Ducklington Crime Rate

Ducklington is a safe and secure village with an overall crime rate of 58.5 per 1,000 residents. This figure is well below the UK average of 93.1, contributing to a strong safety score of 85/100. Over the last 12 months, the area has seen a 9.2% increase in crime, a trend that suggests residents should remain vigilant despite the high overall safety rating. For the 2,446 residents, Ducklington offers a much more secure environment than nearby larger towns. The property crime rate is 19.6 per 1,000 people, which is also lower than national benchmarks. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of local crime patterns and practical advice for maintaining safety in the community.

Crime Breakdown in Ducklington

The most significant crime type in Ducklington is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 44.8% of all recorded incidents, with a rate of 26.2 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 10.5% and public order offences at 9.8%. For residents, understanding the impact of property-related crime is also crucial.

The overall property crime rate in Ducklington is 19.6 per 1,000 people. This includes other theft (7.0%), vehicle crime (6.3%), burglary (5.6%), and shoplifting (2.1%). While property crime is lower than the national average, it represents nearly one-third of all local criminal activity. For homeowners, this means that while violence is the top category, opportunistic property offences like theft and vehicle crime are persistent issues. Criminal damage and arson also contribute a significant 10.5% to the total, highlighting the need for robust physical security and a visible deterrent around residential properties.

Crime Trends in Ducklington

Ducklington has seen a 9.2% increase in overall crime over the past year. Monthly data reveals significant fluctuations, with the crime rate ranging from a low of 2.0 in May 2025 to a peak of 8.2 in August 2025. Other high-activity months included June (7.0) and February (6.5). This volatility, particularly the high summer peak, suggests that criminal activity is not constant but can spike significantly. While the October 2025 rate of 3.3 is closer to the annual average, the overall 9.2% year-over-year rise indicates that the village is experiencing a slight upward trend in criminal activity that residents should monitor.

How To Keep Safe in Ducklington

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Ducklington, representing nearly 45% of all recorded incidents. While the overall volume is low, maintaining personal safety awareness is always recommended.

1. Stay Alert in Public: Be aware of your surroundings when walking through the village, particularly at night. Avoid distractions like mobile phones or headphones in quieter or poorly lit areas.
2. Secure Your Property: Criminal damage and arson is the second highest crime type (10.5%). Ensure your perimeter is well-lit and that any flammable materials or outdoor assets are stored securely.
3. Vehicle Vigilance: Vehicle crime accounts for over 6% of local incidents. Always double-check that your car is locked and avoid leaving any valuables on display, even for short periods.
4. Report ASB: While anti-social behaviour is lower at 4.2%, reporting any persistent issues to the local authorities helps maintain the village's peaceful environment.
5. Community Watch: Participating in local neighbourhood watch schemes is an effective way to stay informed about recent incidents and work with neighbours to keep the community safe.

Temporal Crime Patterns in Ducklington

Crime in Ducklington follows distinct temporal patterns throughout the day. Daytime hours are most significant for theft-related offences, accounting for 32% of morning crimes and peaking at 35% in the afternoon. As the evening approaches, 'other' crimes, including public order offences, become more dominant, representing 55% of incidents between 6pm and 12am. Night-time hours (12am to 6am) see a marked shift towards vehicle crime and burglary, which account for 37% and 21% of incidents respectively. For residents, this highlights that while personal safety is a daytime and evening focus, property and vehicle security are most critical during the overnight period when the village is quietest.

In the local West Oxfordshire context, Ducklington's crime rate of 58.5 per 1,000 people is notably safer than neighbouring Witney, which has a higher rate of 74.4. However, it is more active than the exceptionally quiet surrounding villages of Hardwick, Curbridge, and Brighthampton, all of which recorded no crimes (0.0) during the same period. This indicates that Ducklington is a moderately active but safe settlement within a very low-crime rural cluster. It remains a secure choice for those looking for a village lifestyle with easy access to regional hubs.

Enhancing Security in Ducklington

With a property crime rate of 19.6 per 1,000 residents and a recent 9.2% increase in overall crime, taking steps to secure your home in Ducklington is a sensible priority. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or DIY alarms, are often reactive; they only alert you or provide footage after a crime has already taken place. This is of limited value in preventing an incident from affecting your home.

A proactive approach is far more effective. The scOS operating system uses AI to monitor your property's perimeter in real-time, identifying potential threats before they reach your front door. Unlike basic systems, scOS can intervene autonomously with integrated lights and audio to deter an intruder immediately. In an area like Ducklington, where opportunistic property crime and criminal damage make up a significant portion of local activity, the visible and intelligent deterrence provided by scOS can ensure that criminals move on to easier targets, keeping your property and family safe.