Abingdon-on-Thames Crime Rate

Abingdon-on-Thames maintains a crime rate of 69.7 per 1,000 residents, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.7. The town enjoys a safety score of 83/100, placing it well above the national benchmark of 79. Recent data indicates a stable trend, with a slight 1.7% decrease in total crime year-over-year. As the primary town in the Vale of White Horse, Abingdon experiences a concentration of incidents typical of a local hub, yet it remains a statistically safe environment. Violence and sexual offences are the most common reports, but the overall volume of crime is manageable. This combination of a high safety score and a stable trend makes Abingdon an attractive and secure location for residents.

Crime Breakdown in Abingdon-on-Thames

In Abingdon-on-Thames, the most frequently reported crimes are violence and sexual offences, which make up 41.8% of the total (29.1 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 13.1% and public order offences at 9.2%. These figures are typical for a primary market town that serves as a local hub for social activity.

Property crime in Abingdon, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 19.7 per 1,000 people. Criminal damage and arson is a notable factor at 8.9%, while shoplifting and other theft account for 5.0% and 7.0% respectively. For residents, this means that while violent crime is the highest category, property-related offences still represent a significant portion of local police activity. Homeowners should be aware that vehicle crime (2.3%) and burglary (1.8%) remain present risks, necessitating standard security precautions to protect domestic assets and personal property.

Crime Trends in Abingdon-on-Thames

The crime trend in Abingdon-on-Thames is currently stable, with total reported offences decreasing by 1.7% over the last 12 months. This indicates a consistent safety environment for the town. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows minor fluctuations, with the crime rate per 1,000 residents ranging from a low of 4.8 in February to a peak of 6.8 in July.

The peak in July is a common seasonal trend, often associated with warmer weather and increased public activity. Following this summer high, the rate settled back down to 5.5 by November. This pattern suggests that there are no emerging spikes in criminal activity and that the town's safety profile remains predictable. For residents, this stability means that long-term safety planning and standard security measures remain effective, as the overall risk level is not significantly changing.

How To Keep Safe in Abingdon-on-Thames

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type in Abingdon-on-Thames, often linked to the town's social hubs. To stay safe, remain aware of your surroundings when visiting the town centre, particularly during evening hours. If you are out late, try to stay with a group and use well-lit, busy routes to get home.

Property protection is also important, as theft and criminal damage are notable factors. During the afternoon, when 50% of theft-related crimes occur, ensure your home and outbuildings are locked even if you are just in the garden. For vehicle owners, be especially vigilant at night, as 24% of vehicle crimes happen between 12am and 6am; parking in a garage or a well-lit driveway is highly recommended. If you notice persistent anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 13.1% of local crime, reporting it to the local council or police can help target resources effectively. Finally, simple measures like not leaving valuables on display in your car can prevent the most common opportunistic offences in the town.

Crime in Abingdon-on-Thames follows distinct temporal patterns. The morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft-related offences, with 50% of these crimes occurring between 12pm and 6pm. This likely corresponds with peak shopping hours in the town's commercial areas. As the day progresses into the evening, the nature of crime shifts toward 'other' offences, including anti-social behaviour and public order incidents, which account for 62% of crimes between 6pm and 12am. The night-time hours (12am-6am) see a significant increase in vehicle crime, which makes up 24% of offences during this period. Burglary remains a consistent threat throughout the day but peaks slightly at night (11%) and in the afternoon (9%), suggesting that both unoccupied homes during the day and sleeping residents at night are targeted.

In the local context, Abingdon-on-Thames serves as a larger urban settlement compared to its immediate neighbours. Nearby Radley (34.6 per 1,000) and Shippon (62.4 per 1,000) both report lower crime rates, reflecting their smaller, more residential nature. Areas like Culham and Bayworth report virtually no crime in the same period, highlighting the extreme safety of the surrounding rural villages. While Abingdon's rate of 69.7 is higher than these smaller settlements, it remains a very safe choice when compared to major cities in the region. For those seeking a balance between town amenities and a secure living environment, Abingdon offers a competitive safety profile within the Oxfordshire landscape.

With a property crime rate of 19.7 per 1,000 in Abingdon-on-Thames, maintaining home security is a wise investment for any resident. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or DIY doorbells, are inherently reactive—they provide evidence only after a crime has been committed. In many cases, this does not prevent the loss of property or the violation of your home.

The scOS operating system provides a proactive alternative designed to stop crime before it happens. By using AI to monitor your property's perimeter, scOS can identify suspicious activity in real-time. Whether it's a potential intruder at the boundary or an unrecognised vehicle, the system can trigger autonomous responses like activating security lights or audio warnings. This immediate intervention destroys the element of surprise that most burglars rely on. For Abingdon homeowners, especially those concerned about the 11% of burglaries that happen overnight, scOS offers a professional-grade solution that protects your home while you sleep, ensuring that threats are neutralised before they become incidents.