Witney Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Witney's overall crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 residents in October 2024 places it 17.3% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This performance contrasts with national trends, particularly in categories like shoplifting and public order offences. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 34.1% of all reported crimes, making them the most prevalent category in the area. This aligns with Witney's status as a market town with a mix of retail and residential zones, where high foot traffic during weekends and evenings may contribute to such incidents. Shoplifting, at 1.1 per 1,000 residents, was 53% above the UK average, a figure that may partly explain the rise in retail-focused policing efforts in recent months. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, comprising 12.9% of total crimes, reflecting the challenges faced by smaller towns in managing community disturbances. Public order offences also exceeded the UK average by 43%, linked to seasonal factors such as the start of the autumn term and Halloween-related activities. The data suggests that while Witney's overall safety profile is stronger than the UK average, targeted crime types require sustained attention. The seasonal context of October—shorter days, the clocks going back, and Halloween—may have influenced the pattern of violence and public order offences, which often peak during darker evenings. This underscores the importance of community initiatives and local policing strategies that address both the unique characteristics of Witney and broader national trends.

October 2024 saw a marked 266.7% increase in burglary cases, rising from three to eleven incidents. This sharp rise may be linked to seasonal factors, including the autumnal shift in activity patterns and increased home occupancy during the school term. Concurrently, possession of weapons rose by 100%, with two reported cases, a figure that exceeds the UK average by 43%. This anomaly highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas where such crimes are typically underreported. In contrast, other theft decreased by 22.2%, and criminal damage and arson fell by 8.3%, suggesting that some crime categories may be influenced by temporary factors such as weather or community events. The balance between property and violent crimes also shifted during the month, with property crimes accounting for 36.9% of all incidents compared to 34.1% for violent crimes. This slight shift may reflect the seasonal nature of retail crime, particularly in the lead-up to the Christmas shopping season. Shoplifting remained significantly above the UK average, indicating a persistent challenge for local retailers and law enforcement. These figures provide residents with a clear snapshot of the areas requiring immediate attention, from increased burglary risks to the need for greater awareness around weapon possession.

Witney's crime rate in October 2024 (6.7 per 1,000) represents a 14.8% increase compared to the previous month's rate of 5.8 per 1,000. This upward trend, while modest, contrasts with the area's overall performance relative to the UK average. On a daily basis, Witney recorded approximately six crimes per day in October, a figure that is consistent with the town's population of 26,834 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 150 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Witney in a safer category compared to many urban areas. However, the increase in burglary and weapon possession highlights the vulnerability of specific neighbourhoods within the built-up area. When viewed through the lens of population size, the 179 total crimes reported in October equate to a relatively low per capita rate, reinforcing Witney's position as a safer community compared to the UK average. This context is critical for residents and local authorities, as it underscores the importance of maintaining current safety measures while addressing emerging trends. The comparison also reveals that while Witney's overall crime rate is lower than the national average, certain categories—such as shoplifting and public order offences—require targeted strategies to prevent them from escalating. These insights help frame the data in a way that is meaningful for both policy-making and community engagement.