Henley-on-Thames Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Henley-on-Thames recorded a crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents in February 2024, placing it 8.5% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This figure, while modest, reflects the area's status as a low-crime built-up area within South Oxfordshire. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 27.9% of all reported incidents (22 cases), followed by shoplifting (13 cases, 16.5%) and criminal damage and arson (11 cases, 13.9%). The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may have contributed to the relatively low overall crime rate. However, the significant disparity between local and national averages in certain categories is striking. For instance, shoplifting in Henley-on-Thames was 104% above the UK average, suggesting a unique local dynamic that could be influenced by the town's retail presence and foot traffic patterns. Similarly, violence and sexual offences were 28% below the UK average, a deviation that may reflect the area's demographic profile or the effectiveness of local policing strategies. These findings highlight the importance of contextualising crime data within the specific characteristics of Henley-on-Thames, which combines elements of a commuter town with a strong community focus. The absence of major spikes in property crimes, such as burglary and vehicle crime, further underscores the area's relative safety, though the 200% increase in these categories from January raises questions about potential seasonal or situational factors. Overall, the February 2024 data illustrates a combination of local conditions and national trends, requiring a nuanced understanding of Henley-on-Thames' unique position within the UK crime profile.

February 2024 saw sharp increases in burglary and drugs-related crimes, both doubling from January's figures (1 to 3). This 200% surge in these categories contrasts with a 23.1% decline in anti-social behaviour, which dropped from 13 to 10 incidents. The rise in burglary may partly explain by seasonal factors, as winter months often see increased home intrusions due to reduced outdoor activity and longer nights. Shoplifting, at 13 cases, was 104% above the UK average, a stark deviation that could reflect local retail patterns or enforcement priorities. Meanwhile, public order offences rose by 150%, from 2 to 5 incidents, linked to the pre-spring lull in outdoor activity. These shifts illustrate how crime dynamics in Henley-on-Thames can fluctuate rapidly, with certain categories deviating significantly from national trends.

Henley-on-Thames' crime rate in February 2024 rose by 31.6% compared to January 2024, moving from 4.9 to 6.5 per 1,000 residents. This increase, while notable, remains 8.5% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area saw an average of 3 crimes reported each day in February, reflecting a consistent but low-level presence of criminal activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 155 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents against the local population of 12,246. This monthly exposure rate, though modest, highlights the need for ongoing vigilance. The population-scaled perspective also shows that Henley's crime profile remains distinct from broader UK trends, with several categories significantly below the national average. These figures suggest that while the area is not immune to fluctuation, its overall safety profile aligns with its character as a relatively low-crime built-up area within South Oxfordshire.