Wallingford Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In Wallingford, the per-capita risk of experiencing a crime in May 2023 was 1 in 187 residents, reflecting a crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 people. This figure is 32.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, illustrating a relatively safer environment compared to national trends. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 50% of all reported incidents, followed by property crimes (32.6%) and criminal damage and arson (15.2%). These patterns align with seasonal factors in May, including extended daylight hours and increased social activity in public spaces. The prevalence of violent crime may be linked to Wallingford’s character as a small built-up area with a mix of residential and commercial zones, where community interactions and local events could influence crime dynamics. The lower-than-average rate of anti-social behaviour (70% below UK levels) suggests effective local community engagement or policing strategies. Meanwhile, the higher-than-average rate of criminal damage and arson (29% above UK levels) raises questions about local factors such as property vulnerabilities or seasonal activities that might contribute to such incidents. These findings highlight the importance of contextualising crime data within the specific characteristics of Wallingford, rather than relying solely on aggregate figures.

May 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories compared to April. Other theft increased by 150% (from 2 to 5 incidents), while criminal damage and arson rose by 133.3% (from 3 to 7). These jumps contrast with declines in shoplifting (-75%) and vehicle crime (-33.3%). The sharp rise in other theft, which includes crimes like burglary and theft from vehicles, may be linked to May’s longer evenings and increased outdoor activity, creating more opportunities for opportunistic crimes. Conversely, the drop in shoplifting could reflect seasonal retail patterns, with fewer high-street footfalls in May compared to peak shopping months. Wallingford’s rate of violence and sexual offences (2.7 per 1,000) is 3% below the UK average, suggesting that local interventions or community cohesion may be mitigating some violent crime risks. However, the 29% increase in criminal damage and arson compared to UK levels raises concerns, particularly as this category often correlates with property-related disputes or vandalism during periods of social gathering. Residents might find the 83% drop in anti-social behaviour (from 1.3 to 0.4 per 1,000) a positive sign, though this remains an area to monitor for consistency.

Wallingford’s crime rate in May 2023 (5.4 per 1,000) represents a 6.0% decrease from April’s rate of 5.7 per 1,000, indicating a modest but measurable improvement in safety metrics. On a daily basis, this equates to roughly one reported crime per day across Wallingford’s 8,606 residents, a figure that provides context for individual risk perception. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 187 residents, a ratio that places Wallingford well within the lower end of UK crime exposure benchmarks. This monthly exposure statistic is particularly useful for residents assessing personal safety, as it reflects the aggregate likelihood of experiencing a crime rather than daily fluctuations. The population-scaled perspective also highlights Wallingford’s comparative advantage: while the UK average sees 8 crimes per 1,000 residents, Wallingford’s rate is nearly 40% lower. This suggests that local factors—such as community policing, urban design, or socio-economic stability—may be contributing to this disparity. However, the 29% above-average rate of criminal damage and arson underscores the need for targeted measures to address this specific category, which could have implications for property owners and local infrastructure.