Vale of White Horse Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Vale of White Horse recorded a crime rate of 3.7 per 1,000 residents in February 2026, placing it 42.2% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure marks a continuation of the area’s long-standing trend of lower-than-average crime rates, which may be attributed to its predominantly rural and suburban character. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 41.2% of all incidents, followed by criminal damage and arson (10.2%) and anti-social behaviour (10.0%). These figures align with the area’s profile as a low-density region with limited urban centres, where violent crimes are more likely to occur in isolated incidents rather than concentrated in high-risk zones. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with reduced outdoor activity—likely contributed to the overall low crime levels, as fewer public interactions and lower foot traffic in retail areas may have dampened opportunities for theft and anti-social behaviour. However, the rate of violence and sexual offences remains higher than other categories, suggesting a need for targeted community engagement in this area. The UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.3 per 1,000, meaning Vale of White Horse’s rate of 1.5 per 1,000 is 35% below the national benchmark, indicating effective local policing or social factors that mitigate such crimes. The data also reveals a stark contrast in property crime rates: shoplifting and vehicle crime are both significantly below UK averages, with shoplifting at 0.3 per 1,000 (48% below) and vehicle crime at 0.1 per 1,000 (71% below). This could reflect the area’s limited retail presence and lower population density, which reduce opportunities for such crimes. The overall crime picture for Vale of White Horse in February 2026 illustrates a balance between persistent challenges in violent crime and a strong performance in property-related offences, shaped by the district’s unique demographic and geographic characteristics.

February 2026 saw a 30.3% increase in shoplifting, with 43 incidents reported compared to 33 in January. This rise may be linked to the pre-spring lull in outdoor activity, which could have shifted consumer behaviour towards retail areas. Conversely, robbery rates plummeted by 66.7%, dropping from 3 to 1 case, a stark contrast to the previous month. The category of anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 10.0% of total crimes, remains 56% below the UK average, a trend consistent with the area’s low population density and limited nightlife. Theft from the person more than doubled, with two incidents reported—though this small increase is unlikely to reflect a broader pattern. Meanwhile, vehicle crime rose by 14.3%, influenced by seasonal variations in vehicle usage. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of crime patterns, even in an area with historically low rates.

The crime rate in Vale of White Horse fell by 12.0% in February 2026 compared to the previous month, marking a continued downward trend. This reduction aligns with the area’s consistently low crime profile, which remains 42.2% below the UK average. On a daily basis, 20 crimes were reported across the district in February, a figure that reflects the area’s sparse population and limited urban density. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 268 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relative safety of the region. This statistic is particularly meaningful for residents, as it illustrates the low probability of encountering crime in daily life. The drop in robbery by two-thirds compared to January suggests that targeted interventions or seasonal factors may have played a role, though no definitive causal link can be drawn. The combination of low daily crime counts and the area’s demographic makeup—characterised by rural expanses and suburban communities—likely contributes to the sustained reduction in crime.