Crime Rate in Oxford: Trends, Hotspots

Overview of Crime in Oxford

The total recorded crimes in Oxford, UK in May 2025 are around 1,519 as per the recent police data. This equates to a Oxford crime rate of 9.37 per 1,000 population.

It's important to note that this crime data is based on the Geographic Boundry data provided by the ONS around Oxford, encompassing approximately 162,040 residents.

Most occured crime Types

The most prevalent crimes in the area during May were:

  • Violence and sexual offences: (509) incidents (5.82% increase)
  • Shoplifting: (188) incidents (2.17% increase)
  • Public order: (146) incidents (16.80% increase)
Oxford Crime Hotspots

The surrounding areas of below locations have emerged as crime hotspots,

  • A420 with total crimes: 29
  • Shopping Area with total crimes: 28
  • Supermarket with total crimes: 26

How safe is Oxford?

To understand the safety of Oxford, we need to analyze Oxford crime statistics in relation to both national and regional averages. This report will examine the available data and provide a balanced assessment.

  • Relative to the UK:

    • Oxford has recorded 20,583 crimes in the current year, resulting in a crime rate of 127.02 per 1,000 residents. This places it at rank 60 out of 331 in the UK, indicating it is more dangerous than average.

    • Yearly trends show that in the previous year, the city recorded 18,063 crimes with a crime rate of 111.47, ranking it 91 in the UK. This an increase in crime suggests Negative changes.

  • Relative to Oxfordshire:

    • In 2024, Oxford reported a higher crime volume than the Oxfordshire average, with 20,583 crimes compared to 12,163. This indicates a potentially challenging safety environment in the region for the year. Additionally, Oxford recorded fewer crimes than 4 out of 4 other cities.

    • In 2023, Oxford experienced a greater number of crimes than the Oxfordshire average, with 18,063 crimes compared to 10,859. This indicates a higher crime burden for the city in the region during this period. Additionally, Oxford recorded fewer crimes than 4 out of 4 other cities.

  • Overall Assessment:

    • Based on the available data, Oxford is considered more dangerous compared to the national averages.

    • Compared to other cities in Oxfordshire, Oxford has a higher crime rate in 2024.

    • The trend in crime rates suggests Negative changes in overall safety.

Oxford Crime Analysis: Ward & Area

The difference in crime rates between the most dangerous ward, Carfax & Jericho (204 crimes), and the safest, Summertown (21 crimes), is 183 crimes. This measurable difference indicates a some disparity in safety across Oxford.

Similarly, the area of Oxford Central (305 crimes) reports a significantly higher crime count compared to North Central Oxford (17 crimes), with a difference of 288 crimes. This noticeable difference highlights the diverse crime landscape within Oxford.

Most Dangerous Wards:

Carfax & Jericho204
Osney & St Thomas136
Headington96
Cowley93
Littlemore90

Safest Wards:

Barton & Sandhills37
Wolvercote30
Temple Cowley29
Headington Hill & Northway28
Summertown21

Most Dangerous Areas:

Oxford Central305
Cowley South & Iffley134
East Central Oxford134
Littlemore & Rose Hill117
Headington95

Safest Areas:

Summertown43
Wolvercote & Cutteslowe43
Iffley Fields42
Churchill38
North Central Oxford17

Oxford Crime Statstics

In May 2025 the Oxford has recorded 1,519 crimes with crime rate of 9.37 ranking 102th out of 331 in the UK and ranked 1 out 331 in terms of total crimes and 1 in terms of crime rate in Oxfordshire.

In 2024, the total Oxford crimes were 20,583. The crime rate of Oxford in 2024 was 127.02 (year) or 10.59 (month) ranking it 60 danzarous in the UK. Oxford ranked 1 in terms of total crimes and 1 in terms of crime rate in Oxfordshire.

