Harwell Crime Rate

Harwell is a relatively safe settlement with an overall crime rate of 71.7 per 1,000 residents and an impressive safety score of 81/100. Compared to the UK average crime rate of 93.1, Harwell offers a more secure environment for its population of nearly 3,000 people. However, recent data indicates an upward trend, with crime increasing by 16.3% year-over-year. Despite this rise, Harwell remains safer than the national average safety score of 78. The village's crime profile is characterized by a high percentage of violence and sexual offences, but property crime remains significantly lower than many urban areas. Understanding the specific types and timing of these incidents is key for residents looking to maintain their personal and home security.

Harwell's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 51.7% of all reports. Public order and anti-social behaviour follow, each accounting for 11.1%. Of particular concern for residents is the property crime rate, which stands at 15.9 per 1,000 residents. This category includes burglary (7.7%), criminal damage and arson (6.3%), and vehicle crime (1.0%). While the overall property crime rate is roughly half the UK average, the specific burglary rate of 5.5 per 1,000 is a significant factor for homeowners to consider. The data suggests that while Harwell is generally a safe village, it is not immune to targeted property offences, especially those involving residential break-ins. Residents should be aware that property crime often peaks at night, making robust home security a priority for protecting both families and assets.

Harwell's crime trend is currently increasing, with a 16.3% rise in total offences over the last 12 months. Monthly data shows significant fluctuations; for example, January 2025 (10.1 per 1,000) and March 2025 (9.4 per 1,000) were particularly high-activity months. More recent data from late 2025 shows the rate stabilizing between 5.2 and 6.2 crimes per 1,000. While the overall trend is upward, the current monthly figures are still lower than the peaks seen earlier in the year. For residents, this means staying aware of local safety updates is more important than ever, as the area's traditionally very low crime levels are experiencing some growth.

How To Keep Safe in Harwell

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crimes in Harwell. While these often occur in private settings, maintaining public safety awareness is still important. To stay safe:

1. When walking through the village or to nearby transport links at night, stick to well-lit paths and avoid taking shortcuts through isolated areas.
2. Be a vigilant neighbour; if you notice unusual activity or individuals loitering near residential properties, report it to the local non-emergency police line.
3. Secure your home effectively, especially in the afternoon and late at night, as these are peak times for burglary in the area.
4. If you are out in the evening, let someone know your expected return time and consider using a personal safety app with GPS tracking.
5. Participate in local community groups or parish meetings to stay informed about any specific crime trends or safety initiatives in the Harwell area.

Harwell's crime data reveals clear temporal trends that residents should note. Morning hours are largely dominated by theft (44%) and 'other' crimes, while burglary remains a concern at 25%. In the afternoon, burglary incidents spike to 37% of all crimes, alongside a 41% theft rate, suggesting that daytime hours are a significant period for property offences. During the evening, burglary remains high at 36%. Most critically, the night-time period between midnight and 6am sees burglary account for nearly half (49%) of all recorded incidents. This indicates a strong pattern of residential targeting under the cover of darkness. Vehicle crime also sees a relative increase at night compared to other times. These patterns suggest that security measures are most vital during the late-night hours and the mid-afternoon when homes may be unattended.

In the context of the Vale of White Horse, Harwell sits in a moderate position. It is significantly safer than Milton Hill, which has a much higher crime rate of 113.9 per 1,000. Conversely, it has more recorded activity than Chilton, which sits at 33.5. Nearby areas like West Hagbourne and Milton reported no crimes, highlighting Harwell as a slightly more active hub within a very quiet rural cluster. For those comparing local options, Harwell offers a balance between the high-security profile of its smallest neighbours and the higher crime rates found in more industrial or commercial areas like Milton Hill.

Given Harwell's property crime rate of 15.9 per 1,000 and the fact that burglary accounts for nearly 8% of all incidents, home security is a vital consideration. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide evidence after a crime has been committed. For Harwell residents, a proactive approach is more effective. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously, scOS can identify suspicious patterns and detect threats at the property boundary. If an intruder is detected, the system can autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and speakers, destroying the element of surprise. This proactive stance is particularly effective against the type of burglaries seen in Harwell, which often occur at night or in the afternoon. Investing in professional-grade, AI-driven protection like scOS signals to potential offenders that your home is a hard target, encouraging them to move on before any damage is done.