Wantage Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

The most unexpected development in Wantage's September 2025 crime picture was the 300% surge in burglary cases, a sharp departure from the area's historically low property crime rates. This spike occurred alongside a broader trend of declining overall crime, with the total rate falling to 4.0 per 1,000 residents—45.9% below the UK average of 7.4. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 51.9% of incidents, though their rate remained 19% below the national average. The seasonal context of September, marked by the return of students and the onset of shorter evenings, may have influenced patterns, though the burglary increase defies straightforward seasonal explanations. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.4 per 1,000, was 66% below the UK average, reflecting a possible combination of community policing efforts and the area's relatively small population. Property crime, typically a minor concern in Wantage, saw unexpected volatility, with burglary rising sharply while shoplifting and public order offences fell. These fluctuations highlight the need for ongoing local analysis, as the area's crime profile continues to diverge from national trends in ways that require careful interpretation.

The most striking shift in September 2025 was the 300% increase in burglary cases, rising from 1 to 4 incidents—a jump that defies the area's usual pattern of low property crime. This surge contrasts sharply with declines in other categories: criminal damage and arson fell by 66.7%, shoplifting dropped by 60%, and public order offences also decreased by 60%. Meanwhile, violent crime remained a dominant force, accounting for 51.9% of total incidents.1 per 1,000 was 19% below the UK average. Other theft, which saw a 100% increase from 3 to 6 cases, and bicycle theft, which doubled to 1 incident, highlight shifting patterns in property-related offences. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.4 per 1,000, was 66% below the UK average, suggesting effective community engagement in addressing disruptive conduct.

Wantage's crime rate in September 2025 fell by 27.0% compared to the previous month, declining from 5.5 to 4.0 per 1,000 residents. This reduction places the area 45.9% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000, a consistent trend reflecting lower-than-national rates for most crime types. Locally, the daily crime count averaged 2 incidents per day over the month, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity within the built-up area. On a monthly basis, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 249 residents, highlighting the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to national benchmarks. This population-scaled perspective underscores that Wantage remains a safer environment than many similar-sized communities, though fluctuations in specific categories—such as burglary—warrant closer attention to local dynamics.