South Oxfordshire Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

January 2026 saw South Oxfordshire's overall crime rate at 3.8 per 1,000 residents, a figure 44.1% below the UK average of 6.8. This stark contrast underscores the area's generally low crime profile, though the month-on-month increase from 3.4 to 3.8 per 1,000 indicates a subtle upward trend. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 42.2% of all incidents, followed by other theft (9.4%) and anti-social behaviour (8.5%). These figures align with the area's characteristics as a largely rural and suburban district, where community policing and lower population density may contribute to lower overall crime rates. Seasonal context plays a role: January's post-holiday period and shorter days likely reduce opportunities for outdoor crimes, which is consistent with the 47% below UK average for shoplifting. However, the data also reveals vulnerabilities in specific categories. Violence and sexual offences, while still below the UK average, may be influenced by factors such as the area's mix of commuter and residential populations. The low rate of burglary (0.1 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000) further supports the idea of a secure environment, though the rise in 'other crime' suggests emerging challenges. The seasonal dip in retail activity may explain the lower shoplifting rates, but the 400% increase in bicycle theft raises questions about local infrastructure or enforcement gaps. These patterns highlight the need for targeted strategies while maintaining the area's strong overall safety record.

January 2026 marked a notable surge in bicycle theft, with incidents rising 400% from one to five. This spike, though small in absolute terms, highlights shifting patterns in property crime. Concurrently, 'other crime' increased by 118.2%, a category that includes diverse offences not neatly classified elsewhere. Meanwhile, burglary fell by 32.1% compared to December, reflecting a trend that may be linked to seasonal factors such as reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 42.2% of all crimes, but their rate of 1.6 per 1,000 was 36% below the UK average. This contrast with categories like 'other crime'—which is 25% above the UK average—illustrates the uneven distribution of criminal activity. Residents may find the 400% rise in bicycle theft particularly concerning, as it suggests vulnerabilities in local infrastructure or enforcement around cycle parking.

South Oxfordshire's crime rate rose by 12.2% in January 2026 compared to December 2025, increasing from 3.4 to 3.8 per 1,000 residents. This shift positions the area at 44.1% below the UK average, a figure that remains consistent with its historically lower crime profile. On a daily basis, 19 crimes were reported each day in January, translating to a monthly exposure of one crime for every 266 residents. While this daily rate may seem high, the overall monthly context suggests a relatively low level of risk compared to national averages. The population of 156,470 further contextualises these figures, showing that even with the 12.2% increase, the area's crime profile remains markedly safer than the UK as a whole. This contrast is particularly evident in categories like burglary and shoplifting, which are significantly below national rates, though the rise in other crime types introduces new considerations for local residents.