Lower Shiplake Crime Rate

Lower Shiplake is one of the safest urban settlements in South Oxfordshire, with a crime rate of just 15.2 per 1,000 people. This is remarkably low compared to the UK national average of 93.1. The village boasts an exceptional safety score of 95/100, which is well above the UK average of 78. Additionally, Lower Shiplake has seen a significant 23.5% decrease in crime year-over-year, reflecting a strong positive trend in local safety and security for its residents.

Crime in Lower Shiplake

In Lower Shiplake, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crime type, accounting for 34.6% of the total. This is followed by public order offences (19.2%) and 'other theft' and criminal damage and arson, both representing 15.4% of all incidents. These figures suggest that social issues and opportunistic theft are the primary areas of concern for local law enforcement.

Property crime in Lower Shiplake, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, is exceptionally low at just 6.4 per 1,000 residents. This is less than a fifth of the UK average property crime rate of 32.9. Burglary accounts for 7.7% of total crime, with only 2 incidents recorded. For residents, this extremely low volume of property crime is a major factor in the village's high safety score, although the recent percentage decrease in overall crime is also a very positive indicator.

Lower Shiplake Crime Trends

The crime rate in Lower Shiplake has seen a significant 23.5% decrease year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly data reveals a very low baseline, with several months recording no crimes at all. The highest rate was recorded in February 2025 at 5.3.

Other notable rates include 2.9 in May 2025 and 1.8 in November 2024 and March 2025. By September 2025, the rate had fallen to 1.2. These fluctuations are typical for a settlement with very low total crime numbers, where even a single incident can significantly change the monthly rate. Residents should find these figures very reassuring, as they indicate that Lower Shiplake remains an exceptionally safe place to live.

How To Keep Safe in Lower Shiplake

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Lower Shiplake. While the area is generally very safe, taking proactive steps can further enhance 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 burglary accounts for a significant 27% of night-time incidents, ensure that your home is fully secure before bed, with all doors and ground-floor windows locked. Thirdly, reporting any instances of anti-social behaviour or public order offences to the local authorities is important, as it helps them manage and prevent the escalation of social 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, further enhancing the village's security.

Crime Timing in Lower Shiplake

Crime in Lower Shiplake follows a distinct temporal pattern. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft is the most prevalent crime, accounting for 53% and 55% of incidents respectively. Burglary also starts to feature more frequently in the afternoon, rising to 20% of reported incidents.

As evening falls (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order offences—become more prominent at 48%, while burglary remains a significant factor at 20%. The night-time hours (12am - 6am) see a dramatic shift; burglary surges to 27% of all recorded incidents, and vehicle crime rises to 21%. This data suggests that while daytime risks are primarily related to opportunistic theft, the night-time hours present a higher and more specific risk to both homes and vehicles in the area.

Local Context and Comparisons

In comparison to its immediate neighbours, Lower Shiplake's crime rate of 15.2 is higher than Shiplake (0.0), but significantly lower than Henley-on-Thames (57.5), Binfield Heath (37.0), and Wargrave (15.0). As a residential settlement with some local activity and a railway station, Lower Shiplake naturally experiences more reported incidents than its smaller neighbour Shiplake, but remains much safer than larger urban centres like Henley. Within the broader South Oxfordshire context, Lower Shiplake is an exceptionally secure community.

Proactive Security in Lower Shiplake

While Lower Shiplake is an exceptionally safe community with a property crime rate of only 6.4 per 1,000 residents, the 27% of night-time crimes being burglary-related highlights a specific vulnerability that homeowners should not ignore. Traditional security systems are often reactive, recording footage only after an intruder has attempted to enter your home.

The scOS operating system provides a proactive alternative by using AI to detect threats at your property boundary before they reach your door. Unlike DIY cameras that can be prone to false alarms, scOS learns your family's routines and only alerts you to genuine threats. It watches all your cameras simultaneously and can trigger autonomous responses like activating floodlights or audible warnings, destroying the element of surprise for potential intruders. This professional-grade deterrence is designed to make burglars move on within 60 seconds, ensuring your home remains the safe haven you expect in Lower Shiplake. For residents, this means real protection rather than just a recording of a loss.