Oxted Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Oxted's September 2023 crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 residents places the built-up area 32.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, highlighting its relatively low crime profile. Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime mix, accounting for 36.8% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.7% and shoplifting at 11.8%. This distribution reflects the area's characteristics as a commuter town with a mix of residential and retail zones, where interpersonal disputes and retail theft are more likely to occur. The seasonal context of September—marked by the start of the academic year and the return of university students—may contribute to increased foot traffic in local businesses, potentially exacerbating shoplifting trends. However, the area's overall safety remains evident in its stark contrast to the UK average, with violent crimes 27% below the national benchmark and anti-social behaviour 40% lower. While property crimes like burglary and criminal damage and arson show modest increases, they remain below UK averages for their respective categories, suggesting that local efforts to maintain order are largely effective. The combination of a small population and low crime density means that most residents are unlikely to encounter crime, but the recent upticks in shoplifting and burglary underscore the need for continued vigilance in high-risk areas.

September 2023 saw a sharp 100% increase in shoplifting incidents, with reports rising from four to eight. This surge may be linked to the back-to-school season and university freshers' week, which typically sees heightened foot traffic in retail areas. Concurrently, burglary rates climbed by 50%, moving from four to six incidents, a trend that could reflect increased opportunities in residential zones during the transition to darker evenings. Criminal damage and arson also rose by 50%, suggesting a possible correlation with seasonal changes in community activity or enforcement patterns. While violent crimes remain the most prevalent category, accounting for 36.8% of all reported incidents, they are still 27% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, another significant category, is 40% below the UK average, indicating that Oxted's community may be effectively managing some aspects of public disorder. Residents are advised to remain vigilant in high-traffic areas, particularly during evening hours, as the recent spikes in property-related crimes may signal a need for heightened awareness.

Oxted's crime rate in September 2023 rose to 5.4 per 1,000 residents, marking a 9.6% increase from the previous month's rate of 4.9. This shift, though modest, signals a notable upward trend in reported incidents. Daily crime statistics show an average of two crimes per day in Oxted, a figure that, while low compared to larger urban centres, warrants attention given the area's generally low crime profile. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 187 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects the town's small population and relatively sparse incident density. When scaled to the area's 12,699 residents, this suggests that while crime is not pervasive, its presence is concentrated in specific pockets or times. The contrast with the UK average, which stands at 8.0 per 1,000, further underscores Oxted's position as a safer area, though the recent uptick in certain crime types may indicate emerging pressures on local policing and community safety measures.