Wallingford Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Wallingford's September 2023 crime rate of 7.0 per 1,000 residents places the built-up area 12.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This performance, while consistent with the area's generally low crime profile, reveals a combination of local factors and national trends. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 41.7% of all reported incidents—a proportion that, while 6% above the UK average, remains lower than in larger urban centres. Public order offences, at 11.7% of total crimes, were 29% above the national average, a figure that may be partly explained by the return of students and the start of the academic term. Anti-social behaviour, in contrast, was 48% below the UK average, potentially reflecting the area's smaller population density and stronger community cohesion. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return to school and university freshers—likely contributed to patterns such as the 100% increase in bicycle theft, which now stands at 300% above the UK average. This surge may be linked to the increased presence of cyclists in the town centre, where retail and educational institutions are concentrated. Drug-related crimes, at 200% above the UK average, highlight an emerging concern that deserves closer attention from local authorities. The overall crime profile suggests that while Wallingford remains relatively safe, targeted interventions in areas with rising trends—such as drug offences and bicycle theft—could help maintain this position relative to national benchmarks.

September 2023 saw sharp increases in three crime categories: other theft, bicycle theft, and drug-related offences, each doubling from August figures. This surge, particularly in drug crimes—which were 200% above the UK average—suggests potential shifts in local patterns, possibly linked to the return of students and the start of the academic year. Conversely, vehicle crime and theft from the person both fell sharply, with vehicle crime dropping 75% and theft from the person declining by 50%. These decreases may reflect reduced outdoor activity as evenings grew darker, a seasonal factor consistent with September's transition. The violent crime category, though 6% above the UK average, remained proportionally lower than other major urban areas in the region. For residents, the rise in bicycle theft—now 300% above the UK average—highlights the need for increased bike security measures in the town's cycling-heavy areas.

Wallingford's crime rate in September 2023 rose to 7.0 per 1,000 residents, a 42.8% increase from the previous month's 4.9 per 1,000. This shift, while notable, still positions the area 12.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 2 crimes reported each day, a figure that may reflect seasonal transitions as university freshers and returning students re-enter the community. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for roughly every 143 residents, a statistic that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. Compared to South Oxfordshire's broader population, Wallingford's relatively low crime rate may be influenced by its compact built-up area and limited industrial activity, though the rise from August highlights the need for ongoing local vigilance. The population-scaled perspective shows that while Wallingford remains safer than the UK average, the upward trend suggests that community-focused policing and targeted interventions could be valuable moving forward.