Downley Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Downley, Buckinghamshire, reveal a rate of 70.5 incidents per 1,000 residents annually, reflecting a slightly higher rate than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. While this figure indicates a relatively safe environment, understanding the specific types of crimes and recent trends is vital for residents. Over the period from January 2025 to December 2025, the area has experienced a notable decrease in crime, down 14.5% year-on-year, suggesting positive progress in crime prevention efforts. This decrease highlights the potential for continued improvement and underscores the importance of ongoing community engagement and proactive security measures.

The crime landscape in Downley is shaped by its rural setting and close proximity to larger urban areas. While the overall crime rate is lower than the UK average, specific crime types present unique challenges. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 26.9% of reported incidents, followed by shoplifting at 23.1% and anti-social behaviour at 20.0%. The presence of local businesses contributes to shoplifting incidents, while the relatively isolated nature of some properties may influence the incidence of violence. Demographic factors, such as the mix of families, retirees, and commuters, likely also play a role in shaping the types of crimes observed. Understanding these underlying factors is crucial for targeted crime prevention strategies.

The recent crime statistics for Downley demonstrate a positive trend, with a 14.5% decrease in overall crime year-on-year. This decline is reflected in the monthly data, which shows a gradual reduction in incidents from January 2025 (6.5 per 1,000/month) to November 2025 (3.8 per 1,000/month), with a slight uptick in December (5.4 per 1,000/month). This downward trend suggests the effectiveness of ongoing crime prevention initiatives and the potential for continued improvement in community safety. However, vigilance and continued proactive measures remain essential to sustain this positive trajectory.

How To Keep Safe in Downley

Given that violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Downley, consider these practical tips: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone. Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately. Secure your property thoroughly, including windows and doors, and consider installing security lighting. Be cautious about sharing personal information online, as this can be used for identity theft. Finally, if you are a business owner, ensure you have robust security measures in place to protect against shoplifting.

Crimes in Downley tend to exhibit distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft accounts for a significant portion of incidents, likely related to commercial activity. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) mirrors this trend. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), vehicle crime sees a rise, while theft decreases. The night hours (12am-6am) witness an increase in burglary and vehicle crime, suggesting a period of heightened vulnerability. Understanding these time-based patterns can help residents and businesses take appropriate precautions.

Downley's crime rate is influenced by its location within Buckinghamshire. Compared to Hughenden Valley, which has a rate of 50.8 per 1,000, Downley's rate is higher. High Wycombe, a larger town nearby, records a significantly higher rate of 102.6 per 1,000, reflecting the increased crime associated with urban environments. Walter's Ash and Naphill have a rate of 30.6 per 1,000, while Cryers Hill demonstrates a remarkably low rate of 0.0 per 1,000. These comparisons provide context for Downley's crime statistics and highlight the varying levels of safety across the region.

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