Wallingford Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Wallingford’s crime profile in December 2023, accounting for nearly a third of all reported crimes. With a crime rate of 6.4 per 1,000 residents, the area recorded 11.1% fewer incidents than the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This relatively low rate contrasts with the sharp rise in public order offences, which surged by 300% compared to November. The seasonal context of December—marked by dark evenings, holiday shopping, and party season—likely contributes to the mix of crime types observed. While violence and sexual offences remain the largest category, their rate (2.0 per 1,000) is 24% below the UK average, suggesting local factors such as community policing or demographic characteristics may temper these crimes. Public order offences, however, rose sharply, potentially linked to increased alcohol-related incidents or disputes during festive gatherings. The area’s crime profile reflects a blend of typical urban concerns and seasonal fluctuations, with burglary and vehicle crime maintaining steady rates. The relatively low levels of theft from the person and drug-related crimes may indicate effective local initiatives or a demographic profile less prone to these offences. As a built-up area within South Oxfordshire, Wallingford’s crime picture is shaped by its proximity to Oxford and the mix of residential and retail spaces, which may influence both the types and volumes of crime reported.

December 2023 saw a dramatic 300% increase in public order offences, rising from three to twelve incidents. This surge, which is 192% above the UK average for the category, may be linked to the festive season’s impact on local nightlife and increased social gatherings. Burglary rates also doubled, jumping from two to six cases, a 200% month-on-month rise. This could reflect the challenges of securing properties during the holiday period, when some homes are unoccupied. Conversely, other theft offences dropped by two-thirds, from three to one incident, while anti-social behaviour fell by 28.6%, due to community efforts or seasonal moderation in public disturbances. Violence and sexual offences, though the most frequent category, remained 24% below the UK average, highlighting a potential effectiveness in local crime prevention strategies. The possession of weapons category, which rose from zero to two cases—a 100% increase—may point to isolated incidents rather than a broader trend, though the 233% above UK average figure warrants further attention. These shifts underscore the combination of local factors and seasonal dynamics, with the area’s relatively low overall crime rate continuing to contrast with spikes in specific categories.

Wallingford’s crime rate in December 2023 rose by 48.6% compared to November’s 4.3 per 1,000, reflecting a notable upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately two crimes per day, a figure that, while modest, highlights the ongoing presence of criminal activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 156 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Wallingford within the lower range of UK towns and cities. This statistic, when contextualised against the population of 8,606, suggests that residents face a relatively low risk of being directly affected by crime, despite the spikes in certain categories. The previous month’s rate of 4.3 per 1,000 provides a useful benchmark, illustrating the volatility of crime patterns in response to seasonal factors. For instance, the 48.6% increase may be partially explained by the December holidays, which often see changes in local routines and increased foot traffic in retail areas. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, the sharp rise in public order offences indicates that certain aspects of the area’s crime profile are more sensitive to seasonal and social dynamics. This comparison reinforces the importance of monitoring month-on-month fluctuations to understand the nuances of local crime trends.