Witney Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2026, Witney's crime profile revealed a pronounced imbalance between property and violent crimes, with the latter dominating the overall rate of 4.5 per 1,000 residents. This figure, 29.7% below the UK average of 6.4, reflects a combination of local characteristics and seasonal dynamics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 46.3% of all reported crimes, significantly outpacing property crimes (29.1%) and other categories. This dominance of violent crime contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes typically make up a larger share of the total. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with limited outdoor activity and reduced public space usage—may contribute to this pattern, as fewer opportunities for property-related crimes could shift focus toward interpersonal conflicts. The town's relatively low rate of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average suggests that factors such as community engagement initiatives or local policing strategies may be playing a role in maintaining lower levels of certain crime types. However, the sharp increase in shoplifting incidents, which rose by 100% compared to January, indicates that retail environments remain vulnerable to targeted theft. This surge may be influenced by specific retail operations or changes in customer behaviour during the month. Meanwhile, the 57% reduction in criminal damage and arson compared to the UK average could be attributed to Witney's lower density of commercial properties and greater residential stability, which may reduce opportunities for such crimes. The overall crime rate's alignment with the UK average for violent crimes, despite the local dominance of this category, suggests that national trends in violent crime may be mirrored in Witney, albeit with some local variation. This data underscores the importance of continued monitoring of crime patterns to address emerging trends while maintaining the town's relatively safe environment.

February 2026 saw a 100% increase in shoplifting incidents, rising from eight to sixteen cases, a surge that contrasts with the overall decline in the area's rate. This spike, combined with a 100% increase in drug-related crimes, suggests a shift in criminal activity patterns that may be linked to local factors such as changes in retail operations or community dynamics. Violent crimes, which accounted for 46.3% of all incidents, remained 9% below the UK average for this category, indicating potential local success in community policing or social cohesion efforts. Anti-social behaviour decreased by 31.6% compared to January, a trend consistent with the seasonal reduction in public gatherings. Witney's rate of criminal damage and arson was 57% below the UK average, a figure that may reflect the town's lower density of commercial properties and greater residential stability. Residents may find the 1-in-222 monthly exposure rate particularly relevant when assessing personal safety in comparison to larger urban areas.

Witney's February 2026 crime rate of 4.5 per 1,000 residents reflects a 12.3% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.1, a shift consistent with the seasonal lull in winter activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately four reported crimes, a figure that, while stable compared to historical averages, remains lower than the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 222 residents, placing Witney among the safer built-up areas in the UK. With a population of 26,834, this monthly exposure translates to a manageable level of risk for residents, particularly when compared to larger urban centres where crime rates are consistently higher. The reduction in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage compared to January may reflect the impact of shorter daylight hours and reduced public space usage during February. This pattern aligns with typical seasonal trends observed in similar-sized towns, where colder weather and limited outdoor activity contribute to lower crime rates during winter months.