Abingdon-on-Thames Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Abingdon-on-Thames maintained a crime rate of 4.4 per 1,000 residents in February 2026, 31.2% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, reveals a nuanced picture shaped by seasonal dynamics and local characteristics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 38.8% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (13.6%) and public order offences (13.6%). These categories align with the area's profile as a built-up market town, where retail and community spaces may contribute to patterns of anti-social and public order incidents. The winter month context, marked by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, likely plays a role in the lower overall crime rate, though this is offset by notable increases in specific categories. For instance, shoplifting and public order offences rose sharply, possibly reflecting changes in local foot traffic or enforcement focus. The crime profile also shows that violent crimes, while still the most frequent category, decreased by 27.8% compared to January, a trend consistent with seasonal patterns observed in similar towns. This decline may be attributed to shorter daylight hours and fewer social gatherings, which could limit opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the rise in shoplifting suggests a potential vulnerability in retail areas during this period, warranting attention from local authorities and residents alike. The data also highlights that anti-social behaviour and public order offences remain significantly below the UK average, a reflection of the area's generally low levels of disorder. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining community engagement and targeted interventions to address emerging trends while reinforcing the positive aspects of Abingdon-on-Thames' overall safety record.

February 2026 saw a significant 54.5% increase in shoplifting, rising from 11 to 17 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 17.6% rise in public order offences (from 17 to 20), indicates shifting patterns in local crime dynamics. While violent crimes decreased by 27.8% (from 79 to 57), this drop may partly reflect seasonal factors, such as reduced outdoor activity during winter. Public order offences, however, exceeded the UK average by 46%, highlighting a specific area of concern. Residents should note that shoplifting incidents have more than doubled since January, suggesting a need for heightened awareness in retail areas. The overall crime mix also shifted, with property crimes (43) accounting for 29.3% of total incidents, compared to 38.8% for violent crimes, illustrating a modest but measurable balance between property and personal safety concerns.

Abingdon-on-Thames' crime rate in February 2026 fell to 4.4 per 1,000 residents, a 17.4% decrease from the previous month's 5.4 per 1,000. This decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns, as winter months often see reduced outdoor activity and lower foot traffic in public spaces. Daily crime statistics reveal an average of five crimes reported each day in February, reflecting a consistent but manageable level of activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 226 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for households. While this rate remains significantly below the UK average, it underscores the importance of vigilance during periods of transition, such as the pre-spring lull, when patterns may shift unexpectedly. The population-scaled perspective highlights that residents are not affected, but awareness of local trends remains crucial for community safety.