West Oxfordshire Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2026, West Oxfordshire recorded a crime rate of 3.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 40.6% below the UK average of 6.4. This figure translates to a per-capita risk where, over the course of the month, one in every 264 residents experienced a reported crime. The area's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which accounted for nearly half (48.5%) of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (8.7%) and shoplifting (7.4%). Despite the overall low rate, the seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may have influenced patterns, with violent crime remaining relatively stable while property-related offences fluctuated. The lower-than-average rates for anti-social behaviour and shoplifting suggest that local initiatives or environmental factors may be mitigating these issues. However, burglary rates in the area are 20% above the UK average, indicating a specific challenge that could be linked to the region's rural character, where property crimes might be more concentrated in isolated or less-monitored areas. The area's performance on violent crime, which is 22% below the UK average, aligns with its likely demographic profile as a district with a lower population density and fewer urban-centric risk factors. These trends illustrate how geographic and seasonal dynamics shape crime patterns, offering insights into both the strengths and gaps in local safety measures.

February 2026 saw a striking 88.9% increase in shoplifting, rising from 18 to 34 incidents—a jump that may reflect seasonal shifts in retail activity or targeted behaviour during winter months. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by two-thirds, possibly linked to reduced outdoor cycling in colder weather. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for nearly half (48.5%) of all crimes, though this rate is 22% below the UK average for the same category. Anti-social behaviour also fell sharply, with a 67% deficit compared to the UK average, suggesting effective local policing or community interventions. The rise in shoplifting contrasts with the overall low crime rate, highlighting the need for targeted strategies in retail areas. Residents might note that while violent crime remains a concern, the area's performance on property crime—particularly burglary, which is 20% above the UK average—points to specific vulnerabilities that warrant attention.

West Oxfordshire's February 2026 crime rate of 3.8 per 1,000 residents marks a 3.8% decline from the previous month's 3.9, reflecting a slight downward trend. This translates to approximately 16 reported crimes per day, a figure that underscores the area's relatively low crime density compared to national averages. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 264 residents, a ratio that contextualises the risk as manageable for most households. The population-scaled perspective reveals that even with 458 total crimes, the rate remains well below the UK average, suggesting that local factors—such as community engagement or environmental design—may contribute to sustained safety. The daily crime count, while non-zero, aligns with the area's character as a predominantly rural district with lower population density, where crime tends to cluster in specific pockets rather than spread evenly.