Benson Crime Rate March 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Benson, a built-up area within South Oxfordshire, recorded a crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents in March 2024, placing it 48.1% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This figure, while showing a significant improvement over national standards, was accompanied by a notable 116.8% increase from the previous month's rate of 1.9 per 1,000. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 34.6% of all reported incidents, followed by other theft (15.4%) and shoplifting (11.5%). This distribution reflects a mixed profile, where Benson's lower rates for property crimes like vehicle crime (57% below UK average) contrast with slightly elevated figures for categories such as other crime (100% above UK average). Seasonal factors may have played a role in shaping these patterns, as March marks a transition to spring with longer evenings and the clocks changing, which can influence both community activity and crime opportunities. The area's relatively low crime rate, particularly in comparison to the UK average, suggests that Benson's built-up character may contribute to a safer environment, though the sharp increase in specific categories warrants further observation. The absence of major spikes in burglary or theft from the person, despite the UK average for these categories being higher, highlights the unique dynamics at play in this South Oxfordshire locality.

March 2024 marked a striking 200% increase in shoplifting, rising from one to three incidents. This spike, though small in absolute terms, contrasts sharply with the UK average rate of 0.6 per 1,000, which Benson is 18% below. Simultaneously, anti-social behaviour doubled from one to two cases, and vehicle crime rose from zero to one, both reflecting sudden shifts in local dynamics. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 34.6% of all crimes, though they are 48% below the UK average. This suggests that while Benson's overall crime profile is significantly safer than the national average, specific categories are showing volatility. Residents may find the 200% increase in shoplifting particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a potential vulnerability in retail premises during the spring transition. The absence of other theft or burglary incidents, despite the UK average for these categories being higher, further highlights Benson's unique crime profile.

Benson's crime rate in March 2024 rose sharply to 4.0 per 1,000 residents, an 116.8% increase from the previous month's rate of 1.9 per 1,000. This jump reflects a sudden shift in crime patterns. below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one crime reported per day in March, a figure that, while low, indicates a notable uptick from February. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 249 residents, highlighting the relatively low frequency of crime in Benson compared to national benchmarks. This monthly exposure rate, when contextualised against the area's population of 6,483, underscores that the majority of residents remain unaffected by crime on a daily basis. However, the sharp increase from February suggests a need for closer monitoring of local factors that may have contributed to this shift, such as seasonal transitions or temporary spikes in specific crime types.