Horspath Crime Rate

Horspath is a safe urban settlement in South Oxfordshire, with a crime rate of 40.7 per 1,000 people. This is well below the UK national average of 93.1. The village maintains a high safety score of 90/100, which is significantly better than the UK average of 78. However, it is important to note that Horspath has seen a 37.2% increase in crime year-over-year. While the overall volume of crime remains low, this upward trend suggests that residents should stay informed about local safety developments.

Crime in Horspath

In Horspath, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crime type, accounting for 42.4% of the total. This is followed by anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson, both representing 11.9% of all incidents. These figures suggest that social issues and damage to property are the primary areas of concern for local law enforcement.

Property crime in Horspath, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, occurs at a rate of 13.1 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9. Vehicle crime is a notable sub-category, representing 10.2% of total crime, while burglary accounts for 6.8%. For residents, this indicates that while the overall crime rate is low, there is a moderate risk of property-related offences that warrants standard security precautions, particularly for vehicle owners.

Horspath Crime Trends

The crime rate in Horspath has seen a 37.2% increase year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly data reveals that the rate was highest in the summer of 2025, reaching 6.2 in July and August.

Other notable peaks occurred in March, April, and May 2025, with a consistent rate of 4.1. The rate was lower in late 2024 and early 2025, at 2.8 and 2.1 respectively. By October 2025, the rate had fallen significantly to 0.7. This pattern suggests that while the overall annual trend is upward, there was a major spike in activity during the spring and summer months of 2025, which has since subsided. Residents should remain aware of these seasonal fluctuations.

How To Keep Safe in Horspath

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Horspath. While the area is generally safe, residents can take proactive steps to enhance their personal security and maintain the community's safety.

Firstly, be mindful of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly after dark, and stick to well-lit routes. Secondly, because vehicle crime accounts for a significant 40% of night-time incidents, ensure your car is always locked and consider using additional security measures like a steering lock or parking in a well-lit area. Thirdly, reporting any instances of anti-social behaviour or criminal damage to the local authorities is essential, as it helps them manage and prevent the escalation of these issues. Finally, fostering good relationships with neighbours can help create a more vigilant and supportive community where residents look out for one another's property and safety.

Crime Timing in Horspath

Crime in Horspath exhibits distinct temporal patterns. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), burglary is a notable concern, accounting for 19% and 34% of incidents respectively. Theft is also prevalent during these periods, representing 20% and 23% of reported crimes.

As evening falls (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order offences—become the majority at 50%, while burglary remains significant at 24%. The night-time hours (12am - 6am) see a shift; vehicle crime surges to 40% of all recorded incidents, and burglary remains high at 26%. This data suggests that while daytime risks include both theft and burglary, the night-time hours present a very high and specific risk to vehicles and homes in the area.

Local Context and Comparisons

In comparison to its immediate neighbours, Horspath's crime rate of 40.7 is lower than Wheatley (52.1), but significantly higher than smaller nearby villages like Garsington, Forest Hill, and Stanton St John, all of which recorded a 0.0 crime rate. As a residential settlement with some local activity, Horspath naturally experiences more reported incidents than these very small hamlets, but remains safer than larger nearby settlements like Wheatley. Within the broader South Oxfordshire context, Horspath is a secure community, despite the recent percentage increase in overall crime.

Proactive Security in Horspath

The property crime rate in Horspath is 13.1 per 1,000 residents, and while the area is generally safe, the 34% of afternoon crimes and 26% of night-time crimes related to burglary highlight specific vulnerabilities. Traditional security systems often fail because they are reactive, only providing footage after a break-in has occurred.

The scOS operating system offers a proactive solution by using AI to detect threats before they reach your front door. By monitoring your property boundary in real-time, scOS can identify suspicious loitering and trigger autonomous responses like activating floodlights or audible warnings. Unlike DIY systems that can be prone to false alarms, scOS learns your family's routines and only alerts you to genuine threats. This level of professional-grade deterrence is designed to stop a crime in its tracks, making it clear to potential intruders that your property is actively defended. For Horspath residents, this means real protection rather than just a recording of a loss.