South Oxfordshire Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 156,470 residents, South Oxfordshire reported 628 crimes in November 2023, translating to a crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 people. This figure is 46.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, marking a notable contrast to national trends. The breakdown reveals a clear dominance of violent crimes, which accounted for 40.5% of all incidents (254 cases), followed by property-related offences (244 cases). Violence and sexual offences, the most prevalent category, were 38% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000). The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night, Black Friday shopping, and extended evenings—may have influenced patterns, with increased foot traffic and potential for disputes in retail areas. Anti-social behaviour, at 8.8% of total crimes, and criminal damage and arson (9.2%) also stood out, though both remained significantly below UK averages. The area's largely rural character, interspersed with urban centres like Oxford, likely contributes to this profile, where violent crime is more concentrated in populated hubs while property crimes reflect lower-density environments. The stability of the overall rate compared to previous months suggests no immediate surge, but the seasonal factors may have temporarily amplified certain crime types.

November 2023 saw sharp increases in burglary (+113%, from 23 to 49 cases) and robbery (+50%, from 2 to 3). Theft from the person rose by 25% (8 to 10), possibly linked to Black Friday shopping activity. Conversely, drug-related crimes dropped by 30.8% (from 13 to 9), and other theft fell by 17.3% (52 to 43), indicating potential success in targeted enforcement or reduced opportunities. The crime mix remained heavily skewed toward violent offences (40.5% of total), with violence and sexual offences at 1.6 per 1,000—38% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour (0.4 per 1,000) and public order offences (0.3 per 1,000) were also significantly below national rates, suggesting effective community engagement or policing in these areas. Bicycle theft (0.0 per 1,000) and possession of weapons (0.0 per 1,000) were 100% below UK averages, a stark contrast to other regions with higher student populations or urban density.

The crime rate in South Oxfordshire fell slightly from 4.1 per 1,000 in October to 4.0 per 1,000 in November, a -1.2% decrease, indicating stability despite seasonal fluctuations. On a daily basis, 21 crimes were reported each day in November—a figure that, while consistent with previous months, underscores the need for vigilance during peak retail and social activity periods. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 249 residents, a rate that remains markedly lower than the UK average. With a population of 156,470, the area's relatively low crime density suggests effective local strategies in managing both violent and property crimes. The stability in the overall rate, despite spikes in certain categories like burglary, highlights the complexity of regional crime patterns. While the monthly exposure metric (1-in-249 residents) may seem abstract, it reflects a tangible reality for residents: the likelihood of encountering crime remains low compared to other parts of the UK. This context is particularly relevant for families and businesses considering relocation or investment in the area.