Wallingford Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Wallingford's crime rate in July 2024 stood at 4.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 48.8% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This marked a significant deviation from typical patterns, with the most striking anomaly being the surge in 'other theft' cases. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 35.1% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (21.6%) and other theft (16.2%). The low overall rate aligns with Wallingford's character as a relatively small, built-up area within South Oxfordshire, where the combination of a tight-knit community and limited commercial density likely contributes to lower crime levels. Seasonal factors in July—peak summer, school holidays, and the height of tourist season—typically correlate with higher crime rates elsewhere, but Wallingford's data defies this trend. The area's proximity to the Thames and its historical significance may also play a role in shaping crime patterns, with fewer opportunities for petty theft compared to more densely populated urban centres. However, the unexpected rise in 'other theft' cases suggests a shift in criminal activity that warrants closer examination of local vulnerabilities, such as unsecured premises or transient populations during the summer months.

July 2024 saw a dramatic 200% increase in 'other theft' cases, rising from 2 to 6 incidents—a sharp contrast to the overall decline in crime. This spike occurred alongside a 100% rise in bicycle theft and 'other crime' categories, both of which had previously been absent in June's data. Meanwhile, public order offences fell by two-thirds, and possession of weapons and burglary each dropped by 50%, suggesting a potential seasonal shift in criminal focus. Violence and sexual offences, though remaining the most frequent category, were 47% below the UK average, consistent with Wallingford's historically low levels of violent crime. Anti-social behaviour also fell significantly, at 38% below the UK average, possibly reflecting the town's quieter summer atmosphere compared to more densely populated areas. The data also reveals a mixed picture for property crimes: while shoplifting was 41% below the UK average, 'other theft' exceeded the national rate by 19%, highlighting a local vulnerability in this category. Residents may find the 100% increase in bicycle theft particularly concerning, given Wallingford's cycling infrastructure and the summer influx of tourists and visitors.

Wallingford's July 2024 crime rate of 4.3 per 1,000 residents marked a 28.8% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.0 per 1,000, continuing a downward trend that has positioned the area well below the UK average. On a daily basis, the town experienced roughly one reported crime per day in July, a figure that, while low, underscores the importance of vigilance in a community with a population of 8,606. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 233 residents—a ratio that is exceptionally low compared to national benchmarks and suggests a strong sense of community policing or effective local crime prevention measures. The contrast with the previous month highlights the volatility of crime statistics, with certain categories showing stark changes while others remained stable. For instance, the 100% increase in bicycle theft and 'other crime' cases in July must be weighed against the 50% drops in burglary and possession of weapons. This fluctuation could reflect the transient nature of summer visitors, who may contribute to specific types of crime while reducing others. The overall safety profile of Wallingford, as evidenced by its 48.8% gap from the UK average, indicates a community that, despite its small size, maintains a robust approach to crime prevention that merits further study.