Carterton Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2026, Carterton — a built-up area within West Oxfordshire — recorded 75 crimes across a population of 18,673 residents, translating to a crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 people. This figure places the area 41.2% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, underscoring its relatively low crime profile. Violent and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 56% of all incidents, followed by other theft (13.3%) and anti-social behaviour (9.3%). The seasonal context of January, with its post-holiday lull and shorter daylight hours, likely contributed to reduced retail activity and fewer outdoor crimes, which may explain the lower-than-average rates for shoplifting and vehicle crime. However, the dominance of violent offences suggests that local factors such as community dynamics or specific environmental conditions may be influencing this category. The area's crime profile contrasts with national trends, particularly in anti-social behaviour, which was 57% below the UK average, reflecting strong community policing efforts or lower population density in certain areas. While the overall rate remains stable, the sharp increase in 'other theft' cases highlights the need for targeted interventions in this category. These patterns illustrate how Carterton's unique characteristics, such as its role as a commuter hub or its proximity to rural areas, shape its crime picture differently from larger urban centres.

January 2026 saw a dramatic 900% surge in 'other theft' incidents, rising from one to ten cases, marking the most significant single-month increase in Carterton's crime history. This spike contrasts with a 55.6% drop in criminal damage and arson, which fell from nine to four cases, possibly reflecting seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity during shorter days. Anti-social behaviour also declined by 22.2%, aligning with the post-holiday period's typical reduction in public disorder. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, contributing 56% of all crimes — 8% below the UK average for this category. Meanwhile, shoplifting decreased by 40%, consistent with the seasonal context of reduced retail footfall. The 73% shortfall in vehicle crime compared to the UK average suggests that local parking patterns or community policing efforts may be influencing this category. These shifts highlight the dynamic interplay between local conditions and crime trends, even within a generally low-crime area.

Carterton's January 2026 crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents marked a slight decline from the previous month's 4.1, reflecting a stable trend in overall criminal activity. This equates to approximately two crimes reported per day within the built-up area, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents relative to the local population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 249 residents, illustrating the monthly exposure to crime in Carterton. When scaled to the area's population of 18,673, this rate positions Carterton as significantly safer than the UK average, though the daily figure provides a tangible sense of how frequently incidents occur in practice. The stability in crime rates suggests that any local factors influencing criminal activity have remained consistent, with no dramatic shifts in patterns from December to January. This monthly aggregate also highlights that the majority of residents experience minimal direct exposure to crime, reinforcing the area's relatively low-risk profile compared to national benchmarks.