Shrivenham and Watchfield Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Shrivenham and Watchfield’s crime rate for October 2023 stood at 2.8 per 1,000 residents, a figure 65% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This performance highlights the area’s generally low crime profile, though the breakdown of incidents reveals a complex picture. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 55.6% of all crimes (10 incidents), remaining the most common category despite a 16.7% month-on-month decline. Public order offences, while significantly lower than the UK average (49% below), rose sharply by 100% compared to September, suggesting a potential link to seasonal factors such as darker evenings and Halloween-related activities. Other crime, which is 114% above the UK average, emerged as a notable outlier, though its small absolute count (two incidents) limits its overall impact. The area’s low crime rate is consistent with its status as a small built-up area within a rural district, where limited commercial activity and strong community cohesion may contribute to lower rates of theft and burglary. However, the rise in public order offences—often tied to alcohol consumption or local events—indicates a need for targeted awareness. Seasonal transitions in October, including the end of the summer tourist season and the start of darker evenings, may have influenced crime patterns, with increased incidents of public disorder likely tied to the Halloween period. These dynamics underscore the importance of local policing efforts and community engagement to address emerging trends while maintaining the area’s overall safety.

October 2023 saw sharp increases in several crime categories, with public order offences doubling to two incidents, other crime rising to two cases, and drugs-related crimes emerging at one report—each a 100% month-on-month increase. These jumps contrast with a 16.7% decrease in violence and sexual offences, which remained the most prevalent category (10 incidents, 55.6% of total crimes). While overall violence rates are 41% below the UK average, the rise in public order crimes—now 49% below the UK average—suggests a shift in local patterns. Other crime in the area is 114% above the UK average, a discrepancy that may reflect underreporting or unique local factors. Residents should be particularly alert to public order incidents, which have surged despite the overall decline in crime.

In October 2023, the crime rate for Shrivenham and Watchfield dropped to 2.8 per 1,000 residents, a 24.9% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 3.8 per 1,000. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in rural and semi-rural areas during the autumn months, where reduced foot traffic and seasonal events may contribute to lower reported incidents. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day, a figure that, while low, underscores the need for vigilance in local communities. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 353 residents, a ratio that reflects the area’s small population and relatively low crime exposure compared to larger urban centres. When scaled to the local population of 6,347, this translates to a manageable level of risk, though the specific nature of incidents—particularly the rise in public order crimes—warrants attention from residents and local authorities alike.