Buckingham Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2026, Buckingham, a built-up area within Buckinghamshire, recorded 65 crimes across a population of 16,080 residents, translating to a crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000. This figure places the area 37.5% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, a significant disparity that reflects the area’s relatively low crime profile compared to national benchmarks. The most frequently reported crimes were violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 35.4% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 20.0% and other theft at 9.2%. These figures suggest a focus on interpersonal crime and disorder, which may be influenced by the area’s character as a small, densely populated town with limited industrial activity. Seasonal factors also appear to play a role, as February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—typically sees a pre-spring lull in crimes that rely on public spaces or transient populations. However, the rate of violence in Buckingham was 40% below the UK average, a stark contrast to the national trend of higher violent crime in urban areas. This divergence may be attributed to the town’s compact size, which could foster stronger community cohesion and reduce opportunities for interpersonal conflict. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour, though lower than the UK average, remains a persistent issue, linked to local social dynamics or the influence of nearby commuter hubs. The relatively low levels of property crime—particularly shoplifting, burglary, and vehicle theft—further underscore the area’s distinct profile, with these categories all falling significantly below UK averages. This pattern may be explained by Buckingham’s limited retail presence compared to larger cities, as well as its lower density of parking spaces or high-traffic areas that typically drive vehicle crime. Overall, the crime data for February 2026 illustrates a town that, while not immune to crime, maintains a safer environment through a combination of its demographic characteristics, seasonal rhythms, and geographic context.

February 2026 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with three categories experiencing significant month-on-month changes. Other crime increased by 200%, rising from 1 to 3 incidents—a sharp upward trend that may reflect new local challenges or reporting dynamics. Concurrently, drug-related offences surged by 150%, jumping from 2 to 5, a rise that could be linked to seasonal factors or shifts in enforcement focus. Conversely, criminal damage and arson dropped by 33.3%, declining from 6 to 4, a reduction that may align with the winter’s lower outdoor activity and reduced opportunities for such offences. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 35.4% of all crimes, yet this rate was 40% below the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000. These fluctuations highlight the combination of local conditions and broader national trends, offering residents a nuanced view of the area’s crime profile.

Buckingham’s crime rate in February 2026 stood at 4.0 per 1,000 residents, a 3.1% decrease from the previous month’s 4.2 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the seasonal context of winter, when outdoor activity typically wanes, potentially reducing opportunities for crimes like public order offences or vehicle theft. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 2 crimes per day, a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 16,080. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 247 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents in this built-up area. When scaled to the population, the 65 total crimes reported in February represent a manageable burden for local services, though the slight decrease from the previous month may suggest early signs of a pre-spring lull in crime activity. This context helps residents understand that while crime remains a concern, the area’s overall safety profile remains strong compared to broader UK trends.