Carterton Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

A sharp rise in shoplifting crimes in February 2026 marked an unexpected shift in Carterton’s crime profile, despite the area’s overall crime rate remaining significantly below the UK average. With 3.3 crimes per 1,000 residents, Carterton recorded 61 total crimes in February—48.4% lower than the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime mix, accounting for 59% of all reported incidents, yet their rate of 1.9 per 1,000 was 18% below the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour (0.4 per 1,000) and other theft (0.3 per 1,000) also fell well below national benchmarks, reflecting a broader trend of lower property crime rates in the built-up area of West Oxfordshire. Seasonal factors likely influenced these patterns, as February’s cold weather and pre-spring lull typically reduce outdoor activity and associated crimes. However, the spike in shoplifting—rising from 3 to 5 incidents—contradicts expectations for a low-crime month, suggesting potential changes in retail activity or enforcement patterns. This anomaly underscores the need for closer analysis of local retail environments, which may have seen increased foot traffic or altered security measures. The area’s crime profile remains broadly consistent with its character as a low-density built-up area, where community cohesion and limited nightlife may contribute to lower violent crime rates compared to larger urban centres. Yet the unexpected rise in shoplifting highlights the importance of monitoring specific crime types even in areas with generally stable statistics.

February 2026 saw a 66.7% increase in shoplifting crimes, rising from 3 to 5 incidents—a notable departure from the month’s generally low crime trend. This jump occurred despite Carterton’s overall crime rate remaining 48.4% below the UK average, suggesting localized factors such as retail promotions or changes in shop security protocols may have played a role. Meanwhile, drug-related offences surged by 100% from zero to one reported incident, a rare occurrence in an area where such crimes are typically minimal. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 75%, dropping from 4 to 1, potentially reflecting seasonal inactivity or improved community engagement in preventing vandalism. The balance of crime types also shifted: while violent crimes (59% of total) remained the dominant category, property crimes collectively accounted for just 19.5% of incidents—well below the UK average for property crime rates. This stark contrast highlights Carterton’s unique profile, where violent offences are more prevalent than property crimes, a pattern consistent with its character as a small built-up area with limited commercial zones. Residents may find the 66.7% rise in shoplifting particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a rare uptick in retail-related crime despite the area’s overall safety record.

Carterton’s crime rate in February 2026 (3.3 per 1,000) represented an 18.7% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4.0 per 1,000, continuing a downward trend that has positioned the area well below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day in February—a rate that, while low, may appear higher to residents accustomed to the area’s historically stable statistics. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 306 residents, a figure that, when considered in the context of Carterton’s population of 18,673, illustrates the relatively low frequency of incidents in a built-up area. This monthly exposure rate is particularly striking when compared to the UK average, where residents face significantly higher risks. The population-scaled perspective further emphasizes Carterton’s safety: with a crime rate nearly half that of the national average, the area’s residents benefit from a crime environment that is both stable and consistently below expectations for a small town. However, the sharp increase in shoplifting raises questions about whether this anomaly reflects a temporary fluctuation or a more persistent shift in local retail dynamics, warranting continued monitoring alongside the area’s overall downward trajectory.