Benson Crime Rate

Benson is a highly secure urban settlement located in South Oxfordshire. It boasts a crime rate of 29.1 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. This low incidence of crime contributes to an excellent safety score of 93/100, far exceeding the national average of 78. Furthermore, the area is experiencing a positive trend, with recorded crime decreasing by 12.5% year-over-year. These statistics position Benson as one of the safer places to live in the region, offering residents a high degree of peace of mind.

Crime in Benson

In Benson, the most frequently recorded crimes are violence and sexual offences, making up 35.5% of the total. Anti-social behaviour follows at 12.2%, with criminal damage and arson and 'other theft' both accounting for 10.6% of reports. These figures indicate that social and personal safety issues are the primary drivers of crime statistics in the village, rather than professional criminal enterprises.

Property crime in Benson, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 11.9 per 1,000 residents. This is remarkably low compared to the UK average of 32.9. Burglary specifically accounts for 8.5% of total crime, with 16 incidents recorded annually. While the overall volume of property crime is low, the impact on residents can be significant, making consistent home security a sensible priority for homeowners in this Oxfordshire community.

Benson Crime Trends

The crime rate in Benson has decreased by 12.5% over the last 12 months, reflecting a generally improving safety environment. Monthly data from late 2024 through 2025 shows a consistent baseline, with rates holding steady at 2.3 from November 2024 to January 2025. A slight dip was seen in February and March 2025, with the rate falling to 1.9.

There was a minor seasonal increase during the summer and autumn months. The crime rate rose to 3.2 in June 2025 and peaked at 3.4 in September 2025. However, even these peaks are low by national standards. The overall downward trend suggests that local policing and community safety initiatives are proving effective. Residents should find these figures reassuring, as they indicate that Benson is not only safe but becoming safer over time.

How To Keep Safe in Benson

Violence and sexual offences are the highest-rated crime type in Benson. While the overall risk is low, maintaining personal safety is always advisable.

Firstly, stay alert when walking in quieter areas of the village, especially after dark, and try to use well-populated routes. Secondly, ensure that any instances of anti-social behaviour are reported to the local authorities; this helps the police allocate resources effectively to prevent escalation. Thirdly, if you are out late, consider sharing your location with a trusted friend or family member. Finally, be mindful of home security, as burglary and criminal damage still occur; simple steps like ensuring gates are locked and windows are secure can significantly reduce the likelihood of being targeted. Awareness and community cooperation remain the best tools for keeping Benson safe.

Crime Timing in Benson

Crime in Benson shows a marked shift in focus depending on the time of day. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft is the dominant concern, accounting for 44% and 45% of incidents respectively. Burglary also begins to feature more prominently in the afternoon, rising to 28% of reported crimes.

As the day transitions into evening (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order offences—become the majority at 44%, while burglary remains a significant factor at 26%. The night-time hours (12am - 6am) see burglary reach its peak at 32%, alongside a notable increase in vehicle crime (27%). This data indicates that while theft is a daytime risk associated with social activity, burglary and vehicle crime are primarily nocturnal threats, occurring when residents are asleep and properties are most vulnerable.

Local Context and Comparisons

Benson's crime rate of 29.1 per 1,000 people places it in a mid-range position when compared to its immediate neighbours. It is significantly safer than larger nearby settlements such as Wallingford (60.2) and Crowmarsh Gifford (64.3). However, it does not reach the near-zero crime levels of very small rural hamlets like Ewelme and Warborough and Shillingford, both of which recorded 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people. This suggests that Benson, as a larger settlement with more amenities and residents, naturally experiences slightly higher reported activity than its smaller neighbours, while remaining much safer than the region's more urbanised hubs.

Proactive Security in Benson

The property crime rate in Benson is 11.9 per 1,000 residents, and while the 12.5% year-on-year decrease in crime is encouraging, the 16 recorded burglaries highlight a persistent need for property protection. Most traditional security systems are reactive, providing evidence only after an intruder has gained access. For Benson homeowners, a proactive approach that prevents the crime from occurring is far more effective.

The scOS operating system uses advanced AI to monitor your property boundary in real-time. Unlike basic cameras that just record, scOS identifies potential threats before they reach your door. It can distinguish between a delivery person and a suspicious loiterer, only alerting you to genuine concerns. By integrating multi-camera intelligence and autonomous responses like lighting and audio deterrents, scOS destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. This level of professional protection ensures that your home is not just monitored, but actively defended against the types of property crime seen in the local statistics.