Benson Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Benson's crime profile in December 2023 illustrates a combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics. The area's overall crime rate of 2.9 per 1,000 residents—59.7% below the UK average—reflects its status as a low-crime built-up area within South Oxfordshire. Violence and sexual offences (9 incidents) accounted for nearly half (47.4%) of all reported crimes, a proportion significantly higher than the UK average for this category. Public order and shoplifting each contributed 10.5% of total crimes, with both categories registering 100% month-on-month increases. The seasonal context of December—marked by Christmas shopping, extended darkness, and holiday-related absences—likely influenced these patterns. While violent crimes remained the most prevalent category, their rate (1.4 per 1,000) was 47% below the UK average, suggesting effective local policing or community cohesion. Property crimes, at 6 incidents, formed a smaller share of total crimes than violent offences, consistent with Benson's likely character as a low-density residential area with limited commercial activity. The absence of major spikes in burglary or vehicle crime aligns with the area's likely demographic profile, which may include a higher proportion of older residents or families with fewer public-facing assets. This month's data reinforces Benson's position as a community with a crime profile that diverges from national trends, particularly in violent crime rates.

December 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with public order offences doubling to two incidents—a 100% increase from November. Shoplifting and drug-related crimes each rose by 100%, marking their first recorded instances in the month. These increases contrast with a 66.7% drop in 'other crime' incidents, which fell from three to one. Violent crimes, the most common category, decreased by 10% to nine reported cases. The area's violent crime rate of 1.4 per 1,000 residents is 47% below the UK average for violence and sexual offences. This divergence highlights Benson's unique profile, where property crimes remain rare compared to national trends. Residents may find the 100% rise in drug-related incidents particularly noteworthy, though the single reported case remains an isolated occurrence.

Benson's crime rate remained stable at 2.9 per 1,000 residents in December 2023, matching the same figure recorded in the previous month. This consistency suggests no significant shift in local safety trends over the past two months. Daily crime statistics show an average of one reported crime per day, a figure that reflects the low overall rate but highlights the sporadic nature of incidents. When considering the monthly exposure, residents faced a 1-in-341 chance of experiencing a reported crime over the course of the month. This low probability underscores Benson's position as a relatively safe built-up area within South Oxfordshire. The population-scaled perspective reveals that, despite the absence of major spikes, the community's crime profile remains distinct from broader UK trends, with violent crimes and public order issues forming the bulk of reported incidents.