Wallingford Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Wallingford’s February 2024 crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents stands at 40.8% below the UK average, a stark contrast to the national figure of 7.1 per 1,000. This marked disparity suggests the area’s unique characteristics—possibly a combination of its compact built-up nature, low population density, and proximity to rural landscapes—may contribute to its lower crime profile. The most notable outlier is the significantly lower rate of violence and sexual offences, which at 0.9 per 1,000 residents is 64% below the UK average. This could reflect the area’s relatively quiet, community-focused environment, where public spaces are less crowded and more closely monitored. Property crimes, however, dominate the breakdown, comprising 47% of all incidents, with criminal damage and arson accounting for nearly 20% of the total. This mix of offences may be consistent with seasonal patterns, as February’s low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull could lead to increased indoor-related crimes. The absence of major violent incidents or theft from the person aligns with Wallingford’s character as a low-density, commuter-oriented or tourist-adjacent area, where outdoor crime is less prevalent. The overall crime rate’s proximity to the UK average in property-related offences—particularly vehicle crime (36% above UK average) and other crime (257% above)—indicates pockets of activity that may require targeted local attention. These figures, when contextualised against the area’s seasonal rhythm, offer a nuanced picture of crime dynamics in Wallingford, where community engagement and environmental factors likely play a significant role in shaping the local crime profile.

February 2024 saw a striking 133.3% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from 3 to 7 incidents—a sharp contrast to the 100% rise in other crime and shoplifting. This surge in property-related offences may partly explain the shift in the crime mix, with property crimes accounting for 47% of all reported incidents (17 out of 36), compared to 22% for violent crimes. Violence and sexual offences remained significantly below the UK average, at 0.9 per 1,000 residents—64% lower than the national figure. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting were both 63% and 81% below the UK average, respectively, suggesting a generally low incidence of such offences in the area. The 75% drop in other theft cases, from 4 to 1, highlights a possible reduction in minor theft incidents, though the reason remains unclear without additional context.

Wallingford's February 2024 crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents reflects a 9.1% increase from the previous month’s 3.8 per 1,000, indicating a slight upward trend. Over the 29 days of February, the area recorded an average of one crime per day, a figure that, while low, warrants attention to local patterns. When scaled to the population of 8,606, this translates to one reported crime for every 239 residents over the course of the month—a statistic that contextualises the scale of incidents for local residents. This monthly exposure rate, though modest, underscores the importance of maintaining community vigilance. The rise in crime compared to January may be consistent with seasonal transitions, as winter lulls give way to pre-spring activity without further data. The area’s relatively low overall crime rate compared to the UK average remains a notable feature, suggesting effective local policing or community engagement strategies may be at play.