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

Violence and sexual offences accounted for 32.8% of all crimes in Henley-on-Thames during September 2024, a rate of 1.6 per 1,000 residents—39% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. This category’s prominence contrasts with the area’s overall crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000, which is 35.1% lower than the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. The second most common crime type was shoplifting (13.1% of total crimes), followed by criminal damage and arson (11.5%). These figures align with Henley’s character as a largely rural, affluent market town with a strong retail presence along the Thames. Seasonal factors may contribute to the violence rate: as September marks the end of the summer holiday season and the start of term at local schools, increased foot traffic in town centres could heighten opportunities for certain offences. However, the significantly lower rate of violence compared to the UK average suggests effective community policing or a demographic profile less prone to violent crime. The area’s low burglary rate (0.2 per 1,000, 35% below the UK average) further reinforces its status as a relatively safe built-up area within South Oxfordshire, where property crime is mitigated by high levels of home security and limited high-density housing.

September 2024 saw a 100% increase in bicycle theft, rising from zero to two incidents—a sharp contrast to the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000. This spike may reflect the arrival of new students at nearby Oxford University, who often cycle to Henley. Shoplifting also doubled to eight incidents, though this remains below the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour fell by 57.1% (from seven to three incidents), a decline that could be linked to the start of term, as younger residents settle into routines. The violence and sexual offences category dropped by 35.5% (from 31 to 20 incidents), due to the end of the summer tourist season. Bicycle theft in Henley is 122% above the UK average, highlighting a specific vulnerability in the area’s transport infrastructure. Residents concerned about theft might consider securing bikes with GPS trackers, given the local spike. The overall balance of crime types—property crimes (47.5%) versus violent crimes (32.8%)—suggests a profile more aligned with retail and public order issues than broader social tensions.

Henley-on-Thames’ crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000 in September 2024 represents a 20.8% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.3 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of two crimes per day, a figure that may appear modest but warrants context: over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 201 residents. This monthly exposure rate is lower than many comparable towns, particularly given Henley’s proximity to Oxford and its status as a commuter hub. The population context further underscores the area’s relative safety: with 12,246 residents, the 61 reported crimes equate to a rate that is 35.1% below the UK average. This disparity may be attributed to Henley’s affluent demographic, limited high-density housing, and strong community engagement in crime prevention. While the UK average for anti-social behaviour is 1.2 per 1,000, Henley’s rate of 0.2 per 1,000 is 83% lower, suggesting effective local interventions or a cultural emphasis on neighbourly accountability. These figures collectively illustrate a town where crime is both rare and low compared to national benchmarks, though targeted measures for rising bicycle theft may be necessary to maintain this trend.