Didcot Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Didcot's built-up area within South Oxfordshire recorded a crime rate of 5.2 per 1,000 residents in February 2026, placing it 18.8% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure, while slightly higher than January's 5.1 per 1,000, reflects a continued trend of lower-than-average crime levels in the area. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (38.4% of total crimes), criminal damage and arson (17.3%), and shoplifting (11.4%). These patterns align with the area's character as a mix of residential and commercial zones, where retail activity and community spaces may contribute to the distribution of offences. The winter month of February, typically marked by lower outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, may have influenced the overall crime rate, though this remains consistent with broader seasonal trends observed in similar areas. The UK average for violence and sexual offences (2.3 per 1,000) sits 14% above Didcot's rate, suggesting local factors—such as community initiatives or policing strategies—may play a role in mitigating such crimes. However, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson, which surged by 146.2% compared to January, indicates a shift in patterns that may warrant further analysis. This increase could be linked to the end of winter, when property owners might focus more on maintenance or when seasonal events temporarily alter local dynamics. The relatively low burglary rate (0.1 per 1,000) and the significant drop in other theft (from 18 to 10 cases) suggest that security measures or awareness campaigns may have had an impact. As a built-up area within a largely rural region, Didcot's crime profile appears shaped by its proximity to both urban and rural influences. The overall picture illustrates a combination of local factors and broader national trends, with the area maintaining a safer profile than the UK average despite the recent spike in certain categories.

February 2026 witnessed a striking 146.2% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from 13 to 32 incidents—a shift that may reflect seasonal or local factors. This surge contrasts with declines in burglary (-50.0%) and other theft (-44.4%), which fell to 2 and 10 cases respectively. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 38.4% of all crimes, and sitting 14% below the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000. Meanwhile, shoplifting saw a modest 3% increase above the UK average, highlighting a persistent challenge in retail areas. For residents, the 100% rise in theft from the person—from zero to two incidents—offers a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in public spaces, even as overall crime trends remain relatively stable.

Didcot's crime rate in February 2026 rose slightly by 2.2% compared to January's 5.1 per 1,000 residents, settling at 5.2 per 1,000. While this marks a minor uptick, the area remains 18.8% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of seven reported crimes per day over the 28-day month, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. When scaled to the population of 35,751, this translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 193 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure provides a tangible measure of risk, though it remains significantly lower than the UK average when considering the overall rate. The shift in crime types—particularly the rise in criminal damage and arson—suggests evolving patterns that may reflect seasonal or local factors from the data alone.