Grove (Vale of White Horse) Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 9,172 residents, Grove (Vale of White Horse) recorded 45 crimes in August 2023, equating to a crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 people. This places the area 39.5% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, a significant divergence that highlights local factors shaping crime patterns. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (17 incidents, 37.8% of total), followed by criminal damage and arson (15 incidents, 33.3%), and other theft (5 incidents, 11.1%). These figures contrast with national trends, where violent crime typically accounts for around 28% of all reported incidents. The seasonal context of August—a peak holiday month—may have influenced crime dynamics, as tourism and seasonal absences could affect property crime rates. However, the area’s crime profile appears to be shaped by local characteristics, such as the relatively low prevalence of anti-social behaviour (6.7% of total crimes, 79% below the UK average) and public order offences (50% below the UK average). The high rate of criminal damage and arson, 154% above the UK average, suggests specific local vulnerabilities, linked to community events, infrastructure, or environmental factors. This data underscores the importance of contextual analysis, as national averages may not fully reflect the unique conditions of smaller, rural built-up areas.

August 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime types, with anti-social behaviour, public order offences, and criminal damage and arson all surging by 200% compared to the previous month. These increases, from 1 to 3 incidents each, contrast sharply with the 75% drop in burglary (4 to 1) and 66.7% decrease in shoplifting (3 to 1). The surge in criminal damage and arson, which now stands at 1.6 per 1,000 residents (154% above the UK average), raises questions about local triggers, such as unseasonal weather patterns or increased community activity during the summer. Meanwhile, the marked decline in burglary, despite the seasonal risk of empty homes during holidays, may indicate effective local deterrents or heightened resident vigilance. Violence and sexual offences, though remaining the most common category (37.8% of total crimes), are 28% below the UK average, a discrepancy that could reflect the area’s rural character, where fewer densely populated spaces may reduce opportunities for certain types of violent crime. These shifts highlight the combination of seasonal factors, local demographics, and community-specific dynamics in shaping crime trends.

In August 2023, Grove’s crime rate rose by 25.3% compared to the previous month, increasing from 3.9 to 4.9 per 1,000 residents. This monthly change, while notable, still leaves the area significantly safer than the UK average. On a daily basis, Grove experienced an average of one crime per day in August, a figure that, while low, underscores the potential impact of even small fluctuations in crime rates. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 204 residents, a ratio that provides context for individual risk perception. With a population of 9,172, this means that the likelihood of any given resident being directly affected by crime is relatively low, though the absolute number of incidents remains a concern for local authorities. The comparison to the UK average also reveals striking disparities: while violent crime in Grove is 28% below the national rate, criminal damage and arson are 154% higher, suggesting that the area’s unique challenges may not be fully captured by aggregate national statistics. This population-scaled perspective is critical for residents and policymakers, as it illustrates how local conditions can amplify or mitigate broader trends, even within a small, rural built-up area.