Wallingford named among England’s nine safest towns for older people

HomeLocalWallingford named among England’s nine safest towns for older people

Wallingford named among England’s nine safest towns for older people

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An international travel publication has included Wallingford in a ranking of nine English towns considered among the safest locations for older residents.

The South Oxfordshire town was one of two places from the county to feature in the World Atlas assessment.

The assessment assessed factors including crime, healthcare provision, emergency services and opportunities for social participation.

Wallingford received strong scores across each of those areas.

A Wallingford Town Council representative said the town offers advantages for residents of every age, citing its compact historic centre, independent retailers, cafés, community amenities and riverside surroundings.

Numerous local organisations and community groups also allow residents to participate in activities, meet other people and pursue personal interests.

Recorded crime in Wallingford stood at approximately 39 incidents per 1,000 people.

That figure was well below the national rate of 72 crimes per 1,000 as of April 2026 and the Oxfordshire figure of around 53 per 1,000.

Thames Valley Police has identified the reduction of retail crime, including shoplifting, as a priority in Wallingford, Cholsey and Berinsfield.

The force also focuses on anti-social behaviour, disorder, knife-carrying and drug offences.

A police spokesperson said knife-enabled offending remains very low in Wallingford, with no such crimes or incidents reported in the area during the month.

The force nevertheless recognises the established relationship between drug supply, serious violence and weapon carrying.

Although those problems are not widespread locally, officers said steps are being taken to stop them becoming entrenched.

Social-media reports identified anti-social behaviour as the most common form of nuisance crime in Wallingford.

Thames Valley Police said recorded anti-social behaviour rose by 26 per cent in October as the evenings became darker.

The local neighbourhood policing operation has also recorded progress in addressing anti-social behaviour and disorder.

A small team comprising one sergeant, four police constables and seven police community support officers serves Didcot, Wallingford and neighbouring villages.

During the same period, the team achieved a two per cent improvement in positive resolutions for anti-social and disorder offences compared with September.

Historical attractions were another element of the World Atlas assessment.

Relevant landmarks include the surviving remains of Wallingford Castle, the historic Wallingford Bridge and St Mary-le-More Church in Market Place.

Wallingford also has links to Agatha Christie, the author described as the Queen of Crime, who resided at Winterbrook for more than 40 years.

Police are discussing and patrolling locations susceptible to heritage crime as part of efforts to preserve the town’s historic character.

Such offences can involve graffiti, criminal damage and the removal of objects of historical importance.

The assessment also recognised healthcare and community-life provision, including Wallingford Community Hospital and Thameside u3a.

Wallingford Town Council characterised the town as a welcoming, well-connected community.

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