Benson Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2024, Benson's overall crime rate stood at 3.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 61.9% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This stark contrast highlights a marked divergence from national trends, with the area’s crime profile dominated by violent offences rather than property crimes. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 61.9% of all reported crimes, with 13 incidents recorded—more than double the 6 property crimes (6%) logged during the same period. This imbalance suggests a shift in local dynamics, potentially influenced by seasonal factors such as extended evenings and increased social activity during May’s bank holidays. The town’s built-up character within South Oxfordshire, likely shaped by its proximity to Oxford and limited industrial presence, may contribute to this pattern, where interpersonal conflicts or alcohol-related incidents during warmer weather could play a role. Violent crime rates in Benson are 30% below the UK average, indicating a generally lower risk of such incidents compared to other parts of the country. However, the dominance of violent crimes over property crimes—a reversal of typical urban crime trends—raises questions about local conditions. While property crimes like burglary and vehicle crime remain relatively low (9.5% of total), the surge in violent offences may reflect unmet community needs, increased foot traffic in public spaces, or underreported incidents. Seasonal factors, such as the start of the university term in nearby Oxford or increased outdoor drinking, may further amplify these trends. The data underscores the need to consider both geographic and temporal influences when interpreting crime patterns, ensuring that policy responses align with the unique characteristics of Benson’s built-up area.

May 2024 saw a dramatic 333.3% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 3 to 13 incidents—a sharp contrast to the previous month’s figures. This surge in violent crime, coupled with a 100% rise in shoplifting and burglary, highlights a notable shift in the crime mix, with property crimes no longer dominating the landscape. While violent crimes now account for over 60% of all reports, this category remains 30% below the UK average, suggesting that Benson’s lower violent crime rate is not fully offset by its current surge. Meanwhile, other theft and anti-social behaviour both fell by 66.7% and 50.0% respectively, indicating a possible reallocation of criminal activity towards more immediate, high-impact offences. The 100% increase in shoplifting, though still low in absolute terms (just 1 incident), may hint at seasonal retail activity or transient populations exploiting the area’s proximity to Oxford. For residents, the most immediate takeaway is the 40.3% month-on-month rise in overall crime, which translates to an average of 1 crime per day in May—a figure that, while modest, underscores the need for vigilance in public spaces. The UK comparison data further reveals that Benson’s vehicle crime rate is 36% below the national average, a consistent trend that may be attributed to the area’s lower population density and limited commercial zones compared to major urban centres.

Benson’s crime rate in May 2024 rose by 40.3% compared to the previous month, climbing from 2.3 to 3.2 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though significant, remains 61.9% below the UK average, reinforcing the area’s status as a relatively low-crime environment. On a daily basis, the 21 reported crimes over 31 days equate to roughly 1 crime per day—a figure that, while not negligible, is far lower than the national average of 8.4 crimes per 1,000 residents. When scaled to the local population of 6,483, this translates to one reported crime occurring for every 309 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate, though slightly higher than April’s, still places Benson well within the lower end of the UK spectrum. The population-scaled perspective highlights that even with the recent rise, the likelihood of an individual resident experiencing crime remains low, with only 1 in 309 residents encountering a reported incident. This contrast with the UK average underscores the effectiveness of local policing strategies or the influence of Benson’s built-up, low-density character, which may limit opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the sharp increase in violent offences raises questions about whether this trend is temporary or indicative of deeper shifts in local demographics or seasonal activity patterns.