Witney Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences emerged as the most significant category in Witney's crime profile during January 2026, accounting for 45.7% of all reported crimes. This dominance of violent crime over property crime (which made up 25.3% of incidents) contrasts with national trends, where property crime typically holds a larger share. The area's overall crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents placed it 25% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, a consistent feature of Witney's crime picture. Seasonal factors appear to influence patterns: reduced retail footfall post-holiday likely contributed to the sharp 69.2% drop in shoplifting, while shorter daylight hours and post-Christmas lulls may have dampened other outdoor crimes. The relatively low rates of property crime compared to the UK average could reflect a combination of factors, including Witney's character as a built-up area within West Oxfordshire, where community cohesion and policing presence may play a role. Anti-social behaviour (13.8% of crimes) and public order offences (10.1%) also feature prominently, suggesting that localised issues in public spaces remain a focus for authorities. The 4% below UK average rate for violence and sexual offences, despite their high proportion of local crimes, indicates a potential effectiveness in targeted interventions or community-based prevention strategies.

Violence and sexual offences remained the dominant category in January, contributing 45.7% of all crimes, though this rate was 4% below the UK average. Month-on-month, shoplifting fell sharply by 69.2% (26 to 8), likely reflecting reduced retail footfall post-holiday season. Conversely, theft from the person rose by 100% (1 to 2), an anomaly that may signal shifting patterns in opportunistic crime. Public order offences, though lower than UK averages, increased by 19%, possibly linked to local events or weather conditions. The significant drop in bicycle theft (-50%) contrasts with a 100% rise in other crime, illustrating a complex mix of trends that warrant closer examination of specific incident types and locations.

Witney's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 5.1 per 1,000 residents, a 16.4% decrease from December's 6.2 per 1,000. This drop aligns with seasonal patterns typical of January, when reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours may limit opportunities for certain crimes. On average, 4 crimes were reported daily in January, translating to a monthly exposure rate of one crime per 194 residents. This figure contextualises the scale of crime relative to the local population of 26,834. When compared to the UK average, Witney's rate remains lower, reflecting a consistent trend in the area's crime profile. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while crime is present, its frequency is proportionally lower than in many other parts of the country, suggesting effective local policing or community factors that mitigate criminal activity.