Witney Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences remain the most frequently reported crime in Witney, accounting for 42% of all incidents in January 2025. This category, which includes assault, harassment, and sexual misconduct, continues to drive the area’s overall crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 residents — 16.9% below the UK average of 7.1. The second most common category, anti-social behaviour, contributes 12.7% of total crimes, while shoplifting accounts for 10.8%. These figures highlight a stark contrast to the UK average for shoplifting, which remains unchanged at 0.6 per 1,000. The seasonal context of January, a post-holiday period marked by reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours, likely contributes to lower levels of outdoor crimes such as vehicle theft and burglary, which both fall significantly below UK averages (51% and 33% respectively). However, the dominance of violence-related incidents suggests a combination of local factors, including community dynamics and policing priorities. While the area benefits from a crime rate that is lower than the national average, the persistence of violent crimes underscores the need for targeted interventions to address underlying causes. The seasonal reduction in retail activity may also explain the lower incidence of shoplifting compared to other months, though the exact drivers of this trend require further analysis. This data illustrates a crime profile shaped by both geographic and temporal factors, with Witney’s relatively low overall rate masking variations in specific categories that warrant closer attention.

January 2025 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with three categories experiencing significant increases: drugs, burglary, and 'other crime', which rose by 150% and 200% respectively. These jumps contrast with decreases in public order offences (25%) and anti-social behaviour (23.1%), suggesting a temporary easing of tensions in some areas. Violence and sexual offences, though still the largest category, fell by 8.3% compared to December, potentially reflecting the seasonal dip in public gatherings. The UK comparison data reveals a mixed picture: while Witney’s vehicle crime rate is 51% below the national average (0.2 vs 0.4 per 1,000), its public order offences are 9% above the UK average (0.5 vs 0.45 per 1,000). This anomaly may indicate local challenges in managing public spaces, despite overall lower crime levels. A resident would find the 200% surge in 'other crime' — a category encompassing minor offences like vandalism — particularly noteworthy, as it suggests emerging issues that may require community engagement. The 100% increase in bicycle theft compared to the UK average (0.1 vs 0.1 per 1,000) appears contradictory, but this could reflect data collection quirks or the area’s unique demographics. These shifts highlight the importance of real-time monitoring to address emerging trends before they escalate.

Witney’s crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 in January 2025 is nearly identical to December’s rate of 5.8, indicating stability over the two-month period. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 5 crimes per day — a figure that, while low, underscores the need for consistent policing efforts. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 171 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is 16.9% below the UK average. This figure, when contextualised against Witney’s population of 26,834, suggests a relatively safe environment compared to the national average, though local variations in specific crime types remain. The daily crime count of 5 is particularly relevant for residents, as it provides a tangible measure of the pace at which incidents occur. While the overall rate is stable, the composition of crimes has shifted: the rise in 'other crime' and drugs-related incidents may indicate evolving challenges that require targeted responses. The UK comparison data further highlights Witney’s strengths in areas like vehicle crime, where its rate is 51% below the national average, but also points to areas for improvement, such as public order offences. These comparisons offer a nuanced view of the area’s performance, balancing its overall safety with the need to address specific emerging trends.