Buckingham Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Buckingham, a historic market town in Buckinghamshire, recorded a crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 residents in July 2024 — 42.9% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This represents a significant divergence from national trends, particularly in violent crime categories. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime picture, accounting for 39% of all reported incidents (30 cases), with a rate of 1.9 per 1,000 — 33% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 15.6% of total crimes (12 cases) at 0.8 per 1,000, 45% below the national figure. These patterns align with the area’s character as a mixed-use town with a strong retail presence, which likely contributes to anti-social behaviour in public spaces. Seasonal factors also played a role: July, a peak summer month with schools out and tourism at its height, typically sees increased foot traffic in town centres, which may explain the prominence of violence and sexual offences. However, the overall low crime rate suggests effective local policing or community engagement strategies. Property crimes, including shoplifting and other theft, accounted for 26 total incidents — 34% of all crimes — but remained lower than the UK average. This could reflect the town’s compact size and lower population density, which may reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. The data also highlights a seasonal contrast: while violent crime peaks in July, property crime rates tend to follow different rhythms, linked to retail activity and summer festivals. Overall, Buckingham’s crime profile in July 2024 illustrates a balance between localized challenges and broader demographic factors, warranting further contextual analysis.

July 2024 saw dramatic shifts in specific crime categories, with possession of weapons and 'other crime' both increasing by 100% from zero to one and two cases respectively. This represents the most significant month-on-month swing in the data. Conversely, robbery cases fell by 50% (from two to one), and criminal damage and arson decreased by 45.5% (from 11 to six), suggesting a possible reduction in vandalism during the summer months. The crime mix also shifted: violent crimes (30 cases) outpaced property crimes (26 cases) for the first time this year, though both categories remained well below UK averages. Violence and sexual offences, at 1.9 per 1,000, were 33% below the national rate, while anti-social behaviour — a category often linked to alcohol-fuelled disputes in town centres — was 45% below the UK average. Shoplifting (8 cases) and other theft (8 cases) both remained 26% and 15% below the UK figures respectively, indicating that retail areas may have effective loss prevention measures. Residents may find the 100% increase in 'other crime' noteworthy, as this category is often vague but can include minor incidents like disorder or public nuisance, which may have been underreported in previous months. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of local crime patterns and the need for ongoing monitoring.

Buckingham’s crime rate in July 2024 (4.8 per 1,000) marked a 20.6% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.0 per 1,000, continuing a downward trend that may reflect seasonal or policy-driven factors. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately two crimes per day — a figure that, while low, translates to one reported crime for every 209 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate (1-in-209) is well below the national average, which typically hovers around 1-in-100 for comparable areas. The population context further underscores Buckingham’s relatively safe environment: with 16,080 residents, the 77 total crimes recorded in July represent a manageable burden for local services. The previous month’s rate of 6.0 per 1,000 suggests that the drop in July may be partly attributable to the summer holidays, which often reduce crime rates by dispersing populations and limiting opportunities for certain types of offences. However, the persistent gap between Buckingham’s rate and the UK average — which is nearly double — implies that the area’s unique characteristics, such as its historic infrastructure and lower population density, may play a role in maintaining lower crime levels. These figures offer a reassuring perspective for residents, though they also highlight the need for sustained efforts to address the small but notable increases in specific categories like 'other crime' and weapons possession.