Didcot Crime Rate

Didcot is a relatively safe urban settlement with a crime rate of 64.9 per 1,000 residents. This figure is lower than the UK average of 91.6, contributing to the area's safety score of 84/100. Recent data shows a stable trend, with crime decreasing slightly by 3.3% year-over-year. The local crime profile is primarily led by violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour, while shoplifting and public order offences also feature in the top categories. Property-related crime is a tangible factor here, with a rate of 19.9 per 1,000. This analysis explores the specific crime types, monthly trends, and time-based patterns in Didcot to help residents understand their local security environment and take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their property.

Didcot's crime profile is primarily led by violence and sexual offences (44.8%), anti-social behaviour (12.4%), and shoplifting (10.1%). Property-related crime overall—including burglary, various thefts, and vehicle offences—stands at a rate of 19.9 per 1,000 residents. Other theft (6.2%) and criminal damage and arson (6.2%) are also significant factors. Burglary itself accounts for 2.3% of total crime, with a rate of 1.5 per 1,000. For residents, this indicates that while personal safety and community conduct are the primary statistical concerns, property-targeted offences like theft and shoplifting are also tangible factors. Homeowners should consider proactive security to protect their properties from opportunistic theft and vandalism, especially as theft-related crimes make up a significant portion of the local crime profile.

Didcot has seen a stable safety trend, with a minor 3.3% reduction in crime year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows a consistent pattern, with crime rates peaking in March (6.8) and July (6.5). The lowest rate was recorded in October at 3.9 per 1,000. For most of the year, the rate fluctuated narrowly between 4.6 and 5.9. This stability suggests a predictable and secure environment for the town's residents. The lack of significant seasonal variations, other than minor fluctuations, indicates that Didcot is maintaining its safety standards. Residents can be reassured that the local safety profile remains strong and consistent.

How To Keep Safe in Didcot

Violence and sexual offences are the most common reports in Didcot. To help maintain your personal safety and the security of your property, consider the following tips:

• Stay aware of your surroundings when walking through the town centre or near the railway station, particularly in the evening. Stick to well-lit main roads and avoid isolated shortcuts.
• If you are out late, use a personal safety app or let someone know your expected arrival time.
• Given that shoplifting and theft are notable factors, especially during the day, ensure your belongings are secure and your home's entry points are locked even when you are inside.
• Secure your property fully at night, as vehicle crimes and burglaries are most frequent between 12am and 6am. Install motion-sensor lighting to deter intruders.
• Report any anti-social behaviour to the local police. This information helps them allocate patrols and maintain the community's safety.
• If you own a business, consider enhancing your retail security to deter shoplifting, which is a significant factor in the local crime profile.

Crime in Didcot exhibits distinct temporal patterns. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft is the most frequent crime, accounting for 49% and 51% of incidents respectively. This suggests that properties and commercial activity are most vulnerable during these hours. At night (12am - 6am), the focus shifts to vehicle crime, which makes up 32% of all reported offences, while burglary also reaches its peak at 17%. Evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a rise in 'other' crimes, which account for 53% of the activity in that period. These statistics emphasize that while theft is a daytime and afternoon issue, vehicle security is the primary concern overnight.

Didcot (64.9) is a busier urban centre than many of its immediate neighbours. It has a higher crime rate than East Hagbourne (22.2) and the surrounding hamlets like West Hagbourne and Milton, which recorded zero crimes. However, it remains safer than Harwell, which has a higher rate of 72.7. For those considering the South Oxfordshire region, Didcot offers a safety profile that is typical for a growing town with significant retail and transport activity, remaining more secure than the national average despite being more active than its rural neighbours.

In Didcot, the property crime rate is 19.9 per 1,000, with theft, shoplifting, and criminal damage being significant considerations for homeowners and businesses alike. The data shows that theft is most frequent during the day, while vehicle crime and burglary reach their peak at night, accounting for 32% and 17% of incidents respectively. Traditional security systems are often reactive—they record footage of a crime that has already occurred. For Didcot residents, proactive protection is a more effective strategy. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to stop crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter, scOS can identify potential threats in real-time. It can distinguish between a resident and a stranger loitering, triggering autonomous responses like lighting or audio alerts to deter an intruder before they reach your home. This professional-grade deterrence is essential for preventing burglary and opportunistic theft, ensuring your property remains a hard target.