Benson Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The most unexpected development in Benson's November 2024 crime profile was a 33.3% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 6 to 8 incidents. This spike, occurring against a backdrop of generally low crime levels, contrasts with the overall rate of 2.3 per 1,000 residents—69.7% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. The area's crime mix remained heavily skewed towards violent offences (53.3% of total crimes), with property crimes accounting for only 33.3% (5 incidents). This imbalance may partly explain the UK average gap, as violent crime rates in Benson (1.2 per 1,000) are 53% below the national figure (2.6 per 1,000), despite the month-on-month rise. Seasonal factors likely contributed to this pattern: Bonfire Night events and Black Friday shopping could have increased opportunities for targeted violence, while shorter evenings may have reduced public spaces where anti-social behaviour typically occurs. The area's built-up character within South Oxfordshire—likely featuring a mix of residential and small-scale commercial areas—may explain the relatively low property crime rates, though the absence of major retail hubs could also limit shoplifting opportunities. The low overall rate suggests Benson's crime profile is shaped by its rural-adjacent setting, with limited population density and minimal nightlife to drive higher crime categories.

The most striking shift in November 2024 was a 33.3% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 6 to 8 incidents. This contrasts with sharp declines in anti-social behaviour (-66.7%) and vehicle crime (-50.0%), suggesting a combination of seasonal and local factors. Violence and sexual offences in Benson (1.2 per 1,000) are 53% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), a gap that remains consistent despite the month-on-month rise. Other theft (0.5 per 1,000) is also 9% below the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), though its share of total crimes (20%) has decreased slightly compared to previous months. Residents may find the 66.7% drop in anti-social behaviour particularly noteworthy, potentially linked to reduced public gatherings during November's shorter evenings and the absence of major local events.

Benson's crime rate in November 2024 (2.3 per 1,000 residents) represents a 25.0% decline from the previous month's rate of 3.1 per 1,000, reflecting a consistent downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 0 crimes per day over the month, underscoring the relatively low frequency of incidents. When scaled to the local population of 6,483, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 432 residents, a figure that highlights the rarity of crime in this built-up area. Compared to the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000, Benson's rate remains lower, though this is not unusual for small, rural-adjacent communities with limited nightlife or commercial density. The population context further illustrates that even with 15 total crimes recorded, the impact on individual residents is minimal, suggesting a safe environment for most. However, the monthly exposure metric serves as a useful benchmark for residents to contextualise risk relative to national trends.