South Oxfordshire Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 156,470, South Oxfordshire recorded 584 crimes in November 2024, translating to a crime rate of 3.7 per 1,000 residents — 51.3% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This rural district, characterised by a mix of historic villages and commuter suburbs, continues to show a crime profile markedly lower than national benchmarks. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 39.4% of all reported incidents (230 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (8.9%) and criminal damage and arson (8.2%). These figures suggest a pattern influenced by the area’s seasonal dynamics: November, with its shorter daylight hours and peak retail activity around Black Friday, may contribute to higher incidents of personal violence and anti-social behaviour. However, the overall low rate indicates effective community policing or a demographic profile less prone to criminal activity compared to urban centres. The absence of significant spikes in property crimes like burglary or vehicle theft, which are typically higher in densely populated areas, further underscores South Oxfordshire’s distinct crime picture. Violent crime rates in the area are 42% below the UK average for this category, a trend consistent with the district’s relatively safe environment and low population density.

November 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with theft from the person surging by 140% (from 5 to 12 incidents), likely linked to increased foot traffic during Black Friday shopping. Burglary and vehicle crime also rose, increasing by 19.2% and 18.5% respectively, possibly reflecting seasonal vulnerabilities in household security or increased vehicle movement. Conversely, bicycle theft plummeted by 55.6% (from 9 to 4), potentially due to colder weather deterring casual theft or improved parking infrastructure. Violence and sexual offences decreased by 21% (from 291 to 230), a drop that may align with reduced nightlife activity in the lead-up to Christmas. The area’s performance against UK averages remains striking: violence and sexual offences are 42% below the national rate, anti-social behaviour 73% below, and criminal damage and arson 47% below. These figures highlight South Oxfordshire’s consistently lower exposure to crime, even as specific categories fluctuate with seasonal trends. For residents, the sharp drop in violence-related incidents offers a tangible reassurance of safety during this period.

The crime rate in South Oxfordshire fell by 12.4% month-on-month, from 4.3 to 3.7 per 1,000 residents in November 2024. This decline places the area firmly in the lower quartile of UK crime statistics, with daily crime activity averaging 19 incidents — equivalent to one crime for every 268 residents over the month. When scaled to the local population of 156,470, this suggests that the likelihood of being directly affected by crime is significantly lower than in most other parts of the country. The previous month’s rate of 4.3 per 1,000 was already 40% below the UK average, reinforcing the district’s status as a relatively safe region. Daily crime figures provide a more immediate context: residents face roughly 19 reported crimes every 30 days, a rate that is both low and consistent with the area’s rural character and limited urban density. These numbers, when compared to national benchmarks, illustrate how South Oxfordshire’s unique demographic and geographic profile — with fewer high-density housing areas and a strong emphasis on community policing — contributes to its sustained position below the UK average in most crime categories.