Benson Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Benson's June 2023 crime profile, accounting for 50% of all reported crimes. This category, at 1.7 per 1,000 residents, was 42% below the UK average of 2.9 per 1,000. The area's overall crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents marked a stark contrast to the UK average of 8.5 per 1,000, reflecting a 60% deficit. Shoplifting (13.6% of total crimes) and burglary (9.1%) followed, both significantly under UK averages. The low crime rate aligns with Benson's character as a built-up area within South Oxfordshire, where limited nightlife and a focus on community policing likely contribute to reduced violent crime. Seasonal factors, such as the start of summer and early tourism activity, may have influenced crime patterns, though the area's low population density and strong local engagement appear to temper typical seasonal spikes. Property crimes, while lower than violent crimes, remain proportionally modest given Benson's urban character, suggesting effective local initiatives or environmental factors that deter theft. The data illustrates a crime profile shaped by both geographic context and seasonal rhythms, with no clear signs of emerging trends that would require additional scrutiny.

June 2023 saw a 200% increase in shoplifting cases, rising from 1 to 3 incidents—a sharp contrast to the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This surge, though still below the UK rate, may indicate heightened retail activity or targeted theft during summer months. Burglary and drug-related crimes both doubled compared to May, though these remain at minimal levels relative to the UK average. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by two-thirds (from 3 to 1), reflecting reduced parking congestion or increased security measures in local car parks. The violent crime category, while still the largest single type, decreased by 8.3% compared to May, suggesting a stabilisation in local tensions or effective policing during the early summer period. Public order offences, at 0.3 per 1,000, were 55% below the UK average, reinforcing Benson's reputation as a low-conflict area. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime patterns, with shoplifting's spike serving as a concrete example of how specific sectors—such as retail—can experience temporary surges even in generally safe communities.

Benson's June 2023 crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents represented an 8.4% decline from May's 3.7 per 1,000, indicating a modest but measurable improvement in local safety. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of one crime per day over the 30-day period, a figure that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents in this built-up area. When scaled to the population of 6,483 residents, this equated to one reported crime for every 295 residents over the course of the month—a statistic that provides a tangible sense of the likelihood of encountering crime in daily life. Compared to the UK average of 8.5 per 1,000, Benson's performance remains markedly better, with violent crime, shoplifting, and burglary all significantly below national benchmarks. This contrast is particularly pronounced in categories like public order offences, which were 55% below the UK average. The data suggests that Benson's residents face a crime environment that is both quantitatively and qualitatively distinct from the national picture, with local factors such as community cohesion, policing strategies, and the area's built environment likely playing a role in maintaining these lower rates.