Witney Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Witney's April 2024 crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 places it 27.3% below the UK average, a consistent trend that underscores the area's relatively safer environment. This figure reflects a built-up area within West Oxfordshire, where the crime profile is shaped by its status as a market town with a mix of residential, retail, and rural influences. Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile, accounting for 50.3% of all incidents, with a rate of 2.8 per 1,000—9% above the UK average. This may partly explain the higher proportion of violent crime, potentially linked to increased foot traffic in the town centre during Easter and spring weather. Public order offences (9.3%) and other theft (8.6%) follow, though both categories remain below UK averages. The seasonal context of April—Easter and springtime—likely contributes to higher outdoor activity, which may explain the rise in public order offences. However, the area's overall success in maintaining a crime rate significantly below the UK average suggests effective local policing or community engagement. Witney's crime mix contrasts with national trends, where property crimes often dominate. This divergence may reflect the town's smaller size and lower population density, which could reduce opportunities for certain types of crime while amplifying others.

April 2024 saw a 33.3% decrease in shoplifting, with incidents falling from 18 to 12, marking a significant improvement in retail crime prevention. Anti-social behaviour also dropped by 50.0%, from 16 to 8, suggesting effective community interventions or seasonal factors. However, public order offences surged by 100.0%, rising from 7 to 14, a stark contrast to the area's overall trend of lower crime rates. Vehicle crime increased by 100.0%, with 4 incidents reported—a sharp rise from 2 in March. This highlights a mixed picture, where some categories show marked improvement while others reflect heightened tensions. The area's violence and sexual offences rate (2.8 per 1,000) is 9% above the UK average, indicating a local challenge that warrants attention. Residents may find the 75% reduction in anti-social behaviour particularly noteworthy, as it suggests positive outcomes from local policing or community initiatives.

Witney's crime rate in April 2024 rose 7.9% compared to March's 5.2 per 1,000, reaching 5.6 per 1,000. This places the area 27.3% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, a consistent trend reflecting local factors. On a daily basis, 5 crimes were reported across the built-up area, translating to a local monthly exposure of one crime for every 178 residents. While this rate remains lower than the UK average, the 7.9% increase from March suggests seasonal or situational shifts. The population context shows that Witney's 26,834 residents face a crime environment that is both safer than national averages and showing minor upward trends. This contrast between national and local data highlights the importance of localized analysis, as Witney's unique characteristics—such as its market town status and rural surroundings—likely contribute to its distinct crime profile.