Brightwell-cum-Sotwell Crime Rate

Brightwell-cum-Sotwell is a safe urban settlement in South Oxfordshire, with a crime rate of 33.7 per 1,000 people. This is well below the UK national average of 93.1. The village maintains a high safety score of 90/100, which is significantly better than the UK average of 78. Additionally, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell's crime rate is currently stable, with a 0.0% change year-over-year. This consistency, combined with a crime rate far below the national average, makes Brightwell-cum-Sotwell a secure environment for its residents.

Crime in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell

In Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crime type, accounting for a significant 61.9% of the total. This is followed by burglary (14.3%) and 'other theft' (9.5%). These figures suggest that personal safety and home security are the primary areas of concern for local law enforcement.

Property crime in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, occurs at a rate of 8.8 per 1,000 residents. This is exceptionally low and is far below the UK average of 32.9. Burglary is a notable sub-category, representing over 14% of total crime with 6 incidents recorded. For residents, this very low volume of property crime is a major factor in the village's high safety score, although the high percentage of burglary-related reports warrants robust home security precautions.

Brightwell-cum-Sotwell Crime Trends

The crime rate in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell is currently stable, with a 0.0% change year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly data shows significant fluctuations throughout the year. The rate was highest in November 2024, reaching 6.4.

Other notable peaks occurred in June 2025 (4.8) and January and October 2025, with a rate of 4.0. The rate was lower in several months, at 0.8 in December 2024 and March 2025. This volatility suggests that while the overall annual trend is stable, there are periods of significantly increased activity. Residents should remain aware of these fluctuations, particularly during the late autumn and early summer months.

How To Keep Safe in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell. While the area is generally very safe, taking proactive steps can further enhance personal security and maintain the community's safety.

Firstly, be mindful of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly after dark, and stick to well-lit routes. Secondly, because burglary accounts for a very significant 68% of night-time incidents, ensure that your home is fully secure before bed, with all doors and ground-floor windows locked. Thirdly, reporting any instances of anti-social behaviour or suspicious activity to the local authorities is important, as it helps them manage and prevent the escalation of social issues. Finally, fostering good relationships with neighbours can help create a more vigilant and supportive community where residents look out for one another's property and safety, further enhancing the village's security.

Crime Timing in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell

Crime in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell exhibits distinct temporal patterns. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), burglary is a significant concern, accounting for 39% and 53% of incidents respectively. Theft is also very prevalent during these periods, representing 51% and 44% of reported crimes.

As evening falls (6pm - 12am), burglary becomes even more dominant at 67%, while theft represents 23%. The night-time hours (12am - 6am) see a dramatic shift; burglary surges to 68% of all recorded incidents. This data suggests that burglary is a persistent and major threat throughout the day and night in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, with a very high and specific risk to homes during the evening and overnight hours.

Local Context and Comparisons

In comparison to its immediate neighbours, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell's crime rate of 33.7 is significantly lower than Wallingford (60.2). It is higher than smaller nearby villages like North Moreton, Warborough and Shillingford, and South Moreton, all of which recorded a 0.0 crime rate. As a residential settlement with some local activity, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell naturally experiences more reported incidents than these very small hamlets, but remains much safer than larger urban centres like Wallingford. Within the broader South Oxfordshire context, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell is a secure community with a stable crime trend.

Proactive Security in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell

The property crime rate in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell is 8.8 per 1,000 residents, and the fact that burglary accounts for 68% of night-time crimes highlights a specific and significant vulnerability. Traditional security systems are often reactive, recording footage only after an intruder has attempted to enter your home.

The scOS operating system provides a proactive alternative by using AI to detect threats at your property boundary before they reach your door. Unlike DIY cameras that can be prone to false alarms, scOS learns your family's routines and only alerts you to genuine threats. It watches all your cameras simultaneously and can trigger autonomous responses like activating floodlights or audible warnings, destroying the element of surprise for potential intruders. This professional-grade deterrence is designed to make burglars move on within 60 seconds, ensuring your home remains the safe haven you expect in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell. For residents, this means real protection rather than just a recording of a loss.