Shrivenham and Watchfield Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Shrivenham and Watchfield recorded a crime rate of 5.2 per 1,000 residents in October 2024, a figure that remains 35.8% below the UK average of 8.1. This relatively low rate is a consistent trend for the area, which has historically performed better than the national average in most crime categories. However, the composition of crimes has shifted, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 33.3% of all incidents, followed by public order offences (18.2%) and other theft (9.1%). These figures reflect a mix of persistent challenges and emerging concerns, particularly in the context of October’s seasonal dynamics. The month, marked by the clocks going back and the approach of Halloween, likely contributed to increased public order issues, as darker evenings and seasonal events can amplify anti-social behaviour. While the area’s overall crime rate remains well below the UK average, the sharp rise in public order offences—now 79% above the UK average—suggests a need for targeted local measures. This increase may be linked to the area’s built-up character within a rural district, where community events and localised social interactions could influence crime patterns. The relatively low rate of violent crime compared to the UK average (1.7 per 1,000 vs. 2.7) indicates that while violence is not a dominant concern here, the recent 21.4% decrease from September suggests a possible reduction in incidents, due to seasonal factors or local initiatives. The area’s performance in categories like shoplifting (58% below UK average) and criminal damage (49% below) further highlights its distinct profile, with fewer incidents of property-related crimes than expected. These patterns may be influenced by the area’s smaller population and lower levels of commercial activity compared to larger urban centres. However, the recent spikes in specific categories, such as public order offences, underscore the importance of monitoring how local conditions and seasonal changes interact with crime trends.

October 2024 saw a dramatic rise in public order offences, increasing by 500% from one incident to six. This surge, coupled with a 200% rise in other theft and a 100% increase in vehicle crime, signals a sharp shift in the crime profile. While violent crime decreased by 21.4%, the overall crime rate still rose by 65.1% compared to September. Public order offences, now accounting for 18.2% of total crimes, far exceeded the UK average by 79%, indicating a localised challenge that may relate to seasonal factors such as Halloween and darker evenings. Residents should be particularly vigilant in public spaces, where the spike in public order crimes suggests heightened incidents of anti-social behaviour or disturbances. The UK average for vehicle crime is 0.5 per 1,000, but Shrivenham and Watchfield’s rate of 0.3 per 1,000 was 36% below, suggesting that while vehicle-related crimes are not a major concern here, the recent doubling of cases warrants monitoring. This contrast between rising public order issues and relatively stable property crime rates underscores the complexity of the area’s current situation.

The crime rate in Shrivenham and Watchfield rose by 65.1% in October 2024 compared to the previous month, moving from 3.2 to 5.2 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though significant, still places the area 35.8% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly one crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that may seem low but reflects the small population of 6,347 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 192 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents despite the recent uptick. This context is critical for residents: while the rate has risen, the absolute number of crimes remains modest, and the area continues to perform better than the national average in most categories. However, the sharp increases in specific crime types, such as public order offences, suggest localized pressures that warrant attention. These figures should be viewed alongside the area’s character as a built-up community within a rural district, where seasonal factors and local dynamics may influence crime patterns differently than in larger urban centres.