Wheatley Crime Rate

Wheatley is an urban settlement in South Oxfordshire with a crime rate of 52.1 per 1,000 residents. While this is higher than some of the smaller surrounding villages, it is still significantly safer than the national UK average of 93.1. The area holds a safety score of 88/100, which is well above the UK baseline of 78. However, it is important to note that crime in Wheatley has seen a 17.1% increase year-over-year. This upward trend suggests that while the area remains relatively secure, residents should stay informed about local safety developments.

Crime in Wheatley

The most frequent crime type in Wheatley is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 38.5% of all recorded incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 12.7% and criminal damage and arson at 9.8%. These figures suggest that social issues and public conduct are the primary drivers of the local crime rate.

Property crime in Wheatley, including burglary, shoplifting, vehicle crime, and various thefts, occurs at a rate of 17.5 per 1,000 residents. While this is higher than some neighbouring villages, it remains well below the UK average of 32.9. Shoplifting is a notable sub-category, representing 8.3% of total crime, likely linked to local retail activity. For residents, this indicates that while the area is generally safe, there is a moderate risk of opportunistic property crime that warrants standard security precautions.

Wheatley Crime Trends

The crime rate in Wheatley has experienced a 17.1% increase year-over-year. A detailed look at the monthly data shows that the rate was highest in early 2025, reaching 5.8 in January. This was followed by a slight decline in the spring, with rates of 3.6 in March and April.

However, a secondary peak occurred in May 2025, when the rate returned to 5.8. The summer and early autumn months saw a gradual decrease, with the rate falling to 2.3 in August and settling at 2.8 by October 2025. This volatility suggests that while the overall trend is increasing, the crime rate fluctuates significantly throughout the year. Residents should remain aware that these spikes can occur unexpectedly, making consistent safety practices important.

How To Keep Safe in Wheatley

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Wheatley. While the area remains safe by national standards, taking practical steps can further enhance personal security.

Firstly, be vigilant when walking in less-populated areas, particularly after dark, and try to use well-lit routes. Secondly, reporting any instances of anti-social behaviour to the local authorities is crucial, as it helps them identify and manage hotspots before more serious crimes occur. Thirdly, residents should be mindful of home and vehicle security; given that vehicle crime increases significantly at night, ensuring cars are locked and parked in well-lit areas or driveways is essential. Finally, consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay connected with other residents and receive timely updates on safety matters in the Wheatley area.

Crime Timing in Wheatley

Crime in Wheatley exhibits clear patterns based on the time of day. Morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) hours are dominated by theft, representing 44% and 50% of incidents respectively. This is likely due to the higher level of commercial and social activity during these periods.

The evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a shift, where 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order offences—spike to 61%. During the night (12am - 6am), the nature of crime changes significantly; vehicle crime becomes the most prominent threat, accounting for 40% of all incidents. This data suggests that while daytime risks are primarily related to opportunistic theft, the night-time hours present a specific and heightened risk to vehicles and unattended property.

Local Context and Comparisons

In comparison to its immediate neighbours, Wheatley's crime rate of 52.1 is higher than Horspath (40.7) and significantly higher than several smaller villages such as Forest Hill, Stanton St John, and Garsington, all of which recorded a 0.0 crime rate. As a larger settlement with more commercial activity and a higher population density, Wheatley naturally experiences more reported incidents. However, in the broader context of the region, it remains a safe residential area that offers a balance between urban convenience and a secure environment.

Proactive Security in Wheatley

With property crime in Wheatley at 17.5 per 1,000 residents and an increasing trend of 17.1% in overall crime, homeowners are increasingly looking for more robust security solutions. Standard DIY cameras often provide a false sense of security; they record footage of a crime but rarely prevent it. In an area where vehicle crime accounts for 40% of night-time activity, a more intelligent, proactive approach is required.

The scOS operating system transforms your home security from a passive recording device into an active deterrent. By using AI to monitor your property boundaries, scOS can identify potential threats before they reach your home or vehicle. It distinguishes between your family members and strangers, ensuring you only receive alerts that matter. With features like autonomous light activation and real-time vehicle verification, scOS makes it clear to potential intruders that your property is professionally protected. This proactive detection is designed to stop a burglary or vehicle theft before it starts, providing the highest level of protection for your home and family.