Wallingford Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Wallingford's crime rate in September 2024 was 5.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 28.6% below the UK average of 7.7. This places the built-up area within South Oxfordshire among the safer regions nationally. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime picture, comprising 51.1% of all reported crimes, with 24 incidents recorded. This category's rate of 2.8 per 1,000 was 7% above the UK average for the same category, suggesting a concentration of interpersonal crime in the area. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category, occurred at 0.8 per 1,000 — 32% below the UK average — indicating a relatively low incidence of disruptive public conduct. The seasonal context of September, with the return of students to local universities and the start of the academic year, likely contributes to the elevated violence figures, as freshers' week often brings increased social activity and associated risks. Meanwhile, property crime rates remained low, with shoplifting (0.5 per 1,000) and other theft (0.4 per 1,000) both below UK averages. These figures may reflect the area's character as a mixed-use town with a strong retail presence but limited high-density housing, which could reduce opportunities for burglary. The low overall crime rate, combined with the specific challenges in violence and sexual offences, illustrates a community with generally strong safety metrics but targeted areas for intervention.

September 2024 saw sharp fluctuations in specific crime categories, with shoplifting surging by 300% from one to four incidents. This spike may correlate with the start of the academic year, as new students and residents navigate local retail areas. Burglary and 'other crime' also doubled from zero to one incident each, though these remain at very low levels. Conversely, drugs-related offences fell by two-thirds (from three to one), and other theft decreased by half (from six to three), suggesting potential successes in targeted policing or community initiatives. The crime mix shifted slightly toward violent offences, which accounted for 51.1% of all incidents — a higher proportion than the UK average, where violent crimes make up around 35% of total reported crimes. This imbalance may reflect Wallingford's demographic profile, with a significant student population and a mix of residential and commercial zones that could increase exposure to interpersonal conflicts. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than the UK average, remained a persistent concern, with seven incidents recorded. Residents may find the sharp rise in shoplifting particularly noteworthy, as it highlights a specific vulnerability in retail security during peak transition periods.

Wallingford's September 2024 crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 was 4.0% lower than the previous month's rate of 5.7, reflecting a slight downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately two crimes per day, a figure that translates to a monthly exposure of one reported crime for every 183 residents. This ratio is significantly lower than the UK average, where the equivalent figure is roughly one in every 130 residents. The population context further underscores Wallingford's relative safety: with 8,606 residents, the 47 total crimes recorded represent a manageable burden compared to larger urban areas. The decrease from the prior month may be attributed to seasonal factors, as the transition from summer to autumn typically sees a reduction in outdoor activity and associated crimes. However, the persistent gap between Wallingford's crime rate and the UK average highlights the effectiveness of local policing strategies or the area's unique socio-economic profile. While the low overall rate is encouraging, the elevated rate of violence and sexual offences compared to the UK average suggests a need for targeted interventions in this specific category. The contrast between Wallingford's property crime rates — which are consistently below national averages — and its higher violent crime rates illustrates a combination of local factors that may require further analysis to address effectively.