Woodcote Crime Rate

Woodcote is a safe urban settlement in South Oxfordshire, with a crime rate of 37.8 per 1,000 people. This is well below the UK national average of 93.1. The village maintains a high safety score of 90/100, which is significantly better than the UK average of 78. However, it is important to note that Woodcote has seen a substantial 51.5% increase in crime year-over-year. While the overall volume of crime remains low, this sharp upward trend suggests that residents should stay informed about local safety developments.

Crime in Woodcote

In Woodcote, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crime type, accounting for 47.0% of the total. This is followed by anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, both representing 10.0% of all incidents. These figures suggest that social issues and opportunistic retail theft are the primary drivers of the local crime rate.

Property crime in Woodcote, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and shoplifting, occurs at a rate of 11.8 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9. Shoplifting is a notable sub-category, likely linked to local retail activity. For residents, this indicates that while the overall crime rate is low, there is a moderate risk of opportunistic property crime that warrants standard security precautions, particularly for local businesses.

Woodcote Crime Trends

The crime rate in Woodcote has seen a significant 51.5% increase year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly data shows that the rate was highest in late 2024 and early 2025, reaching 5.3 in November 2024 and 4.5 in February and March 2025.

Following this, the rate fluctuated through the spring and summer, peaking again at 4.2 in June 2025. By October 2025, the rate had settled at 1.9. This volatility suggests that while the overall annual trend is sharply upward, the crime rate can vary significantly from month to month. Residents should remain aware that these spikes can occur, making consistent safety practices important, even as the rate currently appears to be on a downward trend towards the end of 2025.

How To Keep Safe in Woodcote

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

Firstly, be mindful of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly after dark, and stick to well-lit routes. Secondly, because vehicle crime accounts for a significant 41% of night-time incidents, ensure your car is always locked and consider using additional security measures like a steering lock or parking in a well-lit area. Thirdly, reporting any instances of anti-social behaviour to the local authorities is important, as it helps them manage and prevent the escalation of social issues. Finally, joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme can help you stay connected with other residents and receive timely updates on safety matters in the Woodcote area.

Crime Timing in Woodcote

Crime in Woodcote exhibits distinct temporal patterns. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft is the most prevalent crime, accounting for 46% and 55% of incidents respectively. This is likely due to the higher level of commercial and social activity during these periods.

As evening falls (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order offences—become the majority at 62%. The night-time hours (12am - 6am) see a dramatic shift; vehicle crime surges to 41% of all recorded incidents. This data suggests that while daytime risks are primarily related to opportunistic theft, the night-time hours present a very high and specific risk to vehicles in the area.

Local Context and Comparisons

In comparison to its immediate neighbours, Woodcote's crime rate of 37.8 is higher than Goring (26.4) and significantly higher than smaller nearby villages like Cray's Pond, Whitchurch Hill, and Checkendon, all of which recorded a 0.0 crime rate. As a larger residential settlement with more housing and local amenities, Woodcote naturally experiences more reported activity than these very small, quiet hamlets. However, within the broader South Oxfordshire local authority, Woodcote remains a safe community, despite the recent percentage increase in overall crime.

Proactive Security in Woodcote

With property crime in Woodcote at 11.8 per 1,000 residents and a significant 51.5% increase 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 41% 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.