Carterton Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 18,673, Carterton recorded 68 crimes in January 2024, equating to a crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents. This figure places the area 51.4% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000, a disparity that underscores the relative safety of this built-up area within West Oxfordshire. The crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, accounting for 69.1% of all incidents—47 cases in total. This category, while significantly lower than the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), remains the most prevalent in the area. Criminal damage and arson (4 cases) and public order offences (3 cases) follow, both well below national averages. The seasonal context of January—post-holiday, with reduced retail footfall and shorter days—likely contributes to the lower volume of outdoor-related crimes, though the surge in shoplifting and burglary suggests other factors at play. Carterton's crime picture reflects a balance between urban dynamics and localised vulnerabilities, with property crimes (14 total) making up a smaller share than violent crimes. This pattern aligns with the area's character as a built-up district, where residential and commercial spaces intersect, potentially influencing crime distribution. The data also highlights the importance of understanding how seasonal transitions and local rhythms shape crime trends, even in relatively low-crime environments.

January 2024 saw sharp increases in shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, and burglary—each doubling from December's figures. This surge in shoplifting, rising from one to three incidents, may reflect post-holiday retail patterns or targeted activity in local stores. Anti-social behaviour, which had not been reported in December, emerged as a new concern, while burglary's doubling could signal shifts in residential security practices or seasonal vulnerabilities. Conversely, drugs-related crimes fell by 50%, and public order offences dropped by 40%, linked to shorter days and reduced outdoor activity. Violence and sexual offences, comprising 69.1% of all crimes, remained 4% below the UK average, a consistency that highlights Carterton's distinct profile compared to national trends. These fluctuations underscore the need for ongoing local analysis to address emerging patterns.

Carterton's crime rate in January 2024 rose 23.4% from December's 3.0 per 1,000 to 3.6 per 1,000, marking a notable upward trend. On a daily basis, this translates to approximately two crimes reported each day—a figure that, while modest, reflects the area's built-up character and local dynamics. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 275 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places the area in contrast to broader UK trends. With a population of 18,673, the crime rate's relationship to population size underscores the relative safety of Carterton compared to larger urban centres. The increase in violent crimes, particularly violence and sexual offences, aligns with seasonal patterns typical of post-holiday periods, where reduced retail footfall and shorter days may influence crime distribution. This context suggests that while the area remains significantly safer than the UK average, local factors continue to shape crime trends.