Witney Crime Rate

Witney's crime rate of 75.1 per 1,000 residents is 17.6% below the UK average, making it one of the safer areas in Oxfordshire. However, the 10.5% year-on-year increase in overall crime highlights emerging challenges. Notably, bicycle theft has surged by 116.7% YoY, a rate 21% above the national average, likely driven by the town's cycling culture and commuter demographics.

Witney is a historic market town in West Oxfordshire, known for its vibrant high street, rural surroundings, and commuter appeal. Its mix of residential areas, local businesses, and proximity to Oxford likely contributes to a moderate crime profile. The presence of retail hubs may explain shoplifting rates, while the town's character as a commuter destination could influence anti-social behaviour patterns.

Witney's most surprising finding is that violence and sexual offences occur at a rate 2% above the UK average, despite the area's overall safety. This may be linked to the town's proximity to Oxford, which attracts a diverse population, and its bustling high street, which could create environments conducive to such crimes. Anti-social behaviour is notably lower than the UK average (24% below), but its 30% year-on-year increase suggests growing challenges in managing public conduct. Shoplifting, at 5% above the UK average, likely reflects the town's retail activity. Meanwhile, bicycle theft's 21% elevation above the national rate may correlate with Witney's popularity as a cycling destination, particularly for commuters and students.

Crime in Witney has increased by 10.5% year-on-year, with notable spikes in bicycle theft (+116.7% YoY) and anti-social behaviour (+30% YoY). The monthly trend shows a peak in March 2025 (7.5 per 1,000) and a trough in January 2026 (5.1 per 1,000), suggesting seasonal patterns. Bicycle theft's dramatic rise may be linked to the town's cycling culture, while anti-social behaviour's increase could reflect growing population pressures and commercial activity.

How To Keep Safe in Witney

Here are practical tips for residents: 1) Secure bikes with GPS trackers, as bicycle theft has surged by 116.7% YoY. 2) Avoid walking alone in the evening, as violence and sexual offences occur at a rate 2% above the UK average. 3) Report anti-social behaviour promptly, as it has increased by 30% YoY despite remaining 24% below the national average.

Crime in Witney follows distinct daily patterns. Theft peaks in the afternoon (47% of incidents), aligning with retail activity and pedestrian traffic. Vehicle crime rises sharply at night (19% of incidents), likely due to reduced surveillance and increased opportunities for opportunistic theft. Other crimes, such as burglary and anti-social behaviour, are more common in the evening, reflecting the town's nightlife and social dynamics. The lowest crime activity occurs in the early morning, when most residents are asleep and businesses are closed.

Compared to nearby areas, Witney's crime rate of 75.1 per 1,000 is 38% higher than Ducklington (54.4) and 295% higher than Hailey (19.0). Hailey, a rural village, likely benefits from its smaller population and lower commercial activity, while Ducklington's higher crime rate may reflect its proximity to Oxford and greater commuter traffic.

For Witney's specific crime profile, scOS's DVLA vehicle registration verification and proactive boundary detection can help deter vehicle crime and burglary. With vehicle crime at 1.2 per 1,000 (75% below UK average), scOS's real-time alerts could prevent opportunistic theft. Its behavioural pattern learning also reduces false alarms, which is crucial in an area where anti-social behaviour has risen by 30% YoY.