Henley-on-Thames Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a town of 12,246 residents, 50 crimes reported in January 2025 equate to 4.1 crimes per 1,000 people—a rate 42.3% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This figure places Henley-on-Thames among the safest areas in the country, though the local crime profile reveals specific patterns. Violence and sexual offences (20 cases, 40% of total) remain the most common category, followed by shoplifting (7 cases) and criminal damage and arson (7 cases). These rates contrast with the UK average for violence (2.5 per 1,000) and shoplifting (0.6 per 1,000), where Henley-on-Thames is 36% and 3% below, respectively. Seasonal factors likely influence these figures: January’s post-holiday lull, reduced retail activity, and shorter daylight hours may contribute to lower overall crime. The town’s character as a commuter hub and affluent residential area may explain lower property crime rates compared to more densely populated urban centres. However, the rise in criminal damage and arson—up 250% from December—suggests a potential shift in local dynamics, linked to seasonal transitions or targeted incidents.

January 2025 saw sharp increases in criminal damage and arson (7 cases, +250% from December), burglary (+200%, 3 cases), and other theft (+100%, 4 cases). These spikes contrast with significant declines in vehicle crime (-75%, 1 case) and public order offences (-66.7%, 1 case). The town’s violent crime rate (1.6 per 1,000) is 36% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (0.4 per 1,000) is 59% lower than the national figure. However, criminal damage and arson (0.6 per 1,000) are 18% above the UK average, highlighting a local vulnerability. Residents may find the 40% share of violent crimes noteworthy, as this category far exceeds its proportion in the UK overall. The drop in vehicle crime could reflect reduced car usage during colder months. Meanwhile, the 100% increase in bicycle theft—despite the UK average for this category being 0.1 per 1,000—suggests a small but notable local trend that warrants further monitoring.

Henley-on-Thames’ crime rate in January 2025 (4.1 per 1,000) marks a 16.2% increase from December’s 3.5 per 1,000, though it remains significantly below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 2 crimes per day—a frequency that, while low, may feel more pronounced during the winter months. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 245 residents, a statistic that contextualises the scale of incidents for local households. This monthly exposure rate is particularly striking when compared to the UK average, where the density of population and urban infrastructure typically leads to higher per-capita crime figures. The town’s population size (12,246) means that even a modest number of crimes can be felt by residents, especially in smaller, tightly knit communities. While the 16.2% monthly increase may raise questions, the overall rate remains a fraction of the national average, underscoring Henley-on-Thames’ position as a relatively safe area. This contrast highlights the importance of local factors—such as community engagement, policing strategies, and the town’s geographic isolation from major urban centres—in shaping its distinct crime profile.