Witney Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Witney, 6.3 crimes were reported in June 2023—a rate 25.9% below the UK average of 8.5 per 1,000. This translates to a monthly exposure of one crime for every 159 residents, a figure that offers context for everyday risk in the area. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 41.4% of all reported incidents. This was followed by anti-social behaviour (15.4%) and shoplifting (8.9%). The crime profile in Witney contrasts with national trends: while UK averages show higher rates for property crimes, Witney's data reveals a notable emphasis on violent offences. This pattern may reflect local dynamics, such as the town's mix of residential and commercial areas, which could contribute to higher rates of interpersonal crime. Seasonal factors also appear to play a role, as June marks the beginning of summer—a period when increased foot traffic and outdoor activity might influence crime patterns. The relatively low rate of burglary (1.2% of total crimes) suggests that Witney's built-up area may have security features or community engagement strategies that deter property crime. However, the 11% above UK average rate for shoplifting indicates that retail areas may still be vulnerable to targeted theft. As the summer progresses, these patterns may evolve further, influenced by tourism, leisure activity, and the rhythm of the local community.

June 2023 saw a 200% increase in bicycle theft compared to May, rising from 1 to 3 incidents. This sharp rise may reflect the start of the summer season, when more residents take to cycling for recreation or commuting. Simultaneously, possession of weapons also surged by 100%, with the number of incidents doubling from 1 to 2. This could indicate a shift in criminal activity patterns during warmer months, though further data would be needed to establish a clear link. On the other hand, several crime categories experienced declines: other theft fell by 51.9%, drugs-related offences dropped by 50%, and 'other crime' also decreased by 50%. These reductions may suggest ongoing efforts by local authorities or natural fluctuations in criminal activity. Witney's rate for violence and sexual offences (2.6 per 1,000) is 11% below the UK average of 2.9 per 1,000. This contrast with the UK trend is particularly significant given the high proportion of violent crimes in Witney's total crime count. Meanwhile, shoplifting in Witney is 11% above the UK average, highlighting a specific vulnerability in retail environments. For residents, the 200% increase in bicycle theft provides a concrete example of how seasonal changes can directly impact personal safety, emphasizing the importance of securing bikes during peak summer months.

The crime rate in Witney for June 2023 (6.3 per 1,000 residents) represents a 15.1% decrease from the previous month's rate of 7.4 per 1,000. This decline suggests a short-term reduction in overall criminal activity, though monthly fluctuations are common and may not indicate long-term trends. On a daily basis, Witney experienced approximately 6 crimes per day in June—a figure that, while seemingly high, is contextualized by the town's population of 26,834. When viewed on a monthly scale, this equates to one reported crime for every 159 residents, a metric that helps residents gauge their personal risk in relation to the broader community. The comparison to the UK average reinforces Witney's position as a relatively safer area, particularly in categories such as anti-social behaviour (32% below the UK average) and criminal damage and arson (53% below). However, the 11% above UK average rate for shoplifting underscores a specific challenge in retail areas. These statistics, when combined with the month-on-month decline, suggest that while Witney maintains a generally lower crime profile than the UK, targeted interventions may still be needed in sectors where local rates diverge from national trends. For a resident, the 1-in-159 monthly exposure figure provides a tangible way to understand risk, framing crime as a rare but not insignificant part of daily life in the area.