Witney Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Witney’s crime rate in May 2024 stood at 5.3 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is 36.9% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This continued performance places the area among the safer localities in England, though the distribution of crime types reveals a complex picture. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 46.1% of all reported incidents, making them the most common category, followed closely by criminal damage and arson (9.9%), shoplifting (9.9%), and public order offences (9.9%). These figures align with the seasonal context of May, which typically sees increased outdoor socialising and longer evenings, factors that may contribute to a rise in public disorder and alcohol-related incidents. The relatively low rate of property crimes (44 total, or 31.2% of all crimes) contrasts with the higher proportion of violent offences, a pattern consistent with Witney’s character as a mixed-use town with a significant retail and service sector. While the overall rate remains stable, the seasonal context of May—marked by bank holidays and extended daylight—may have influenced the types of crimes reported, with public order and violence affected by increased foot traffic and social activity in the town centre.

May 2024 saw a sharp increase in bicycle theft, with incidents doubling compared to the previous month (from 1 to 2). This rise, though small in absolute terms, may partly explain by the area’s growing cycling infrastructure and the potential for opportunistic theft in high-traffic zones. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 75% (from 4 to 1), a drop that could reflect improved car security measures or reduced parking congestion during the month. The category of 'drugs' also saw a 100% increase (from 2 to 4), which, while still below the UK average (0.2 per 1,000), raises questions about local enforcement patterns or shifts in illicit activity. Anti-social behaviour remained 66% below the UK average (0.5 vs 1.4 per 1,000), a consistent trend that may be linked to Witney’s relatively quiet, suburban character. The violent crime category, at 2.4 per 1,000, is 15% below the UK average, though the 65 reported incidents (46.1% of total crimes) highlight the persistent challenge of managing public safety in a town with mixed residential and commercial areas.

Witney's crime rate in May 2024 (5.3 per 1,000 residents) represents a 6.7% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.6 per 1,000, reflecting a continued trend of relative safety compared to the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 5 crimes per day in May, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 190 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the low frequency of crime in Witney compared to national benchmarks. This statistic is particularly significant when considering the population of 26,834, as it illustrates that the vast majority of residents are not directly affected by crime on a monthly basis. The decline in vehicle crime (down 75%) and robbery (down 66.7%) suggests a possible reduction in targeted incidents, potentially linked to increased community awareness or seasonal factors such as shorter evenings. However, the rise in bicycle theft (+100%) highlights a specific vulnerability that warrants attention, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or cycling infrastructure.