In 2023, the total crimes in Oxford were around 18,063 crimes with yearly crime rate of 111.47 (year) or 9.29 (month) ranking 91 out 331 most dangerous city in the UK. As compared to neighboring cities in Oxfordshire, Oxford ranked 1 out 331 in terms of total crimes or 1 as per crime rate of Oxford

CityMay 202520242023
CrimesRank (Oxfordshire)CrimesRank (Oxfordshire)CrimesRank (Oxfordshire)
South Oxfordshire649 58,975 58,249 5
Vale of White Horse768 49,300 37,938 4
West Oxfordshire552 37,121 47,223 3
Cherwell1,062 214,838 212,824 2

Oxford Crime Map

Detailed Crime Data Analysis

Monthly Trends

In May 2025, Violence and sexual offences dominated crime reports (509 incidents), followed by Shoplifting also remained a significant concern (188 incidents).

Recorded incidents of Violence and sexual offences were the most frequent (481 incidents) were the most common in April 2025, with There was a large number of incidents involving Shoplifting (184 incidents) also being high.

For March 2025 , the most reported crimes were Most crimes reported were Violence and sexual offences (492 incidents) and then Shoplifting showed a substantial number of incidents (260 incidents).

February 2025 crime data shows Violence and sexual offences saw the largest number of reported crimes with 416 incidents, and Shoplifting was another prevalent crime category with 239 incidents.

During January 2025, The highest incident rate was for Violence and sexual offences (424 reports) and Shoplifting incidents were also notably high (195 cases).

December 2024 crime data shows Violence and sexual offences saw the largest number of reported crimes with 437 incidents, and Shoplifting was another prevalent crime category with 179 incidents.

During November 2024, The highest incident rate was for Violence and sexual offences (549 reports) and Shoplifting incidents were also notably high (205 cases).

In October 2024, Violence and sexual offences dominated crime reports (499 incidents), followed by Shoplifting also remained a significant concern (286 incidents).

Recorded incidents of Violence and sexual offences were the most frequent (444 incidents) were the most common in September 2024, with There was a large number of incidents involving Shoplifting (232 incidents) also being high.

For August 2024 , the most reported crimes were Most crimes reported were Violence and sexual offences (504 incidents) and then Shoplifting showed a substantial number of incidents (320 incidents).

July 2024 crime data shows Violence and sexual offences saw the largest number of reported crimes with 484 incidents, and Shoplifting was another prevalent crime category with 227 incidents.

Crime TypeCountCrime RateChange

Crime by Type

A total of 183 Robbery incidents were recorded over 11 month period, averaging 16.64 incidents per month. July 2024 saw the highest number of Robbery incidents with 23 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 202521
April 202517
March 202515
February 202515
January 202518
December 202411
November 202415
October 202417
September 202418
August 202413
July 202423

A total of 612 Burglary incidents were recorded over 11 month period, averaging 55.64 incidents per month. July 2024 saw the highest number of Burglary incidents with 76 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 202543
April 202549
March 202556
February 202563
January 202539
December 202445
November 202458
October 202459
September 202464
August 202460
July 202476

A total of 174 Possession of weapons incidents were recorded over 11 month period, averaging 15.82 incidents per month. March 2025 saw the highest number of Possession of weapons incidents with 20 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 20259
April 202512
March 202520
February 202511
January 202518
December 202419
November 202412
October 202419
September 202417
August 202420
July 202417

A total of 1434 Other theft incidents were recorded over 11 month period, averaging 130.36 incidents per month. July 2024 saw the highest number of Other theft incidents with 160 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 2025118
April 2025117
March 2025136
February 2025124
January 202596
December 2024125
November 2024156
October 2024157
September 2024117
August 2024128
July 2024160

A total of 2515 Shoplifting incidents were recorded over 11 month period, averaging 228.64 incidents per month. August 2024 saw the highest number of Shoplifting incidents with 320 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 2025188
April 2025184
March 2025260
February 2025239
January 2025195
December 2024179
November 2024205
October 2024286
September 2024232
August 2024320
July 2024227

