Benson Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Benson’s crime rate in July 2023 stood at 2.9 per 1,000 residents, a figure 65.1% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This marked improvement reflects a combination of seasonal patterns and local dynamics. The area’s built-up character within South Oxfordshire likely contributes to its relatively low crime profile, though the small population of 6,483 means even minor fluctuations have a visible impact. The most common crime types were shoplifting (21.1% of total incidents) and violence and sexual offences (21.1%), both of which remained in line with or below UK averages. Shoplifting, at 0.6 per 1,000, matched the national rate, while violence and sexual offences were 78% below the UK average—a stark contrast that may be linked to the area’s low population density and reduced public spaces compared to larger urban centres. The seasonal context of July—peak summer, school holidays, and increased tourism—likely influenced these trends. For example, the drop in violent crime may partly reflect fewer residents present during evenings, while the stability in shoplifting suggests that retail outlets in Benson are not targeted compared to the UK as a whole. However, the rise in burglary to 0.5 per 1,000, 52% above the UK average, highlights a localized vulnerability. This could be attributed to Benson’s proximity to Oxford, where property crime rates are generally higher, or to the increased foot traffic during summer festivals. Overall, the data illustrates a combination of geography, seasonality, and community-specific factors that shape Benson’s crime profile.

July saw a 63.6% reduction in violence and sexual offences, declining from 11 to 4 incidents—a shift that may partly reflect the seasonal rhythm of summer, when fewer residents are present in the area during evenings. Meanwhile, three crime types increased: robbery, other theft, and burglary, each rising by 100%, 100%, and 50% respectively. Burglary, in particular, reached 0.5 per 1,000, placing Benson 52% above the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. This divergence suggests localized factors, such as the area’s built-up character and proximity to Oxford, which may heighten property crime risks during summer. Conversely, shoplifting remained stable at 0.6 per 1,000, matching the UK average, indicating that retail-focused crime is in line with national trends. For residents, the drop in violent crime offers a tangible benefit, though the rise in burglary underscores the need for vigilance in securing homes during peak tourist season.

Benson's crime rate in July 2023 dropped by 13.6% compared to June, falling from 3.4 to 2.9 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the area during summer months, when tourism peaks and local events draw larger crowds, potentially diluting crime concentrations. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day in July, a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 6,483 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 341 residents, a statistic that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to the community size. This monthly exposure rate is significantly lower than the UK average when scaled to population, though direct comparisons are not available due to the lack of national daily or monthly exposure data. The population-scaled perspective highlights Benson’s relative safety, particularly when compared to the UK’s overall crime rate of 8.3 per 1,000, which is nearly three times higher. However, the small population size means even minor fluctuations can have a measurable impact on local crime statistics, requiring careful interpretation.