High Wycombe Crime Rate

High Wycombe currently experiences an overall crime rate of 102.6 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK national average of 91.6. The town has a safety score of 77/100, slightly below the UK average of 79/100. However, recent data from January 2025 to December 2025 shows a positive trend, with crime decreasing by 5.0% year-over-year. With a property crime rate of 39.2 per 1,000 (above the UK average of 32.2), the area faces challenges common to major urban hubs. Despite these figures, the downward trend suggests that safety in the area is improving for its 88,089 residents. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of local crime patterns and safety insights.

In High Wycombe, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 35.1% of all incidents, with a rate of 36.0 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 12.7%, followed closely by shoplifting at 12.4%. These figures reflect the challenges of a major urban area with a significant retail sector and active social life.

Property-related crime in High Wycombe occurs at a rate of 39.2 per 1,000 people per year. This category is led by shoplifting (12.8 per 1,000), other theft (8.9 per 1,000), and criminal damage and arson (7.2 per 1,000). Vehicle crime stands at 5.7 per 1,000, while burglary accounts for 2.1% of total crime. The property crime rate is higher than the UK average of 32.2, indicating that theft and property protection are significant concerns for local residents and businesses.

For residents, these statistics mean that personal safety in public and the protection of retail assets are key priorities. While the burglary rate is relatively low, the prevalence of shoplifting and other theft suggests that opportunistic theft is common in commercial areas. Maintaining a high standard of home and vehicle security is essential to deter any criminal activity in this busy urban environment.

The crime trend in High Wycombe is currently stable, with a 5.0% decrease in total crimes over the last year. This is a positive sign for the community. Monthly data from 2025 shows some fluctuation, with a low of 7.5 per 1,000 in December and a peak of 10.3 in July.

The summer months were generally more active, with May, June, July, and August all recording rates above 8.6 per 1,000. The latter part of the year saw rates decline slightly, reaching their lowest point in December. This pattern of slightly higher activity in the summer is common and does not suggest any major emerging threats. For residents, this long-term stability means that High Wycombe remains a predictable and relatively secure town, with crime levels showing a gradual downward trend.

How To Keep Safe in High Wycombe

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type in High Wycombe, accounting for 35.1% of all incidents. To stay safe, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when in the town centre late at night. Stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through poorly lit areas.

Anti-social behaviour is also a notable factor (12.7%), so being mindful of local 'hotspots' and reporting any concerns to the local authorities can help improve community safety. With property crime being higher than average, maintaining standard security like locking all doors and windows is still vital. Shoplifting is also common (12.4%), so business owners should invest in good retail security. For residents, joining a local Neighbourhood Watch can provide valuable community insights and an extra layer of security. For vehicle owners, always double-check your car is locked and never leave valuables on display to deter opportunistic theft. Reporting suspicious activity helps maintain a safer environment for the entire High Wycombe community.

In High Wycombe, crime patterns show a distinct shift between day and night. During the morning and afternoon, theft and shoplifting are the most common offences, accounting for over 50% of crimes. This is typical for a town with a large retail centre. However, as night falls, the nature of crime shifts dramatically towards vehicle-related offences. Between 12am and 6am, vehicle crime accounts for a massive 47% of all reported incidents, while burglary rises to 11%. This suggests that while daytime crime is largely opportunistic theft in public spaces, the night-time brings a very high specific risk to parked vehicles and residential properties. Car owners should be particularly vigilant during the overnight hours.

High Wycombe is a major urban centre for the region, and its crime figures reflect this role. When compared to nearby settlements like Downley (70.5 per 1,000), Hazlemere (32.8 per 1,000), and Flackwell Heath and Wooburn Green (54.9 per 1,000), High Wycombe's rate of 102.6 is significantly higher. Other immediate neighbours like Cryers Hill reported a rate of 0.0. As the primary economic and social hub, High Wycombe naturally attracts higher levels of reported activity compared to the more residential and rural settlements on its outskirts.

With a property crime rate of 39.2 per 1,000 residents in High Wycombe, homeowners face a higher risk than in many other parts of the county. Traditional security measures, like standard CCTV or basic alarm systems, are reactive. They record a crime as it happens or alert you after an intruder has already entered your home, which often leaves you with footage of a loss but does nothing to prevent it.

For those seeking the highest level of protection, proactive security is the most effective choice. The scOS AI-powered home security system is designed to stop crime before it reaches your front door. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously with intelligent AI, scOS can identify a potential intruder at your property boundary. It distinguishes between your family, delivery drivers, and genuine threats, only alerting you when necessary. With autonomous responses like activating lights and speakers, scOS destroys the element of surprise that burglars and vehicle thieves rely on. This proactive approach turns your home into a hard target, ensuring that criminals move on to an easier, less protected property.