Benson Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Benson, a built-up area within South Oxfordshire, recorded a crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents in August 2023, a figure that is 55.6% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This places Benson among the safer areas in the UK, though the data reveals specific areas of concern. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 34.8% of all reported crimes, followed by shoplifting at 30.4%. The seasonal context of August—typically a peak holiday month—may contribute to these patterns, as increased tourism and the presence of empty homes could heighten the risk of certain crimes. However, the overall low crime rate suggests that Benson's built-up area remains relatively secure compared to the national average. The breakdown of crimes shows that while property crimes (12 incidents) slightly outpace violent crimes (8 incidents), the rate of property crime in Benson is still lower than the UK average. For example, shoplifting, though up by 75% compared to July, remains 83% above the UK average, indicating a unique challenge for local law enforcement. The area's characteristics, such as its location in South Oxfordshire and its likely mix of residential and commercial activity, may influence these patterns. The relatively low crime rate, combined with the seasonal fluctuations, suggests that Benson's crime profile is shaped by both local factors and broader national trends. While the overall safety of the area is evident, the sharp increase in violent crimes and the continued prominence of shoplifting highlight areas that require ongoing attention from residents and authorities.

August 2023 saw a 100% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from four to eight incidents. This sharp rise underscores a concerning trend in Benson, where such crimes now account for 34.8% of all reported crimes. Shoplifting also surged by 75%, jumping from four to seven cases, a figure that is 83% above the UK average for this category. Despite these increases, other theft and public order offences fell by 33.3%, suggesting a mixed picture in crime patterns. The area's performance in certain categories contrasts sharply with the UK: for instance, violent crimes in Benson are 55% below the national average, highlighting a relative safety in this area. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly in light of the doubling of violent crimes, which may be influenced by seasonal factors such as increased foot traffic during the peak holiday period. The spike in shoplifting could also be linked to higher retail activity in the area during August.

Benson's crime rate in August 2023 rose by 21.2% compared to July, moving from 2.9 to 3.6 per 1,000 residents. While this increase is notable, the area remains significantly safer than the UK average, which stood at 8.1 per 1,000. On a daily basis, Benson recorded roughly one crime per day in August, a figure that reflects the relatively low overall crime rate in the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 282 residents, a statistic that provides context for the likelihood of experiencing crime in Benson. This monthly exposure rate is far lower than the UK average, which would equate to a much higher frequency of crime per resident. The population of 6,483 further underscores the scale of these figures, with the small number of reported crimes indicating that Benson remains a low-crime environment despite the recent upward trend. However, the rise in specific categories such as violence and sexual offences highlights areas requiring closer attention from local authorities and residents alike.