West Oxfordshire Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in West Oxfordshire

West Oxfordshire presents an exceptionally favourable crime landscape with an overall crime rate of 49.9 per 1,000 people per year, placing it significantly below the UK average of 93.1 per 1,000. The area boasts an impressive safety score of 88 out of 100, which is considerably higher than the national average of 78, indicating a very safe environment for its residents. Recent data suggests an increasing trend in crime, with a rise of 5.5% year-over-year. This overview sets the stage for a deeper analysis of specific crime types and patterns within West Oxfordshire.

About West Oxfordshire

West Oxfordshire, a Local Authority District, is characterised by its picturesque rural landscapes, charming market towns such as Witney and Chipping Norton, and numerous villages. The area is largely residential and agricultural, with a strong emphasis on community and local businesses. Its tranquil environment and lower population density, compared to more urbanised areas, contribute significantly to its exceptionally low crime rate and high safety score. The close-knit communities often foster a sense of collective responsibility and vigilance, which acts as a natural deterrent to various forms of crime, making it a highly desirable place to live.

Crime Breakdown in West Oxfordshire

An examination of crime types in West Oxfordshire reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most common category, accounting for 44.5% of all reported crimes with 2686 incidents (22.2 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by Anti-social behaviour, which makes up 12.5% (753 incidents, 6.2 per 1,000), and Criminal damage and arson at 8.0% (482 incidents, 4.0 per 1,000).

Overall property crime, which includes burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 15.8 per 1,000 people per year. This is considerably lower than the UK average of 32.9 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, understanding these figures is crucial. While the overall property crime rate is low, being aware of the specific types, such as the 226 burglaries (1.9 per 1,000) and 323 vehicle crimes (2.7 per 1,000), allows for targeted preventative measures to protect homes and vehicles.

Crime Trends in West Oxfordshire

West Oxfordshire has experienced an increasing crime trend over the last year, with a rise of 5.5% year-over-year. Analysing the monthly data reveals some fluctuations. Crime rates per 1,000 residents saw a dip towards the end of 2024, reaching 3.7 in December, before increasing in early 2025, peaking at 4.7 in June and August. The latter half of 2025 shows consistency, with October recording 3.9. This upward trend suggests a need for residents to remain vigilant regarding local safety, despite the overall low crime rate.

Crime in Nearby Areas

When considering the regional context for West Oxfordshire, it is useful to look at neighbouring areas. While specific comparative crime rates for Cherwell, Oxford, Vale of White Horse, Cotswold, Swindon, and Stratford-on-Avon are not available for direct comparison in the provided data, West Oxfordshire's overall crime rate of 49.9 per 1,000 people per year provides a benchmark for regional safety. West Oxfordshire's rate is notably lower than the UK average, suggesting a comparatively safer environment within the broader region. This positions West Oxfordshire as an area with a strong safety profile relative to national trends, offering residents and prospective movers a clear understanding of its local standing.

Proactive Home Security

Understanding West Oxfordshire's property crime rate of 15.8 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly below the UK average, highlights the importance of proactive home security. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide footage after a crime has occurred, acting as a reactive recording device rather than a preventative measure. For true peace of mind, consider advanced AI-powered systems like scOS.

scOS offers proactive protection by detecting threats at your property boundary, before a break-in can even happen. Unlike conventional systems, scOS watches all cameras simultaneously, leveraging multi-camera intelligence and pattern learning to distinguish between family, deliveries, and genuine threats. Its autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, aims to destroy the element of surprise for potential intruders, making them move on within the critical 60-second decision window. This focus on prevention over reaction is a fundamental shift in safeguarding your home and valuables in West Oxfordshire.

How To Keep Safe in West Oxfordshire

Given that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in West Oxfordshire, it is important for residents to prioritise personal safety. To mitigate risks, consider these broader regional tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings: Always pay attention to people and situations around you, especially when out alone or in less familiar areas.
• Plan your journeys: Inform someone of your route and estimated arrival time, particularly if travelling at night. Utilise well-lit and populated paths.
• Secure your property: Ensure your home is well-lit externally and consider security measures like alarms, as a visible deterrent can make a difference.
• Report suspicious activity: If you witness anything concerning, report it to the police. Early reporting can prevent more serious incidents.
• Trust your instincts: If a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it. Your personal safety is paramount.