Oxted Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Oxted’s August 2023 crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents marked a significant 39.5% reduction compared to the UK average, underscoring the area’s relative safety. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 38.7% of all incidents, though this category remained 28% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 16.1% of total crimes, with a rate 44% lower than national figures. These trends align with Oxted’s character as a mixed-use built-up area within Tandridge, where community policing and lower population density may contribute to reduced public disorder. Seasonal factors also played a role: August, a peak holiday month, saw higher shoplifting rates, likely linked to increased retail footfall and unoccupied homes, which may also explain the 6.5% burglary rate. However, the area’s overall crime profile contrasts with UK trends, particularly in vehicle crime (59% below the UK average) and public order offences (33% below the UK average), suggesting effective local measures or environmental factors such as limited nightlife activity. The data highlights a balanced approach to crime prevention, though the surge in shoplifting and robbery—both rising sharply from July—points to vulnerabilities in retail security during high-traffic periods. These findings offer a nuanced picture of Oxted’s crime dynamics, shaped by both geographic context and seasonal rhythms.

August 2023 saw a dramatic 300% increase in shoplifting, rising from 1 to 4 incidents, a shift that may reflect heightened retail activity during the summer holidays. Robbery also doubled, with one reported case in August after none in July, though this remains a small number in absolute terms. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped by 33.3%, from 15 to 10 incidents, possibly linked to seasonal changes in community engagement or local policing efforts. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 38.7% of all crimes, but this rate (1.9 per 1,000) was 28% below the UK average. The sharp contrast in vehicle crime—down 59% compared to the UK average—suggests Oxted's lower traffic density or effective local initiatives. For residents, the 300% spike in shoplifting underscores the need for heightened vigilance in retail areas during peak tourist months.

Oxted's August 2023 crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents marked a 12.7% decrease from the previous month’s 5.6 per 1,000, reflecting a sustained trend of lower crime levels. This monthly figure translates to roughly 2 crimes per day across the built-up area, a manageable frequency for a community of 12,699 people. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 205 residents, a statistic that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to local population density. This monthly exposure is lower than the UK average, which is not directly comparable due to differing regional demographics. The reduction in anti-social behaviour and public order offences—down 33.3% and 28.6% respectively—suggests a possible seasonal effect, as August typically sees fewer incidents linked to crowded public spaces or alcohol-fuelled disputes. However, the rise in shoplifting and robbery highlights vulnerabilities in retail environments during peak holiday periods, when unoccupied homes may also increase burglary risks.