Buckinghamshire Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire presents a generally favourable crime landscape compared to the national average. With an overall crime rate of 75.3 per 1,000 people per year, the area sits notably below the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. This contributes to Buckinghamshire's impressive safety score of 82 out of 100, surpassing the UK average of 78. In terms of recent trends, the area has experienced a stable period, with a marginal decrease of 0.7% in its year-over-year crime figures. This overview sets the context for a deeper dive into the specific crime types, trends, and local comparisons that define safety within Buckinghamshire.

What Contributes to Crime Statistics in Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire is a diverse local authority district encompassing a mix of rural landscapes, market towns, and commuter belt areas. Its relatively lower crime rate and higher safety score, compared to the UK average, can be attributed to several contributing factors. A significant portion of the county is characterised by affluent, predominantly residential suburban and rural communities, which often correlate with lower crime rates. These areas typically benefit from strong community ties, lower population density in many parts, and a generally stable population.

While the district does include larger built-up areas like Aylesbury and High Wycombe, which naturally experience higher crime figures than the more rural villages, the overall statistics are buffered by the prevalence of quieter neighbourhoods. The economic stability of many areas within Buckinghamshire, with good employment opportunities and a high quality of life, can also play a role in reducing crime. Furthermore, the presence of significant transport hubs, particularly those serving London, can lead to some transient populations, but the overall residential nature of much of the county helps maintain a relatively low crime environment. These combined characteristics contribute to the area's favourable crime statistics and perception of safety.

Crime Type Analysis in Buckinghamshire

An examination of crime types in Buckinghamshire reveals that violence and sexual offences represent the most significant category, accounting for 14,019 crimes or 38.3% of the total, at a rate of 28.7 per 1,000 residents. Following this, anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, with 4,068 reported incidents, making up 11.1% of all crimes at a rate of 8.3 per 1,000. The third most prevalent crime type is other theft, with 3,374 offences, or 9.2% of the total, at 6.9 per 1,000 people.

Focusing on property-related crime, which encompasses burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Buckinghamshire records a rate of 27.8 per 1,000 residents. This figure is lower than the national property crime average of 33.2 per 1,000, suggesting a comparatively safer environment for homeowners and residents regarding their possessions. While the overall property crime rate is reassuring, understanding the specific types, such as vehicle crime (4.5 per 1,000) and burglary (2.8 per 1,000), allows residents to take targeted preventative measures. The relatively lower rates of property crime mean that while vigilance is always important, the risk is generally reduced compared to many other parts of the UK.

Crime Trends in Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with a slight decrease of 0.7% in its year-over-year crime rate. This indicates that the overall crime situation has remained largely consistent, without significant fluctuations. Looking at the monthly crime rate per 1,000 people, figures have generally remained within a narrow band. For instance, the rate was 6.7 in October 2024, saw a dip to 5.3 in February 2025, and then gradually rose to a peak of 7.2 in July 2025 before falling back to 6.2 in September 2025. These monthly figures suggest minor seasonal variations, with a slight increase during the summer months, a common pattern observed across many areas. For residents, this stable trend means that the general level of safety has been maintained, and there are no escalating crime concerns based on recent data.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When considering the broader regional context, Buckinghamshire compares favourably with several neighbouring areas. Dacorum and South Oxfordshire generally exhibit similar safety profiles, often reflecting shared characteristics of suburban and rural environments. In contrast, urban centres like Luton and Oxford tend to have higher crime rates, which is typical for more densely populated areas with diverse activities and larger transient populations. Watford, another urban area, also shows a slightly different crime dynamic compared to Buckinghamshire's overall lower figures. Three Rivers, being more suburban, often aligns more closely with Buckinghamshire's crime patterns. These comparisons highlight Buckinghamshire's position as a relatively safe area within the region, offering a lower crime rate than some of its more urbanised neighbours, while maintaining parity with other suburban and rural districts.

Protecting Your Property in Buckinghamshire

Given Buckinghamshire's property crime rate of 27.8 per 1,000 residents, which is below the national average, proactive security measures remain vital for homeowners. It’s important to remember that traditional security systems often only record a burglary after it has happened, providing footage rather than actual prevention. For genuine peace of mind, consider moving beyond reactive recording to proactive protection.

Advanced home security operating systems, like scOS, are designed to prevent crime before it occurs. These systems utilise AI to detect threats at the property boundary, rather than waiting for an intruder to gain entry. By monitoring all cameras simultaneously, multi-camera intelligence ensures nothing is missed. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify suspicious vehicles with fake plates, while pattern learning helps the system recognise your family and routines, ensuring alerts are only for real threats. When a threat is detected, autonomous response mechanisms like activating lights and engaging speakers can destroy the element of surprise, making burglars move on within moments. The right security system makes that 60-second decision easy for potential intruders – they move on, seeking an easier target. Positioned as a professional-grade alternative, scOS offers a robust defence against property crime, helping to safeguard your home and belongings effectively.