Henley-on-Thames Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Henley-on-Thames, a historic market town in South Oxfordshire, recorded a crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents in April 2023 — 37.3% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This places the area among the safest in the country, reflecting its low population density and strong community networks. Violence and sexual offences (26 incidents, 45.6% of total) were the most common crime category, followed by public order (6 incidents, 10.5%) and criminal damage and arson (6 incidents, 10.5%). The seasonal context of April — marked by Easter and springtime outdoor activity — may partly explain the distribution of offences, with increased foot traffic in town centres potentially contributing to public order incidents. The area’s violent crime rate (2.1 per 1,000) is 19% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (0.3 per 1,000) is 75% below the national figure. These trends align with Henley’s character as a largely residential, low-density town with limited nightlife infrastructure compared to larger urban centres. However, the relatively high burglary rate (0.4 per 1,000, 33% above the UK average) suggests vulnerabilities in property security that warrant further attention. The overall crime profile illustrates a balance between the area’s strengths in community cohesion and the challenges of managing limited resources for crime prevention in a small but active population.

April 2023 saw significant fluctuations in crime types, with burglary surging by 400% (1 to 5 incidents) and criminal damage and arson rising by 200% (2 to 6 incidents). These increases contrast sharply with sharp declines in shoplifting (-75%, 8 to 2 incidents) and anti-social behaviour (-33.3%, 6 to 4 incidents), which may reflect seasonal shifts in activity patterns. The town’s violent crime rate (2.1 per 1,000) remains 19% below the UK average, a trend consistent with its low population density and limited exposure to high-risk environments. However, burglary’s 33% above-average rate highlights a specific challenge: despite overall low crime levels, property crime appears more prevalent than in similar areas. This could be linked to Henley’s proximity to larger urban centres, where opportunistic offenders may target homes during peak travel periods. The data also reveals a 58% deficit in shoplifting compared to the UK average, likely driven by the town’s retail focus being more tightly policed or its visitor profile being less prone to theft. Residents may find the 75% reduction in anti-social behaviour particularly noteworthy, as it suggests effective local interventions or seasonal factors reducing public disorder during the Easter period.

Henley-on-Thames’ crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 in April 2023 marked a 19.8% decline from the previous month’s rate of 5.8 per 1,000, reflecting a continuing downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 2 crimes per day — a figure that, while low, underscores the need for vigilance in specific areas. Over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for every 215 residents, a ratio that places Henley firmly in the UK’s safer communities. With a population of 12,246, the area’s crime statistics must be contextualised within its demographic profile: a predominantly residential, low-density town with limited commercial zones compared to larger urban areas. This population-scaled perspective reveals that even minor fluctuations in crime rates can have meaningful local impacts. For example, the 400% increase in burglary may appear statistically dramatic but translates to only 5 incidents across the entire town — a manageable number that could be further reduced through targeted measures. The comparison to the UK average also highlights Henley’s unique position: while its overall crime rate is exceptionally low, certain categories like burglary exceed national norms, suggesting that local factors (such as property density or travel patterns) may require tailored approaches. This contrast between national and local trends illustrates the importance of granular analysis in understanding crime dynamics.