Buckingham Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Buckingham's crime rate for May 2024 stood at 6.2 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 26.2% below the UK average of 8.4. This performance, though modest in absolute terms, reflects a combination of local factors and national trends. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 49.5% of all incidents, a share significantly higher than the UK average for this category. This may partly explain the area's elevated violent crime rate compared to the national picture, though the overall rate remains well below UK levels. Anti-social behaviour, by contrast, was 38% below the UK average, suggesting effective community engagement or policing strategies in this category. Seasonal factors may have influenced these patterns, with May's longer evenings and bank holidays contributing to increased socialising and associated incidents. The relatively low levels of vehicle crime and public order offences—both below UK averages—align with Buckingham's character as a town with fewer high-density residential areas and commercial hubs compared to larger urban centres. These dynamics highlight the importance of local context in interpreting crime statistics, as the area's unique mix of historic and modern environments shapes its crime profile distinctively.

May 2024 saw a 700% surge in burglary, with incidents rising from 1 to 8. This spike, though extreme, contrasts with a 57.1% drop in criminal damage and arson, which fell from 7 to 3. Anti-social behaviour also increased by 50.0%, climbing from 10 to 15 incidents, suggesting shifts in community dynamics or enforcement patterns. Meanwhile, shoplifting and public order offences both declined, with shoplifting falling 22.2% and public order offences decreasing 28.6%. Violence and sexual offences remained above the UK average, at 3.1 per 1,000 compared to the national 2.8 per 1,000, while anti-social behaviour was 38% below the UK average. These variations highlight the area's unique crime profile, with property crimes contributing 29% of total incidents, compared to violent crimes' 49.5% share. Residents may find the daily crime count of three incidents per day particularly relevant for assessing local safety.

Buckingham's crime rate for May 2024 rose 18.0% compared to April's 5.2 per 1,000 residents, reaching 6.2 per 1,000. This increase, though notable, still positions the area 26.2% below the UK average of 8.4. Daily crime statistics reveal an average of three reported crimes per day in May, a figure that may help residents contextualise local safety. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 162 residents, a monthly exposure rate that remains significantly lower than the UK's average. While the overall rate has risen, the area's population context—16,080 residents—means that even with the increase, the absolute number of crimes remains relatively low. This suggests that local policing efforts or community initiatives may be contributing to sustained suppression of crime despite the upward trend. The shift in crime types, such as the 700% rise in burglary, warrants closer examination of local factors influencing this category specifically.