Didcot Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Didcot's crime profile in June 2023, comprising nearly half of all reported crimes. With a total crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 residents—35.3% below the UK average of 8.5—the area continues to show a marked contrast to national trends. This rate reflects a persistent pattern of lower-than-average crime levels, particularly in categories such as anti-social behaviour (16.8% of total crimes, 39% below UK average) and public order offences (10.7% of total, 10% below UK average). The seasonal context of June, with its longer daylight hours and the beginning of summer, may contribute to patterns seen in violence and sexual offences, which often peak during warmer months and periods of increased social activity. While property crimes (52 incidents) remain a concern, they account for only 26.4% of all crimes reported, significantly lower than the UK average of 33% for property-related offences. This suggests a distinct local dynamic where interpersonal disputes and public order issues play a larger role than theft or burglary. The low rates of vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000, 79% below UK average) and bicycle theft (0.1 per 1,000, no difference from UK average) further highlight Didcot's unique profile, potentially influenced by its built-up area status and lower population density compared to major urban centres. These figures indicate a community where social cohesion and local policing efforts may be effectively mitigating certain types of crime, though targeted interventions around violent and anti-social behaviour could still offer opportunities for further improvement.

June 2023 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories, with burglary increasing by 133.3% (from 3 to 7 incidents) and public order offences rising by 90.9% (from 11 to 21). These increases contrast with a 52.6% decline in shoplifting (from 19 to 9) and a 50.0% drop in robbery (from 2 to 1). The shift in crime mix suggests a potential reallocation of criminal activity, with property-related crimes (including burglary) rising while retail-focused offences fall. This pattern could reflect seasonal changes, with warmer weather and extended daylight hours possibly encouraging more outdoor activity and associated incidents. Meanwhile, the continued suppression of drugs-related crime (20.0% decrease, from 5 to 4) and bicycle theft (50.0% increase, from 2 to 3) indicates a combination of local factors. For residents, the most immediate concern remains violence and sexual offences, which at 2.4 per 1,000 (44.2% of total crimes) remain 18% below the UK average for this category. The sharp rise in public order offences—now at 0.6 per 1,000—suggests a need for targeted community engagement around noise, alcohol-related disputes, and public space management, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic during summer months.

Didcot's crime rate in June 2023 (5.5 per 1,000) represents an 8.9% increase from the previous month's rate of 5.1 per 1,000, though it remains significantly lower than the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 7 crimes per day during June, a figure that translates to one reported crime for roughly every 181 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate, while modest, highlights the need for ongoing vigilance, particularly given the recent uptick in public order offences and burglary. When viewed through the lens of population size (35,751 residents), the 197 total crimes reported in June equate to a relatively low frequency of incidents per capita. However, the 8.9% month-on-month increase indicates a slight but measurable shift in crime dynamics, possibly influenced by seasonal factors such as the start of summer and increased social activity. The area's performance against UK averages—particularly the 35.3% gap in overall crime rate and the 39% below average for anti-social behaviour—suggests a combination of effective local policing, community initiatives, and environmental factors that may be contributing to this sustained disparity. Residents should remain aware of the specific risks highlighted by the data, including the rise in public order issues and property crimes, while also noting the broader context of Didcot's consistently lower crime levels compared to national benchmarks.