Oxford is among the most beautiful cities in England. It is widely known for its prestigious university and its rich and vibrant history. The city is also known for its Hogwarts-like universities and colleges, premier museums, and an extensive collection of anthropological treasures. It also takes pride in its covered marketplace which houses hundreds of stalls that can cater to all your needs. Needless to say, it’s an ideal place to live.
However, like any other flourishing city, Oxford is also not crime-free. Criminals are lurking and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. Do you ever wonder what the most common crimes committed in the City of Dreaming Spires are?
Sexual offence and violence
More than a thousand cases of sexual offence and violence were recorded by the police in Thames Valley from 2018 to 2019. The highest number of cases recorded was from May 2018 to October 2018. A few months later, the number of reported cases started to decline.
Theft
Theft is perhaps the most common type of crime observed in any city. In Oxford, more than a thousand theft cases were recorded over a one-year period. This is why it’s very important that you pay attention to your things and stay alert when strolling outside.
Shoplifting
Some shops in Oxford complain about shoplifters from time to time. Some steal small items like food while others secretly take highly valuable items. Such offences are common in places like the Westgate Centre.
If you are a business owner who wants to minimise your risk of dealing with shoplifters, you should consider adding security features around your shop. You can check out websites like securipol.net for more information.
Robbery
Robbery is uncommon in Oxford, with only 53 cases in a span of 12 months. However, it still pays to be prepared when a robber attempts to break inside your home or shop. For starters, you need to have security cameras. Also, you need to ensure that the locks installed can withstand break-ins.
Illegal possession of weapons
Illegal possession of firearms poses a huge threat not only to private individuals but to the government as well. Firearms are mostly used to spread violence and fear in a neighbourhood. This type of crime is still widely observed in the UK, especially in busy cities like Oxford.
Vehicle crime
Vehicle crime involves car theft and stealing valuables left inside a car, licence plates or car accessories. It’s easy to prevent such issues as long as you are more mindful of your car’s security. Always keep the doors locked and avoid leaving anything of great value inside. Also, you should never leave important papers such as your car ownership certificate or driver's licence inside the dashboard compartment.
It can be quite stressful being a victim of crime. You need to make sure that you’re one hundred percent safe by practising proven security tips, installing the right equipment such as CCTVs and alarms and consulting with security professionals.
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