Watlington (South Oxfordshire) Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Watlington (South Oxfordshire) reveal a recorded rate of 60.8 crimes per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. While this figure appears elevated compared to the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, it's crucial to consider the area's small population size, where even a limited number of incidents can significantly influence the overall statistics. The data highlights a complex picture, with Violence and Sexual Offences contributing significantly to the total. Understanding these trends, alongside the overall stability of crime rates, is key to appreciating the safety landscape in Watlington.

The crime landscape in Watlington (South Oxfordshire) is shaped by its rural location and relatively small population of 1678. While the overall crime rate of 60.8 per 1,000 residents appears high when viewed in isolation, it’s important to consider the context of a close-knit community where even a small number of incidents can inflate statistics. The prevalence of Violence and Sexual Offences, accounting for 44.1% of reported crimes, suggests instances of interpersonal conflict or potential vulnerability within the area. Other theft, comprising 12.8% of recorded crimes, indicates opportunistic petty theft, while shoplifting, at 8.8%, reflects potential challenges faced by local businesses. The presence of vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour also contributes to the overall crime profile, underscoring the need for community engagement and targeted prevention strategies.

Crime rates in Watlington (South Oxfordshire) have demonstrated stability, decreasing by -2.9% year-on-year between January 2025 and December 2025. Examining monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the period. Notably, a spike in crime occurred in June 2025 (9.5 per 1,000), followed by a significant dip in September 2025 (1.8 per 1,000). The December 2025 figure (2.4 per 1,000) suggests a return to a lower level of activity. While this overall stability is encouraging, continued vigilance and proactive measures are crucial to maintaining this trend.

How To Keep Safe in Watlington

Given the prevalence of Violence and Sexual Offences in Watlington, it’s essential to prioritise personal safety. Firstly, be mindful of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Secondly, consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility. Thirdly, secure your property with robust locks and consider installing security lighting. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the police promptly, contributing to a safer environment for everyone.

Criminal activity in Watlington exhibits varying patterns throughout the day. Burglaries are most frequently reported during the afternoon hours (12pm - 6pm), accounting for 9% of incidents. Violence and sexual offences are concentrated in the evening hours (6pm - 12am), particularly during the weekend, while vehicle crime peaks overnight (12am - 6am), suggesting opportunistic targeting. Shoplifting incidents tend to occur during commercial hours, primarily in the afternoon. Understanding these temporal trends can inform targeted prevention strategies and enhance community safety.

Watlington's crime rate contrasts significantly with its neighbouring villages. Pyrton, Lewknor, Ewelme, and Aston Rowant all report a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 residents, demonstrating a considerably safer environment. This stark difference underscores the unique challenges and characteristics of Watlington, potentially influenced by factors such as its population density, location, or economic activity. These surrounding areas offer a valuable benchmark when assessing the safety and security of Watlington.

Traditional CCTV systems offer a reactive approach – they record incidents after they occur. In Watlington, with a crime rate of 60.8 per 1,000, being reactive isn’t enough. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers a proactive solution. It uses multi-camera intelligence to continuously monitor your property boundary, instantly verifying threats and distinguishing them from normal activity – deliveries, family members, or regular visitors. The DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly flags suspicious vehicles, and the system’s pattern learning recognises your routines, only alerting you to genuine threats. This visible, professional-grade protection creates a powerful deterrent; most burglars decide within 60 seconds – scOS makes that decision easy for them: they move on. While DIY systems have their place, scOS provides a level of preventative security that reactive measures simply cannot match.