Downley Crime Rate

Downley is a secure and well-regarded residential area with an overall crime rate of 74.3 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is comfortably below the UK average of 91.7, contributing to a strong safety score of 85/100. The crime trend is currently stable, with a 3.5% decrease in total offences over the last twelve months. While violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour also feature significantly in local statistics. The area benefits from very low rates of burglary and vehicle crime, making it a peaceful environment for homeowners. This report provides a comprehensive look at Downley's crime data and offers practical safety suggestions for the local community.

In Downley, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 27.0% of all reported incidents with a rate of 20.1 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are equally prevalent, each making up 22.6% of the total. Property-related crime is a significant factor in the area, with a combined rate of 32.6 per 1,000 people. This includes 31 shoplifting offences, 11 'other theft' incidents, and 8 cases of criminal damage and arson. Interestingly, burglary and vehicle crime are relatively low, with only 1 burglary and 3 vehicle crimes recorded. This indicates that while residents are generally safe from home invasions, local businesses face a higher risk of theft, and public spaces are more prone to anti-social behaviour. For homeowners, maintaining vigilance in communal and commercial areas is as important as home security.

The crime trend in Downley is currently stable, with a year-over-year decrease of 3.5% in total offences. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a fluctuating but generally low crime rate. A notable peak occurred in February 2025, with the rate reaching 11.9 per 1,000 residents, but this was followed by a significant drop to 3.8 by May. The most recent months have seen the rate stabilise between 3.8 and 7.6. This overall consistency, combined with the slight downward trend, suggests that Downley remains a secure environment. The occasional spikes in monthly data highlight the importance of remaining vigilant, even in an area with a strong safety score.

How To Keep Safe in Downley

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type in Downley, followed closely by shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. While the area is generally very safe, staying aware of these local trends can help you and your family stay secure.

1. Be Aware in Shopping Areas: With shoplifting making up 22.6% of local crime, commercial zones can be busy. Keep your personal belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings when entering or leaving shops.
2. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB is a significant factor in Downley (22.6%). Reporting incidents to the local council or police helps authorities identify hotspots and take action to keep public spaces safe for everyone.
3. Enhance Evening Security: While the majority of crime happens during the day, vehicle crime is more likely at night. Ensure your driveway is well-lit and that your car is always locked and clear of valuables.
4. Participate in Local Safety Groups: Engaging with community safety initiatives or local Neighbourhood Watch schemes is a great way to stay informed about any hyper-local issues and support your neighbours in keeping Downley safe.

Crime in Downley shows a distinct daytime bias, largely driven by high rates of shoplifting and theft. During the morning hours (6am - 12pm), theft accounts for 61% of all recorded incidents. This pattern intensifies in the afternoon, where theft-related offences make up 63% of activity. As the day progresses into the evening, the focus shifts towards 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 58% of offences between 6pm and midnight. At night (12am - 6am), vehicle crime becomes a more prominent concern, representing 32% of all incidents during these hours. This data suggests that while daytime is the peak period for commercial and opportunistic theft, the night-time hours carry a specific risk for vehicle owners in the area.

Downley sits in a diverse part of Buckinghamshire. Its crime rate of 74.3 per 1,000 is significantly lower than that of its larger neighbour, High Wycombe, which records 103.3 per 1,000. However, it is busier than more rural or semi-rural areas like Hughenden Valley (46.5) and Walter's Ash and Naphill (25.8). Nearby Cryers Hill recorded no crime activity in the same period. This suggests that Downley provides a balanced residential environment that is safer than the major local urban centre while still having the activity levels expected of a well-connected suburban settlement.

For residents of Downley, where burglary and vehicle crime are exceptionally low but theft and anti-social behaviour are more common, a proactive security strategy is the most effective way to maintain peace of mind. Traditional security cameras often act as a passive record of events, but they do little to intervene in real-time. scOS changes this by using AI to actively monitor your property boundary. It can distinguish between normal activity and potential threats, such as someone loitering near your home or an unrecognised vehicle. If a threat is identified, scOS can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting or audio alerts, discouraging anti-social behaviour before it escalates. This proactive approach is particularly useful in areas like Downley, where preventing opportunistic theft and maintaining the high safety score of the neighbourhood is a priority for homeowners and local businesses alike.