Oldham: Crime Rates and Safety
Oldham, a semi-rural area in the north of England, ranks 32nd in the country for its overall crime rate, 115.0 incidents per 1,000 people, or roughly 1 in 9 residents. While it can be an attractive location for those seeking affordable housing, residents are aware of the rising crime rates. Nevertheless, crime in Oldham remains lower than in many other parts of the Greater Manchester area.
5 Most Common Crimes
Violence against individuals—both without injury and with injury—ranks among the top five crimes in Oldham. This category includes homicide, death or serious injury caused by unlawful driving, violence resulting in injury, and violence without injury. Over a year, 11,872 incidents of violence against a person were recorded, equating to 48.23 crimes per 1,000 people. Of these, 20.30 crimes per 1,000 were classified as without injury, while 10.67 crimes per 1,000 involved injuries.
Stalking and harassment offences accounted for 17.21 crimes per 1,000 people, placing Oldham just 4.03 crimes per 1,000 behind Bradford. Public order offences typically involve threats or acts of violence or harassment directed at someone in a public space.
Additionally, criminal damage and arson are significant concerns. Arson refers to the intentional setting of fire to property or belongings, while criminal damage includes any intentional or reckless destruction of another person’s property without permission.
Police Priority
Whilst your local neighbourhood teams work hard to ensure local issues remain a priority within the Greater Manchester Police force this includes neighbourhood crime such as theft from a person, robbery and anti-social behaviour.
So, What an You Do?
If you have questions about how to protect your home or business, including topics like car security or how to avoid common home security mistakes, our home security guide offers valuable information for frequently asked questions.
Additionally, if your personal keys are stolen, our locksmiths can assist you in changing your locks and securing your home quickly. Our auto locksmiths can also cut a new key from a spare you already have. Having a spare car key ensures you can access and operate your vehicle without any issues.
Contacting the Police
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime, then please contact your local police force. If it is not an emergency you can fill out a report online or call 101 for non-emergencies and 999 for fire, police and medical emergencies.
Jessica Davies
Jessica brings over six years of specialised expertise to Keytek's comprehensive UK location guides, combining meticulous research with genuine local insight. As the architect behind Keytek’s area profiles, she delivers essential intelligence on house prices, crime statistics, schools, and community character—everything you need to know about the city or town.
Armed with a photography degree from the University of Brighton and an exhibited portfolio, Jessica approaches each location asking, "What would it be like to live here?" This perspective transforms dry statistics into lived experience, revealing not just what places cost, but what they truly offer.
Since 2019, Jessica has partnered with Keytek®'s security professionals, weaving real-world safety expertise into every guide. Her work addresses practical realities: Is this neighbourhood genuinely safe? What security considerations matter? How does local infrastructure support daily life?
From bustling cities to quiet villages, Jessica's field research uncovers authentic local character. Her commitment to accuracy and on-the-ground investigation has established her as a trusted voice—helping people navigate different locations across the UK and home security with complete confidence.
