Buckingham Crime Rate

Crime and Safety in Buckingham

Buckingham is a very safe historic town, with an overall crime rate of 52.0 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7. The town's high level of safety is further evidenced by its safety score of 88/100, which is well above the UK average of 79. Recent data indicates that the crime trend in Buckingham is decreasing, with a significant 12.9% drop year-over-year. As a historic university town, Buckingham offers a peaceful and secure environment for its residents and student population. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, time patterns, and safety advice based on the most recent statistics from December 2024 to November 2025.

Crime Breakdown in Buckingham

In Buckingham, the safety landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 41.3% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 21.5 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 10.8% and public order offences at 9.4%. These statistics indicate that personal safety and street-level disruption are the most frequent concerns for the local community.

Property-related crime in Buckingham—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—has a combined rate of 16.3 per 1,000 people. This is exceptionally low, representing about half of the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Within this category, shoplifting accounts for 9.2% of total crime, followed by other theft at 8.0% and criminal damage at 6.5%. Vehicle crime and burglary are very low, representing 3.7% and 2.8% of total crime respectively. For residents, this suggests that the risk of property loss or a break-in is statistically very modest. Homeowners should focus on securing their property against opportunistic theft and damage, which are more common than serious break-ins in this quiet university town.

Crime Trends in Buckingham

The crime trend in Buckingham is currently decreasing, with a significant 12.9% drop in total offences compared to the previous year. This is a very positive sign for the community, indicating that the town is becoming even safer. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a peak in March 2025, where the crime rate reached 5.5 per 1,000 residents. The lowest activity was recorded in October 2025 at 3.2 per 1,000.

The peak in March is a common fluctuation, often linked to the transition from winter to spring and increased student activity. However, the consistent downward trend throughout the year suggests that local safety initiatives and policing are having a significant and sustained impact. For residents, the overall decrease in crime provides reassurance that Buckingham remains a stable and improving environment, with crime rates staying far below the national average.

How To Keep Safe in Buckingham

The most prevalent crime type in Buckingham is violence and sexual offences, though the absolute number of incidents is low. In a safe university town, personal safety is often about being aware of your surroundings during the evening hours.

To stay safe in Buckingham, especially when walking near the university campus or the town centre at night, try to stick to well-lit routes. While the area is very safe, it is always a good idea to let someone know your plans if you are out alone.

For residents, anti-social behaviour and public order offences are the next most common concerns. Engaging with local community groups and ensuring your property has visible security measures like good lighting can deter low-level disruption. If you have a vehicle, always ensure it is locked and remove all valuables, as vehicle crime accounts for a higher percentage of incidents during the night (37% of night-time crime). Engaging with local neighbourhood watch schemes can also help you stay informed about any local issues. By taking these simple steps, you can help maintain Buckingham’s status as a safe and welcoming place to live.

Crime Time Patterns in Buckingham

Analysis of crime timing in Buckingham reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. The morning hours (6am - 12pm) are dominated by theft-related offences, which account for 52% of reported incidents. This peak coincides with the opening of shops and increased footfall in the town centre. This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), where theft remains high at 57%, and burglary rises to 14%, suggesting that daytime is a common period for opportunistic property crime.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), the profile shifts, with 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order offences—rising to 50% of total incidents. This reflects the transition to the town's social scene and student activity. During the night (12am - 6am), vehicle crime becomes a major concern, accounting for 37% of all reports. Burglary also reaches its highest relative frequency during this period at 17%. For residents, this data suggests that property and vehicle security is most critical overnight, while personal awareness in commercial areas is key during the daytime.

Nearby Area Comparison

In the regional context, Buckingham is a high-safety hub. Nearby areas like Maids Moreton (25.0) and Padbury (22.7) report even lower crime rates, while smaller hamlets like Gawcott and Tingewick report crime rates of 0.0. Buckingham’s rate of 52.0 is expectedly higher due to its larger population and status as an educational and commercial centre. However, it remains much safer than the larger urban centres in the region. For those considering the area, Buckingham provides the amenities of a town with a safety profile that is far superior to most urban settlements in the Home Counties, making it a highly desirable and secure place to live or study.

Proactive Security in Buckingham

Buckingham has a property crime rate of 16.3 per 1,000 people, which is exceptionally low. However, the data shows that certain crimes, like vehicle theft and shoplifting, are persistent concerns, particularly during the evening and night. Traditional security systems, such as basic alarms or standard CCTV, are often reactive—they notify you after a window has been broken or provide footage of a thief who has already left.

For Buckingham homeowners who want to maintain their high safety standards, a proactive approach is the best solution. The scOS AI-powered security system uses intelligent monitoring to detect threats at your property boundary. It can distinguish between a student and a potential intruder in real-time. By triggering autonomous responses—such as activating deterrent lighting or audio alerts—scOS can stop a crime before it happens. In an area where opportunistic theft is rare but still possible, having an AI that never blinks and actively defends your home provides a level of security that traditional DIY systems simply cannot match. Moving to proactive protection is the best way to ensure your home remains a safe haven.