Burford Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Burford, covering the period from January 2025 to December 2025, reveal a crime rate of 59.3 incidents per 1,000 residents. This figure is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, placing Burford within a relatively safer category. The safety score for Burford is 84 out of 100, also exceeding the national average of 79. However, while the overall picture appears positive, a closer examination of specific crime types and trends is necessary to understand the nuances of safety within the area. The recent trend shows a welcome decrease of -21.5% year-on-year, suggesting a positive shift in community safety, but continued monitoring is vital.

The most recent crime statistics for Burford, covering January 2025 to December 2025, reveal a concerning pattern. Violence and sexual offences account for the largest proportion of reported crimes, with 53 incidents recorded, representing 45.3% of the total. Criminal damage and arson follow with 14 incidents (12.0%), while vehicle crime contributes 11 cases (9.4%). Burglary, though lower in frequency than the top two categories, remains a concern with 9 incidents. Other notable crimes include public order offences (8), anti-social behaviour (7), and shoplifting (7). The prevalence of violence and sexual offences highlights a need for focused community safety initiatives and increased vigilance. The presence of criminal damage and arson suggests potential issues related to vandalism or deliberate acts of destruction within the area. The relatively low number of burglaries, compared to other crime types, may indicate successful preventative measures, but continued efforts are crucial to maintain this trend.

The observed decrease of -21.5% in crime year-on-year is a positive development for Burford. While the monthly figures fluctuate, a general downward trend is apparent. For example, crime rates were consistently around 4.1 per 1,000 in January, February and March, increasing to 5.6 in April before dropping to 1.0 in May. A peak was observed in June at 8.1, with a subsequent decline throughout the rest of the year, settling at 4.1 in December. This pattern indicates a potential seasonality or responsiveness to specific preventative measures taken by local authorities and community initiatives. Sustaining this downward trend requires continued effort and analysis of underlying factors.

How To Keep Safe in Burford

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Vehicle crime is also a concern; always lock your vehicle and remove valuables. Criminal damage and arson are distressing events; report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. Consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster a sense of community and vigilance. Finally, ensure your home is well-lit and secure, particularly during the evening hours.

The distribution of crimes in Burford varies across different times of the day. Burglary incidents are most frequently reported during the afternoon (34%), while theft is also prominent during this period (26%). Vehicle crime shows a higher incidence during the evening (21%) and night (44%), suggesting a potential vulnerability during these hours. The morning and night periods see other crime types, such as theft, more frequently. These patterns indicate that heightened vigilance and preventative measures are particularly important during peak crime times.

When compared to neighbouring areas, Burford’s crime rate presents a mixed picture. Fulbrook and Brize Norton report no recorded crimes, demonstrating exceptionally low levels of criminal activity. Minster Lovell, however, exhibits a crime rate of 49.8 per 1,000, slightly lower than Burford’s 59.3. Carterton’s crime rate stands at 43.4 per 1,000. These comparisons highlight that while Burford is generally safer than some surrounding areas, opportunities for further improvement exist to align with the lowest-crime locations.

Traditional CCTV systems often record incidents after they’ve occurred, providing evidence but failing to prevent the crime. scOS offers a fundamentally different approach. Reading crime statistics like those for Burford is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, proactively detects potential threats at the property boundary, leveraging multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification to instantly identify suspicious vehicles and individuals. Its pattern learning capabilities recognise family members and deliveries, minimizing false alarms. The visible presence of scOS, with its autonomous response – lights activating and speakers engaging – creates a powerful deterrent, often causing potential intruders to move on within those crucial first 60 seconds. This professional-grade level of protection signals a clear message: this property is secure.