Benson Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2023, Benson's crime profile revealed a striking imbalance between violent and property crimes, with the former dominating the monthly tally. Of the 24 total crimes reported, 12 were classified as violence and sexual offences, accounting for 50% of all incidents. This contrasts sharply with the UK average for violent crime, which stands at 2.8 per 1,000 residents (Benson's rate of 1.9 per 1,000 is 32% below). Property crimes, while lower in absolute terms (8 incidents), still represented a significant 33% of the total. The seasonal context of May—marked by longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising—may partly explain the higher proportion of violent crimes, as open-air environments can heighten opportunities for such incidents. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which often correlate with alcohol-related disputes, fell by 50% compared to the previous month, suggesting possible early effects of seasonal changes or targeted local interventions. However, the persistent dominance of violent crime over property crime raises questions about the area's social dynamics. While Benson's overall crime rate of 3.7 per 1,000 is 53.8% below the UK average of 8.0, the balance between crime types indicates a unique local pattern that may warrant further analysis. The low rates of vehicle crime (0.5 per 1,000) and shoplifting (0.2 per 1,000), both well below UK averages, suggest that Benson's built-up area within South Oxfordshire may have characteristics—such as limited retail density or strong community oversight—that contribute to these outcomes. The data also highlights a potential seasonal anomaly, as violent crimes in Benson rose by 50% from April to May, coinciding with the start of the summer season and increased social activity. This pattern, while not unprecedented, underscores the need to consider how local geography and demographics interact with broader seasonal trends.

May 2023 saw a significant shift in Benson's crime mix, with violent crimes increasing by 50% compared to April, while property crimes remained relatively stable. This rise in violent offences—now accounting for 50% of all reported crimes—contrasts with a 50% decline in anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which fell from four to two incidents. The most dramatic changes were in specific categories: other theft and bicycle theft both doubled from April, with bicycle theft reaching a rate of 0.2 per 1,000 (150% above the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000). Vehicle crime, though down by 25% (from four to three incidents), still exceeded the UK average by 11%, a point that may reflect the area's road network density or vehicle storage practices. The dominance of violent crime over property crime is particularly noteworthy, as Benson's overall rate of 3.7 per 1,000 is 53.8% below the UK average. This imbalance could indicate a combination of factors, including the area's demographic composition or the influence of local events during May. For residents, the doubling of bicycle thefts—now at one incident per 5,000 residents—may prompt consideration of additional security measures, especially given the seasonal increase in cycling activity. Meanwhile, the significant drop in anti-social behaviour and public order offences suggests that either targeted policing efforts or natural seasonal patterns may have contributed to this reduction. These findings highlight the need for a nuanced understanding of how crime types interact with both local and national trends.

Benson's crime rate in May 2023 (3.7 per 1,000) was 4.1% lower than the previous month's rate of 3.9 per 1,000, reflecting a slight but consistent downward trend. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 270 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is exceptionally low compared to national benchmarks. On a daily basis, Benson recorded approximately one crime per day, a figure that, while seemingly high in absolute terms, is proportionally minuscule given the area's population of 6,483. This daily crime count translates to a 0.015% probability of any given resident being directly affected by crime in May—a statistic that contextualises the area's safety profile. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Benson's crime rates are not only below the UK average but also distributed across a small, tightly knit community, which may contribute to the relatively low incidence of property crimes. For instance, the 8 property crimes reported (0.3 per 1,000) are 49% below the UK average for other theft and 59% below for shoplifting, suggesting that Benson's built-up area may have unique characteristics—such as a lower concentration of retail spaces or stronger community policing—that mitigate these risks. However, the 150% above UK average rate for bicycle theft highlights a vulnerability in an area where cycling is likely a common mode of transport. This discrepancy underscores the importance of tailored local strategies to address specific crime types, even within an otherwise low-crime environment.