12.2 per 1,000 residents. Criminal damage and arson (9.1%) and burglary (8.1%) are also notable factors. For residents, this indicates that property crime is a tangible presence in the local area, especially regarding theft and burglary. Homeowners and businesses should consider proactive security to protect their properties from opportunistic theft and vandalism, as the combined impact of theft, burglary, and criminal damage makes property security a high priority. The data highlights that while personal safety is the primary statistical concern, property-targeted offences are a consistent feature of the local environment.

Benson has seen a positive safety trend, with a 5.3% reduction in crime year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows a relatively stable pattern, with crime rates peaking in November (4.2). Other high-activity months included September (3.4) and June (3.2). The lowest rate was recorded in December at 1.7 per 1,000. For most of the year, the rate fluctuated narrowly between 1.9 and 2.8. This stability suggests a predictable and secure environment for the town's residents. The lack of significant seasonal variations, other than minor fluctuations, indicates that Benson is maintaining its high safety standards. Residents can be reassured that the local safety profile remains strong and consistent.

How To Keep Safe in Benson

Violence and sexual offences are the most common reports in Benson. To help maintain your personal safety and the security of your property, consider the following tips:

• Stay aware of your surroundings when walking through the area, particularly in the evening. Stick to well-lit routes and avoid isolated shortcuts.
• If you are out late, use a personal safety app or let someone know your expected arrival time.
• Given that theft and burglary are notable factors, especially in the afternoon and at night, ensure your home and any outbuildings are fully secured with high-quality locks.
• Secure your property fully at night, as burglaries and vehicle crimes are most frequent between 12am and 6am. Install motion-sensor lighting to deter intruders.
• Report any anti-social behaviour or criminal damage to the local police. This information helps them allocate patrols and maintain the community's safety.
• If you own a business, consider enhancing your retail security to deter shoplifting, which is a significant factor in the local crime profile.

Crime in Benson exhibits distinct temporal patterns. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft is the most frequent crime, accounting for 49% of incidents in both periods. This suggests that properties and commercial activity are most vulnerable during these hours. At night (12am - 6am), the focus shifts to burglary and vehicle crime, which make up 34% and 25% of all reported offences respectively. Evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a rise in 'other' crimes, which account for 39% of the activity in that period, while burglary remains high at 28%. These statistics emphasize that while theft is a daytime and afternoon issue, property security is a major concern throughout the evening and overnight.

Benson (30.4) is one of the safest residential centres in the South Oxfordshire district. It has a significantly lower crime rate than its neighbours Wallingford (58.2) and Crowmarsh Gifford (60.4). While the surrounding hamlets like Ewelme and Warborough and Shillingford recorded zero crimes, Benson remains an exceptionally secure location for its size. For those considering the region, Benson offers a safety profile that is far better than the national average, combined with a positive downward trend in reported incidents over the last year.

In Benson, the property crime rate is 12.2 per 1,000, with theft, burglary, and criminal damage being significant considerations for homeowners. The data shows that theft is most frequent during the day, while burglary and vehicle crime reach their peak at night, accounting for 34% and 25% of incidents respectively. Traditional security systems are often reactive—they record footage of a crime that has already occurred. For Benson residents, proactive protection is a more effective strategy. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to stop crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter, scOS can identify potential threats in real-time. It can distinguish between a resident and a stranger loitering, triggering autonomous responses like lighting or audio alerts to deter an intruder before they reach your home. This professional-grade deterrence is essential for preventing burglary and opportunistic theft, ensuring your property remains a hard target.