Oxted Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

January 2026 saw Oxted’s overall crime rate rise to 4.5 per 1,000 residents, marking a 16.3% increase from December’s 3.9. Despite this uptick, the area remains significantly safer than the UK average, which stood at 6.8 per 1,000. The most prevalent crime type was anti-social behaviour, accounting for 26.3% of all incidents (15 cases), followed by shoplifting and violence and sexual offences, each contributing 21.1%. This distribution aligns with seasonal patterns typical of post-holiday periods, when reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours may contribute to shifts in criminal activity. Anti-social behaviour’s rate (1.2 per 1,000) was 29% above the UK average, suggesting local factors such as community dynamics or policing strategies could play a role. Meanwhile, violent crime in Oxted (0.9 per 1,000) was 64% below the UK average, reflecting the area’s character as a commuter hub or lower population density. Seasonal context further supports these trends: January’s shorter days and post-holiday lull in retail activity may have reduced opportunities for shoplifting and vehicle crime, though these categories still showed notable increases. The data highlights a combination of local conditions and broader national trends, with Oxted’s crime picture shaped by its unique geographic and social profile.

January 2026 brought stark shifts in Oxted’s crime profile, with shoplifting surging by 140% from December’s 5 to 12 incidents. This spike may be linked to end-of-year sales or increased footfall in retail areas during the post-holiday period. Vehicle crime also rose sharply by 133.3%, from 3 to 7 cases, potentially reflecting changes in parking patterns or seasonal vehicle movements. Conversely, other theft incidents plummeted by 80%, from 5 to 1, and public order offences fell by 50%, both suggesting a reduction in disturbances during the month. Anti-social behaviour (1.2 per 1,000) and shoplifting (0.9 per 1,000) both exceeded UK averages by 29% and 58% respectively, indicating areas where local conditions diverge from national norms. By contrast, violent crime (0.9 per 1,000) was 64% below the UK average, a disparity that may stem from Oxted’s commuter-oriented population or effective local policing. Residents may find the 33.8% gap between Oxted’s rate and the UK average particularly relevant, as it underscores the area’s relative safety despite the month’s fluctuations.

Oxted’s crime rate in January 2026 (4.5 per 1,000) rose by 16.3% compared to December’s 3.9, but remains 33.8% below the UK average. This contrast highlights the area’s unique position within national crime trends. On a daily basis, Oxted experienced approximately 2 crimes per day in January, a figure that, while modest, may concern residents given the month’s sharp increases in specific categories. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 223 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while lower than the UK average, reflects the volatility of January’s crime patterns. The population context further shapes this picture: with 12,699 residents, Oxted’s crime statistics must be interpreted through the lens of its size and density. For instance, the 29% shortfall in burglary rates compared to the UK average (0.2 vs 0.3 per 1,000) may be attributable to the area’s built-up character and higher levels of home security. However, the 58% above-average rate for shoplifting (0.9 vs 0.6 per 1,000) suggests vulnerabilities in retail environments, which may warrant targeted interventions. These comparisons reveal a nuanced picture where Oxted’s crime profile is both shaped by and distinct from broader national patterns.