Abingdon-on-Thames Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Abingdon-on-Thames' crime profile in October 2024, accounting for 40.9% of all reported incidents. With a crime rate of 6.3 per 1,000 residents, the area remains 22.2% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This lower-than-average rate contrasts with the national trend, particularly in violent crime categories where local rates are 3% below the UK average. The seasonal context of October—shorter daylight hours, the clocks going back, and Halloween activities—likely contributes to increased reports of violence and anti-social behaviour, as darker evenings may deter natural surveillance in residential areas. While shoplifting (11.5% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (10.6%) followed as significant concerns, the area's relatively low burglary rate (0.5 per 1,000, 100% below the UK average) suggests strong community cohesion or effective local policing strategies. The presence of a large retail sector, including the historic High Street, may explain shoplifting trends, though local enforcement appears to mitigate more serious property crimes. This data illustrates a crime profile shaped by the town's character as a market town with a mix of historic and modern infrastructure, where community-focused policing and seasonal rhythms intersect to influence crime patterns.

October 2024 saw significant month-on-month increases in possession of weapons (150.0%), bicycle theft (133.3%), and shoplifting (118.2%), reflecting shifting patterns in criminal activity. The 150% rise in possession of weapons—from 2 to 5 incidents—marks a notable spike, though it remains below the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000. Bicycle theft, which surged from 6 to 14 cases, aligns with the area's growing cycling culture but highlights vulnerabilities in securing bikes in public spaces. Conversely, burglary fell sharply by 66.7% (from 3 to 1), suggesting effective deterrence measures or increased community vigilance. Anti-social behaviour, though still 46% below the UK average, remains a persistent concern, with 22 incidents reported. The town's shoplifting rate (0.7 per 1,000) is 3% below the UK average, but the 118% increase from the previous month indicates a need for targeted interventions in retail zones. Residents may find the bicycle theft statistics particularly relevant, as the town's cycling infrastructure is a key feature of its transport network. These fluctuations underscore the dynamic interplay between local initiatives and seasonal factors in shaping crime trends.

Abingdon-on-Thames' crime rate in October 2024 (6.3 per 1,000) represents a 27.5% increase from the previous month's rate of 4.9 per 1,000, reflecting a notable upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 7 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that contextualises the pace of criminal activity in a localised timeframe. When scaled to the population of 33,209 residents, this translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 160 residents over the course of the month—a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average in most categories. The town's performance in anti-social behaviour (46% below UK average) and burglary (100% below) highlights areas where local conditions may differ from national patterns, potentially due to strong community engagement or effective policing. However, the surge in bicycle theft and possession of weapons suggests vulnerabilities in specific domains that require targeted attention. These comparisons provide residents with a clearer picture of how Abingdon-on-Thames' crime profile sits within the broader UK context, while also identifying local priorities for intervention.