Witney Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Witney's crime rate in October 2025 stood at 6.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 22.1% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This marked contrast with national trends highlights the area's relatively safe environment. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 36.3% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.9%) and shoplifting (13.1%). These figures suggest a mix of community-focused and retail-related challenges, with the former likely influenced by the area's social fabric and the latter tied to local shopping habits. The seasonal context of October—marked by darker evenings and Halloween—may partly explain the elevated share of public order offences, which could reflect increased youth activity or community events. However, the overall rate remains lower than the UK average, consistent with Witney's status as a largely residential and semi-rural built-up area within West Oxfordshire. This suggests that while local factors shape crime patterns, the area benefits from a combination of lower population density, strong community policing, and a more stable demographic profile compared to larger urban centres.

October 2025 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Public order offences surged by 111.1% (from 9 to 19), a jump that may be linked to Halloween-related activities or increased youth engagement during the month's darker evenings. Conversely, violent crimes fell by 32.6% (from 86 to 58), a decline that could reflect seasonal shifts in social behaviour or the end of a university term if Witney hosts educational institutions. Shoplifting remained a concern, with rates 27% above the UK average, driven by the town's retail presence. Burglary rates dropped by 50.0% (from 2 to 1), aligning with Witney's lower overall property crime rate compared to the UK. For residents, the 111.1% increase in public order offences is a key data point, suggesting that local authorities may need to monitor community events or youth activity in the coming months. Meanwhile, the sharp decline in violent crime, despite the seasonal context, indicates that local interventions or policing strategies may be effective in managing this category.

Witney's crime rate in October 2025 (6.0 per 1,000) marked a 9.7% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.6 per 1,000, underscoring a downward trend in reported crimes. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 5 crimes per day in October, a figure that, while modest, reflects the town's ongoing need for vigilance. When scaled to the population of 26,834 residents, this translates to one reported crime for roughly every 168 residents over the course of the month—a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average. This suggests that residents of Witney face a markedly lower risk of encountering crime compared to the national picture, particularly in categories like burglary and vehicle crime, which were 100% below the UK average. The contrast with larger urban areas is stark, as Witney's lower population density and semi-rural character likely contribute to its reduced crime rates. However, the rise in public order offences highlights the importance of balancing localised challenges with the broader safety advantages the area enjoys. For context, the 9.7% monthly decline in crime rates aligns with the typical seasonal pattern observed in many UK towns, where colder weather and shorter days may reduce outdoor activity and associated crime opportunities.