Chawley Crime Rate

Chawley is a highly secure residential settlement with an overall crime rate of 19.2 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. This exceptional safety is reflected in its safety score of 95/100, placing it well above the national benchmark of 78. Recent data indicates that the crime trend is currently decreasing, with an 11.1% reduction year-over-year. This downward trajectory, combined with the low volume of recorded incidents, makes Chawley one of the safest areas in the Vale of White Horse. The following analysis provides a detailed look at the types of crime occurring locally and how they compare to regional and national standards.

Crime in Chawley

The criminal landscape in Chawley is dominated by three primary categories: violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and other theft. Violence and sexual offences represent the largest share, accounting for 37.5% of total recorded incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 15.0%. Other theft makes up 12.5% of the local data. While these percentages provide a clear picture of the most frequent reports, the actual volume of crime remains very low due to the area's small population.

Property crime, which encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, occurs at a rate of 7.2 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the national average, suggesting that Chawley is a low-risk environment for homeowners. Specifically, burglary accounts for 10.0% of total crimes, while vehicle crime is relatively rare at 5.0%. For residents, these figures indicate that while standard security measures are advisable, the likelihood of falling victim to property-related offences is much lower than in more urbanised parts of the UK. Nevertheless, maintaining vigilance and securing outbuildings remains important to preserve this high level of safety.

Crime Trends in Chawley

The crime trend in Chawley is currently on a downward trajectory, with a year-over-year decrease of 11.1%. This is a significant improvement for the local community, indicating that the area is becoming even safer over time. Looking at the monthly data from late 2024 through 2025, the crime rate per 1,000 residents has remained consistently low, often staying at or below 1.0.

There were notable peaks in January 2025 (2.9), July 2025 (3.4), and October 2025 (3.4). These fluctuations are common in small populations where even a handful of incidents can cause a visible spike in the statistical rate. However, the overall pattern shows many months with rates as low as 0.5, such as November 2024 and February 2025. This suggests that crime in Chawley is not systemic but rather consists of occasional, isolated incidents. For residents, this trend provides peace of mind that the local authority's safety measures and community vigilance are proving effective.

How To Keep Safe in Chawley

The most prevalent crime type in Chawley is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 37.5% of all recorded incidents. While the overall numbers are low, personal safety remains a priority for the community.

To stay safe in Chawley, consider the following advice:

1. Stay aware of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly in less populated or poorly lit areas during the evening hours.
2. Utilise personal safety apps on your smartphone that can alert trusted contacts of your location if you feel uncomfortable.
3. Report any suspicious behaviour or unusual loitering to the local authorities immediately to help maintain the area’s low crime rate.
4. If you are out after dark, stick to well-known routes and avoid shortcuts through wooded or isolated paths.
5. Participate in local community watch programs, as active neighbours are often the best deterrent against opportunistic crime.

Crime Timing in Chawley

Analysis of crime timing in Chawley reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. Morning hours are characterised by a high proportion of theft-related offences, which account for 50% of reports in this period. As the day progresses into the afternoon, theft remains the primary concern at 49%, while burglary begins to rise to 28%. This suggests that daytime activity is mostly centered around opportunistic theft.

The evening and night periods see a significant shift in the types of crime recorded. During the evening (6pm - 12am), burglary rates increase to 31%, and "other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour, peak at 35%. The most critical window for property owners is between 12am and 6am, where burglary reaches its highest point at 35% and vehicle crime spikes to 28%. These night-time figures indicate that while the streets are quiet, the risk to unattended property and vehicles is at its most concentrated.

When comparing Chawley to similar nearby areas, it remains one of the safest options in the region. Cumnor and Farmoor both recorded 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people, representing the absolute minimum for the area. In contrast, Boars Hill has a significantly higher crime rate of 46.3 per 1,000, and Wootton (Vale of White Horse) sits at 40.7 per 1,000. Chawley's rate of 19.2 per 1,000 positions it as a middle-ground for safety in the immediate vicinity, though it is still vastly safer than the broader UK average. For those considering the region, Chawley offers a very high level of security compared to its more active neighbours.

Home Security and Prevention in Chawley

With a property crime rate of 7.2 per 1,000 people, Chawley is statistically very safe, yet the presence of burglary and vehicle crime cannot be ignored. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or doorbell cameras, are often reactive—they provide footage of a crime after it has occurred. For residents who want to maintain the high safety standards of Chawley, a proactive approach is far more effective.

scOS represents the next generation of home security, using AI-powered intelligence to prevent crime before it happens. Rather than just recording a break-in, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying threats before they reach your door. Its autonomous response features, such as activating lights or speakers, are designed to destroy the element of surprise that burglars rely on. In a quiet area like Chawley, where intruders may feel they can operate unnoticed, the visible and intelligent deterrence of an AI security system ensures your home remains a hardened target, encouraging criminals to move on.