Bourne End Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2024, Bourne End, a built-up area within Buckinghamshire, recorded 30 crimes across a population of 7,445 residents, resulting in a crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 people. This figure is 52.4% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, positioning the area as significantly safer than the national benchmark. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 43.3% of all reported incidents (13 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (13.3%) and other theft (10.0%). These patterns align with the area's character as a smaller, likely residential and commercial hub, where interpersonal conflicts and minor thefts may be more common than large-scale property crimes. Seasonal factors in May—such as longer evenings, bank holidays, and increased outdoor socialising—likely contributed to the rise in violent and anti-social behaviour, as these conditions can extend the timeframe for social interactions and alcohol-related incidents. The relatively low rate of property crimes, particularly shoplifting (0.1 per 1,000), suggests that local retail areas may not be as frequently targeted compared to larger urban centres. This could reflect Bourne End's smaller scale, lower foot traffic, or effective local policing strategies. The overall crime rate, while showing a 19.9% increase from the previous month, remains well below the UK average, indicating a stable and generally low-crime environment. However, the sharp spikes in anti-social behaviour and public order offences highlight the need for continued monitoring of social dynamics during periods of extended daylight and seasonal events.

May 2024 saw sharp increases in anti-social behaviour (+300%), public order offences (+200%), and vehicle crime (+200%) compared to April. These jumps, particularly in anti-social behaviour, may partly explain the 19.9% rise in the overall crime rate from the previous month. Despite this, violent crimes in Bourne End remain 37% below the UK average, with 13 incidents recorded—a rate of 1.8 per 1,000 residents. The breakdown also reveals that shoplifting, at 0.1 per 1,000 residents, is 84% below the UK average, suggesting that local retail areas may be less targeted than national trends indicate. The decrease in criminal damage and arson by 25% (from 4 to 3 incidents) contrasts with the sharp rises in other categories, highlighting a shift in crime mix. For residents, the 300% increase in anti-social behaviour—a category often linked to public spaces and alcohol consumption—may warrant closer attention during the summer months.

Bourne End's crime rate in May 2024 rose 19.9% from the previous month's 3.4 per 1,000 to 4.0 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend. At 1 crime per day on average, this equates to a local figure of roughly one reported crime for every 248 residents over the course of the month. While the daily crime rate remains low by UK standards, the monthly exposure statistic provides context for residents: over 7,445 people, one in every 250 individuals experienced a reported crime in May. This figure is particularly meaningful when compared to the UK average, where the area's overall crime rate is 52.4% below the national level. The population-scaled perspective underscores how Bourne End's smaller size and lower density contribute to its crime profile, with fewer incidents concentrated among a tightly knit community. The increase from April to May, though modest, suggests a seasonal shift influenced by May's extended evenings and bank holidays, which may have altered social patterns in the built-up area.