Wallingford Crime Rate

Wallingford is a historic market town that maintains a high level of safety, reflected in its safety score of 86/100. The overall crime rate stands at 58.6 per 1,000 residents, which is substantially lower than the UK national average of 91.7. This indicates that Wallingford is a secure community for its population of over 8,600. Recent statistics show that the crime trend is stable, with a minimal year-over-year decrease of just 0.6%. This consistency suggests that the local safety environment is well-managed. In the following sections, we will break down the specific types of crime reported, analyse temporal patterns, and compare Wallingford to its neighbours to provide a comprehensive view of the local safety landscape.

Crime Breakdown in Wallingford

Wallingford's crime landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 37.1% of all reported incidents (21.7 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common report at 15.1%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 11.5%. These three categories represent the majority of local police activity.

When examining property-related crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and other theft—the rate for Wallingford is 19.8 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3. Within this category, shoplifting (7.7%) and criminal damage (11.5%) are more prevalent than burglary or vehicle crime, which each account for 3.8% of the total. For homeowners, this means that while the overall risk of a break-in is low, protecting the exterior of the property from damage and opportunistic theft remains a relevant consideration.

Crime Trends in Wallingford

The crime rate in Wallingford has remained remarkably stable over the past year, with a negligible decrease of 0.6% compared to the previous twelve-month period. This indicates that the town is not experiencing any significant shifts in its safety profile and remains a consistently secure place to live.

Looking at the monthly trendData, we can see that crime rates fluctuate between 3.1 and 6.6 per 1,000 people. The highest rates were recorded in March and June 2025 (both 6.6), while the lowest was in May 2025 (3.1). These variations are common in many towns and can be influenced by weather, local events, or specific police operations. For residents, this stable trend is reassuring, suggesting that Wallingford's high safety standards are being effectively maintained year-over-year.

How To Keep Safe in Wallingford

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Wallingford, often involving alcohol-related incidents or public disputes. To stay safe, consider these practical tips:

1. When enjoying the local nightlife, stay with friends and keep an eye on your drinks. Plan your route home in advance and avoid walking alone through quiet or unlit areas like the Castle Gardens or riverside paths late at night.
2. Be aware of your surroundings in the town centre, especially during peak shopping hours or market days. Keep your bags zipped and your phone out of sight to prevent opportunistic theft.
3. If you witness anti-social behaviour or feel threatened, move towards a well-lit shop or pub and report the incident to the police. Wallingford has a strong community, and reporting issues helps keep the town safe.
4. For vehicle safety, always double-check that your car is locked and never leave valuables, such as bags or electronics, on the seats, even for a short time.
5. Consider installing a smart security system for your home that offers real-time alerts, helping you stay informed of any activity around your property.

Temporal Crime Patterns in Wallingford

Crime in Wallingford shows distinct shifts throughout a 24-hour cycle. During the morning and afternoon (6am-6pm), theft is the most significant concern, making up 34% and 37% of reported crimes respectively. This corresponds with the town's active retail and commercial hours.

In the evening and night, the pattern changes significantly. The evening hours (6pm-12am) see a surge in "other" crime types, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which account for 60% of reports. Overnight (12am-6am), property crime becomes much more concentrated; vehicle crime rises to 29% and burglary to 20% of the total for that period. This suggests that while personal safety is a daytime and evening focus, property and vehicle security are paramount during the early hours of the morning.

Wallingford serves as a central hub for several smaller, very safe villages. Its crime rate of 58.6 per 1,000 is slightly lower than that of Crowmarsh Gifford (62.3). However, it is higher than its other neighbours, such as Cholsey (41.3), Brightwell-cum-Sotwell (34.5), and Benson (31.0). This is typical for a town like Wallingford, which has more commercial activity, shops, and transport links than the surrounding residential settlements. Despite being higher than some of its immediate neighbours, Wallingford remains significantly safer than the UK average, making it a secure choice for those who want a mix of town amenities and rural safety.

Enhanced Property Protection in Wallingford

While Wallingford is a safe town, the property crime rate of 19.8 per 1,000 residents, including criminal damage and theft, suggests that proactive home security is a wise investment. Many homeowners rely on traditional CCTV or smart doorbells, but these systems are fundamentally reactive. They record the event as it happens, often leaving you with nothing more than a video of someone taking your property.

To truly protect your home, you need a system that prevents crime before it starts. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that uses multi-camera intelligence to watch your property boundary constantly. Unlike human eyes or simple motion sensors, it can distinguish between a delivery person and a potential threat. If an intruder is detected, scOS can trigger an autonomous response—using lights and sound to deter them immediately. This "boundary-first" approach is designed to make burglars move on before they even touch your door. In an area like Wallingford, where property crime is often opportunistic, this proactive deterrence is the most effective way to ensure your home remains a sanctuary.