Abingdon-on-Thames Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The balance between property and violent crime in Abingdon-on-Thames during November 2023 reveals a shift in the local crime profile. With 73 violent crimes recorded—compared to 56 property crimes—the area experienced its highest proportion of violent crime since early 2023. This dominance of violent offences, which account for 39.9% of total crimes, contrasts with the national trend where property crime typically outnumbers violence. The 5.5 crimes per 1,000 residents rate for the built-up area is 26.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, reflecting a consistently lower crime burden than the national average. Seasonal factors likely contribute to this pattern: with Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping creating concentrated public spaces, violent incidents may have been more likely to occur in areas with higher foot traffic. The sharp decline in vehicle crime (-70%) compared to October suggests that the area's limited commuter parking zones, which are typically associated with higher vehicle-related offences, may have been less utilised during the month. However, the 15% below UK average rate for violence and sexual offences—despite the local spike in such crimes—indicates that Abingdon's social fabric remains relatively stable compared to other parts of the country. This apparent contradiction may partly explain the area's overall lower crime rate, as violent incidents are being managed more effectively than in regions with higher average rates.

The month-on-month crime rate dropped by 28.3% from 7.7 per 1,000 in October to 5.5 per 1,000 in November, marking the largest single-month decline in 2023. This decrease was driven by a 70% fall in vehicle crime, which likely reflects reduced commuter activity during the month. However, the proportion of violent crime increased significantly, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 39.9% of all crimes—nearly double the share of property crimes. This shift contrasts with the UK average, where violent crime typically makes up around 25% of total offences. Anti-social behaviour saw a 52.9% decrease, dropping from 34 to 16 incidents, which may indicate improved community engagement during the month. The local rate for bicycle theft was 150% above the UK average, a striking anomaly that could be linked to the area's growing student population and increased cycling infrastructure. Conversely, vehicle crime was 80% below the UK average, consistent with Abingdon's limited car parking zones and lower traffic density. The most dramatic month-on-month change was the 200% increase in possession of weapons offences, rising from 1 to 3 incidents—a figure that, while small, deserves closer attention given the potential for escalation.

Abingdon-on-Thames' crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 residents in November 2023 represents a significant improvement from the previous month's 7.7 per 1,000, a 28.3% decline that places the area in a stronger position relative to other parts of the Vale of White Horse. When contextualised by population, the 183 total crimes reported equate to roughly 6 crimes per day, or one reported crime for every 181 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average, which typically sees one crime for every 130 residents. The area's crime profile also diverges from national trends in several key categories: anti-social behaviour is 52% below the UK average, while bicycle theft is 150% above. This contrast may reflect Abingdon's unique characteristics—its mix of residential and commercial areas, which could both reduce anti-social behaviour through community cohesion and increase bicycle theft due to the presence of students and commuters. The population-scaled perspective reveals that, despite the 73 violent crimes recorded, the overall rate remains 26.7% below the UK average. This suggests that local factors—such as the area's proximity to Oxford and its well-maintained public spaces—are contributing to a crime environment that, while not without challenges, is more manageable than the national average.