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

Henley-on-Thames recorded a crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 residents in November 2024, a figure 36.8% below the UK average of 7.6. This overall rate, while relatively low, masks specific increases in certain crime categories that warrant attention. Violence and sexual offences, the most common category, accounted for 27.1% of all crimes. compared to the previous month. This decline may be influenced by the end of the university term, as Henley-on-Thames is a commuter town with strong ties to Oxford, where student populations can drive spikes in violent crime during term time. However, other categories saw notable rises: robbery, for instance, doubled from zero to two cases, a 100% increase that could be linked to the heightened visibility of high-value items during Black Friday or the increased use of public spaces around Bonfire Night. Shoplifting also rose sharply, with 10 incidents reported—66.7% more than the previous month—and this figure exceeds the UK average by 16%. The seasonal context of November, with its mix of dark evenings, holiday shopping, and Bonfire Night events, likely contributes to these trends. While the town’s overall safety profile remains strong, the data suggests that residents should be particularly alert to potential increases in property-related crimes during periods of high foot traffic or large gatherings. The combination of local factors—such as Henley-on-Thames’ affluent demographic, its proximity to natural attractions, and its role as a commuter hub—may explain both the generally low crime rate and the specific spikes observed in certain months.

November 2024 saw a stark increase in robbery, with incidents doubling from zero to two, marking a 100% surge. This spike, while small in absolute terms, signals a potential shift in criminal activity, possibly linked to seasonal events like Bonfire Night or increased foot traffic during Black Friday. Shoplifting also rose sharply, with cases increasing by two-thirds to 10, a figure that exceeds the UK average by 16%. This could be attributed to heightened retail activity and the influx of shoppers during the holiday season. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson climbed by 60%, from five to eight cases, a trend that may be influenced by the darker evenings and the presence of fireworks. These increases contrast with declines in other areas: vehicle crime fell by 60%, likely due to fewer cars on the road during the holiday period, and violence and sexual offences dropped by 52.9%, reflecting the end of university term or reduced public gatherings. Henley-on-Thames’ violent crime rate remains 50% below the UK average, suggesting that local factors—such as strong community policing or the town’s relatively affluent demographic—continue to mitigate risks in this category. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly in retail areas and during high-profile events, as the data indicates that certain crime types are more susceptible to seasonal fluctuations.

Henley-on-Thames' crime rate in November 2024 fell by 20.2% compared to the previous month, dropping from 6.0 to 4.8 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with broader seasonal trends, as November typically sees reduced outdoor activity and fewer large gatherings. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly two crimes per day, a figure that, while low, reflects the town’s generally secure environment. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 208 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the area’s safety relative to the UK average. This statistic, when contextualised against Henley-on-Thames’ population of 12,246, illustrates that the majority of residents are unlikely to encounter crime in their daily lives. However, the 1-in-208 ratio does highlight the importance of vigilance during high-risk periods, such as Bonfire Night or Black Friday, when crime patterns may shift. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that Henley-on-Thames remains significantly safer than the UK average, with its crime rate 36.8% below the national figure. This contrast with the UK context suggests that local factors, such as community engagement or policing strategies, may contribute to the town’s lower crime levels, though further analysis would be needed to confirm these hypotheses.