Shrivenham and Watchfield Crime Rate

Shrivenham and Watchfield present a very safe environment with an overall crime rate of 52.8 per 1,000 residents. This figure is significantly better than the UK national average of 93.1, earning the area a safety score of 86/100. Furthermore, the local safety trend is moving in a positive direction, with an 8.7% decrease in total crime year-over-year. This reduction indicates that the area is becoming progressively safer over time. While property crime remains a factor at 15.0 per 1,000, it is less than half the national average of 32.9. These statistics suggest a community where crime is relatively infrequent, though understanding the specific breakdown of incidents remains important for maintaining this high standard of security.

In Shrivenham and Watchfield, the most significant crime category is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 161 incidents, or 48.1% of all recorded crime. This is followed by criminal damage and arson (34 incidents) and public order offences (33 incidents). For residents, the property crime landscape is a key consideration, with a rate of 15.0 per 1,000 people. This includes a mix of 'other theft' (21 crimes), vehicle crime (10 crimes), and burglary (8 crimes). While these numbers are relatively low, the combined impact of property-related offences—including shoplifting and bicycle theft—represents a significant portion of police activity. The presence of criminal damage at over 10% of total crime suggests that vandalism is a more prominent issue here than in some neighbouring areas. Homeowners should be aware that while violent crime is the highest volume, the variety of property and public order offences necessitates a broad approach to home and personal security.

The 12-month trend for Shrivenham and Watchfield is encouraging, with an 8.7% decrease in overall crime. Monthly data from late 2024 to late 2025 shows a generally downward trajectory, despite some volatility. The crime rate peaked in July 2025 at 7.9 per 1,000 people, but this was followed by a steady decline. By October 2025, the rate reached its lowest point of 2.4 per 1,000. Other notable months include December 2024 (5.5) and May 2025 (5.4). The sharp drop observed in the latter half of 2025 suggests that local safety initiatives or policing changes may be having a positive impact. For residents, this trend indicates a community that is becoming increasingly secure, though the mid-summer peak in July serves as a reminder that seasonal spikes can still occur. Staying informed about these patterns allows for better personal and property security planning.

How To Keep Safe in Shrivenham and Watchfield

Violence and sexual offences represent the highest proportion of crime in Shrivenham and Watchfield. To stay safe, residents should prioritise personal awareness, especially when walking between the two settlements or using less-populated footpaths after dark. It is recommended to stick to well-lit areas and carry a mobile phone with emergency contacts pre-set. Additionally, given the 10.2% rate of criminal damage, ensuring that your property—including fences, gates, and vehicles—is well-maintained and clearly visible can deter opportunistic vandalism. Engaging with local community watch schemes is also a highly effective way to stay informed about any emerging patterns in the area. Finally, always report non-emergency suspicious activity to the 101 service, as this data helps local police allocate resources more effectively to the areas where they are most needed.

The timing of criminal activity in Shrivenham and Watchfield varies significantly by type. Theft and shoplifting are daytime concerns, making up 40% of morning crimes and 44% of afternoon crimes. As the day progresses, the nature of recorded incidents shifts toward 'other' categories, including public order and anti-social behaviour, which reach 64% in the evening. Night-time (12am - 6am) sees a sharp increase in the proportion of vehicle crime, which rises to 27%, compared to just 4% in the afternoon. Burglary also shows a slight uptick at night, accounting for 13% of offences in the early hours. This suggests that while daytime is generally safe for property, the hours of darkness require more robust security measures for vehicles and homes. Residents should ensure that vehicles are locked and valuables removed before dusk, as the data indicates that most property-related interference occurs under the cover of night.

Compared to the surrounding region, Shrivenham and Watchfield serve as a larger hub with slightly more recorded activity. Nearby Highworth has a lower crime rate of 47.2 per 1,000 people. In contrast, the smaller villages of Longcot, Bourton, and Ashbury all reported 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people during the same period. This contrast is typical for the Vale of White Horse, where the primary urban settlements handle the majority of the region's commercial and social activity, while the surrounding hamlets remain virtually crime-free. Residents of Shrivenham and Watchfield benefit from a safety profile that is much closer to these quiet villages than to larger UK towns.

With property crime in Shrivenham and Watchfield sitting at 15.0 per 1,000, the focus for residents should be on maintaining the area's downward crime trend through better deterrence. Traditional security systems like basic alarms or standard CCTV cameras are reactive—they tell you that a burglary has happened after the fact. In a community where safety is already high, the goal is to prevent the rare incident from occurring at all. Proactive systems like scOS use AI to identify potential threats at the property boundary. By using multi-camera intelligence to distinguish between a delivery driver and a suspicious loiterer, scOS can engage deterrents like automated lighting or voice alerts before a break-in is even attempted. This autonomous response is far more effective than simply having footage of a masked intruder. For those in Shrivenham and Watchfield, investing in professional-grade, proactive protection ensures that your home remains an unattractive target, further contributing to the local reduction in crime.