Is Burglary on the Rise? Investigating Crime Trends in UK Student Cities
Is Burglary on the Rise? Investigating Crime Trends in UK Student Cities
Recently released data suggests that burglary is declining, but is that the truth?
Burglary can be defined as the act of illegally entering a building with the intention to commit a crime, usually theft. Burglary can happen in both residential and commercial settings. A common misconception is that theft must occur for burglary to be considered a crime, but in reality, the unlawful entry itself constitutes the offence.
In 2023, data released by the Crime Survey for England and Wales suggested a presumed decline in burglary cases, notably in domestic settings. However, this raises doubts, especially in cities with large student populations, due to the topic of burglary being a common conversation between students. This prompts a closer examination of burglary trends, particularly in areas known for their vibrant student communities.
I have looked through datasets from the Office of National Statistics as well as datasets from specific police forces in order to fully analyse the question at hand. I have also chosen to explicitly focus on data surrounding Oxford City and Exeter, given that both cities are renowned for their prominent universities and the influx of students they attract.
Why does this matter? Ultimately, delving into burglary statistics serves a dual purpose: it not only provides the community with a clear understanding of the crime's reality but also plays a vital role in educating individuals on how to safeguard themselves.
Turning our attention to the years 2022 and 2023, it's essential to take a close look at the current burglary situation in the UK, especially in the areas where our chosen cities are located.
Crime data gathered from the Thames Valley area challenges the prior estimates provided by the Crime Survey for England and Wales, indicating a notable 3% increase in burglary rates within this area of England. This discrepancy suggests that the overall surge in burglary incidents could potentially be attributed to a significant rise in residential burglaries documented in the year 2023. Specifically, residential burglaries constituted a substantial 66% of all reported burglary cases in the Thames Valley during the 2023 period.
Contrary to the findings in Thames Valley, the data collected in the Devon and Cornwall area aligns with the trends reported by the Crime Survey for England and Wales. Specifically, in 2023, there was a notable 2% decrease in burglary incidents compared to the preceding year, particularly in non-residential settings.
Expanding my investigation beyond the original datasets, I delved into additional crime data for Exeter. Exploring the Devon and Cornwall Police website revealed that violent and/or sexual crimes are the most prevalent in Exeter city centre. Moreover, a mere four burglary cases were reported in February 2024, corroborating the trends indicated by the Crime Survey for England and Wales.
Applying a similar approach to Oxford City, I examined the crime data available. Checking the Thames Valley Police website provided valuable insights. Contrary to expectations - expectations stemming from Oxford’s popularity -, the data showed a different story. As of 2024, reported burglary cases in Oxford had decreased by 6% since 2021.
In addition to the overall decrease in burglary cases in Oxford, data from the Thames Valley Police website revealed a concerning trend: a 24% increase in residential burglaries from 2021 to 2024. Despite the positive overall trend, this hidden detail is crucial. It indicates that residential burglaries remain a significant concern for Oxford residents — particularly students.
Hattie had just wrapped up her final year of undergraduate studies on a positive note by submitting her dissertation. As her flatmates had already vacated their shared apartment and headed home, Hattie was preparing to depart the following week.
Reflecting on the incident, Hattie recalled that she had “heard voices, but I just thought maintenance was here to fix something.” She had always felt secure in her home, knowing that the rental agency regularly sent maintenance staff for upkeep. These workers were entrusted with spare keys to access the premises in the absence of tenants. However, the situation took a grim turn when Hattie realised that the voices she heard weren't from maintenance workers.
It wasn't until she stepped outside and noticed two plastic pieces stuck in the keyhole that the gravity of the situation dawned on her: her flat had been burgled. Despite the intrusion, Hattie opted not to report the incident to the police, as “they didn’t steal anything, reporting it felt silly.”
Hattie’s case isn't isolated. A similar situation happened to another student who also resided in Oxford, Katie.
In Katie's case, the burglar had entered her university house by hopping over the fence into the garden. “I was upstairs and I heard a huge crack” she shared, describing how the perpetrator had thrown a rock against the glass doors leading into the home's living room. Unlike Hattie, Katie reported this incident to the police, but nothing was done beyond filing a report.
In 2023, the Crime Survey for England and Wales hinted at a possible decline in burglary cases, particularly in domestic settings. However, this assertion raises doubts, especially in cities with significant student populations, where burglary remains a common concern among residents.
Expanding the analysis to specific cities like Oxford and Exeter, crime data paints a complex picture. While Exeter witnessed a decline in reported burglary cases, Oxford saw a decrease in overall cases but an alarming increase in residential burglaries. This discrepancy underscores the importance of understanding localised crime trends and taking appropriate preventive measures.
Individual experiences, like those of Hattie and Katie, offer insights into the realities of burglary. Despite similar incidents, their responses differed, highlighting the varying perceptions and responses to burglary among residents.
In essence, analysing burglary statistics not only provides a clear understanding of crime realities but also informs community safety efforts. By addressing localised crime trends and fostering proactive engagement, communities can work towards enhancing security and protecting residents from the impacts of burglary.