A total of 740 Vehicle crime incidents were recorded over 11 month period, averaging 67.27 incidents per month. October 2024 saw the highest number of Vehicle crime incidents with 89 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 202560
April 202548
March 202561
February 202564
January 202549
December 202449
November 202468
October 202489
September 202487
August 202481
July 202484

A total of 813 Drugs incidents were recorded over 11 month period, averaging 73.91 incidents per month. December 2024 saw the highest number of Drugs incidents with 120 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 202554
April 202568
March 202544
February 202559
January 202584
December 2024120
November 202491
October 202487
September 202470
August 202466
July 202470

A total of 5239 Violence and sexual offences incidents were recorded over 11 month period, averaging 476.27 incidents per month. November 2024 saw the highest number of Violence and sexual offences incidents with 549 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 2025509
April 2025481
March 2025492
February 2025416
January 2025424
December 2024437
November 2024549
October 2024499
September 2024444
August 2024504
July 2024484

A total of 1251 Anti-social behaviour incidents were recorded over 11 month period, averaging 113.73 incidents per month. April 2025 saw the highest number of Anti-social behaviour incidents with 142 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 2025129
April 2025142
March 2025130
February 202584
January 202560
December 202474
November 2024100
October 2024126
September 2024129
August 2024138
July 2024139

A total of 1042 Criminal damage and arson incidents were recorded over 11 month period, averaging 94.73 incidents per month. July 2024 saw the highest number of Criminal damage and arson incidents with 116 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 2025115
April 202583
March 2025110
February 202561
January 202568
December 202496
November 202496
October 202491
September 2024100
August 2024106
July 2024116

A total of 264 Other crime incidents were recorded over 11 month period, averaging 24.00 incidents per month. November 2024 saw the highest number of Other crime incidents with 33 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 202520
April 202522
March 202522
February 202521
January 202523
December 202424
November 202433
October 202423
September 202429
August 202421
July 202426

A total of 489 Theft from the person incidents were recorded over 11 month period, averaging 44.45 incidents per month. July 2024 saw the highest number of Theft from the person incidents with 74 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 202525
April 202522
March 202531
February 202544
January 202537
December 202450
November 202456
October 202463
September 202434
August 202453
July 202474

A total of 1290 Public order incidents were recorded over 11 month period, averaging 117.27 incidents per month. May 2025 saw the highest number of Public order incidents with 146 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 2025146
April 2025125
March 2025112
February 202597
January 202593
December 202489
November 2024115
October 2024123
September 2024114
August 2024142
July 2024134

A total of 968 Bicycle theft incidents were recorded over 11 month period, averaging 88.00 incidents per month. September 2024 saw the highest number of Bicycle theft incidents with 134 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 202582
April 202571
March 202574
February 202556
January 202550
December 202442
November 202490
October 2024129
September 2024134
August 2024114
July 2024126

High Crime Locations Oxford in May 2025

A detailed breakdown of crime incidents by location within the Oxford postcode area is presented below.

1. A420 (Map)
Total29
Violence and sexual offences11
Public order6
Theft from the person3
Shoplifting3
Other theft2
Bicycle theft2
Robbery1
Anti-social behaviour1
2. Shopping Area (Map)
Total28
Shoplifting16
Violence and sexual offences5
Public order2
Other theft2
Theft from the person1
Robbery1
Drugs1
3. Supermarket (Map)
Total26
Shoplifting24
Possession of weapons1
Other crime1
4. Police Station (Map)
Total19
Violence and sexual offences10
Other theft3
Public order2
Bicycle theft2
Vehicle crime1
Burglary1
5. Stile Road (Map)
Total19
Shoplifting19
6. Hospital (Map)
Total18
Violence and sexual offences14
Public order3
Theft from the person1

  • Contains HM Land Registry data © Crown copyright and database right 2021. This data is licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
  • Contains Office for National Statistics data licensed under the Open Government Licence v.3.0
  • Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.