High Wycombe Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in High Wycombe

High Wycombe, a bustling built-up area in Buckinghamshire, records an overall crime rate of 105.3 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is higher than both the Buckinghamshire and national averages (93.4 per 1,000), resulting in a safety score of 76 out of 100, which is slightly below the UK average of 78. Despite this, the area has seen a stable trend in crime over the last year, with a minor decrease of 0.7% year-over-year. This overview provides a foundational understanding of High Wycombe’s crime profile, paving the way for a detailed look into specific crime categories, temporal patterns, and comparisons with neighbouring communities.

Crime Type Analysis in High Wycombe

In High Wycombe, violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type, accounting for 3,213 incidents, or 34.6% of all crimes, at a rate of 36.5 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour ranks as the second most common offence, with 1,176 reported incidents, making up 12.7% of the total, at 13.3 per 1,000. Shoplifting follows closely as the third most frequent, with 1,173 crimes, representing 12.6% of all offences at 13.3 per 1,000 people.

Regarding property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, High Wycombe records a rate of 41.0 per 1,000 residents. This figure is higher than the national property crime average of 33.2 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively higher risk for homeowners and residents regarding their possessions. Specific concerns include vehicle crime at 5.8 per 1,000 and burglary at 2.5 per 1,000. The elevated property crime rate suggests that residents should be particularly diligent in implementing robust security measures to protect their homes and belongings.

Crime Trends in High Wycombe

High Wycombe has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a slight year-over-year decrease of 0.7%. This indicates that the overall crime situation has remained largely consistent, without significant escalating or de-escalating concerns. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals some fluctuations. The rate was 9.5 in October 2024, saw a low of 7.8 in February 2025, and then peaked at 10.3 in July 2025 before declining to 7.9 in September 2025. These monthly figures suggest minor seasonal variations, with a noticeable increase during the summer months, a common pattern observed in many urban areas. For residents, this stable trend means that while vigilance is always advised, there isn't an observable rapid escalation in crime.

Time Patterns of Crime in High Wycombe

Crime in High Wycombe exhibits clear temporal variations influenced by daily routines and urban activities. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are prominent, often coinciding with the start of commercial operations and increased public movement. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains a significant concern, likely driven by peak shopping periods and higher footfall in commercial zones. The evening period (6pm-12am) sees a notable shift, with 'other' crime types becoming more prevalent, alongside a sustained presence of vehicle crime, possibly linked to social activities and unattended vehicles. In the night hours (12am-6am), vehicle crime becomes a dominant issue, often targeting parked vehicles, while 'other' crimes also remain a concern. Understanding these patterns can help residents to be more vigilant at specific times.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

High Wycombe, as a larger urban centre, naturally exhibits a higher crime rate compared to its surrounding, more suburban and rural neighbours. Areas such as Downley, Hazlemere, Cryers Hill, and Flackwell Heath and Wooburn Green generally record lower crime figures. This difference is typical, as larger towns often have greater population density, more commercial activity, and more transient populations, all of which can contribute to higher crime statistics. High Wycombe serves as a key regional hub, and its crime profile reflects this urban characteristic when compared to the quieter, predominantly residential communities in its immediate vicinity. Understanding these local distinctions helps residents gauge the relative safety of their specific neighbourhood.

Protecting Your Property in High Wycombe

With High Wycombe's property crime rate at 41.0 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the national average, it is particularly important for homeowners to prioritise robust security measures. Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings of incidents after they occur, offering evidence rather than preventing the crime itself. For those seeking to actively deter and prevent crime, a proactive approach to home security is essential.

AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS offer a significant advantage by preventing crime before it happens. These systems employ multi-camera intelligence to detect threats at the property boundary, eliminating blind spots and responding in real-time. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification can identify suspicious vehicles instantly, while pattern learning distinguishes between family routines and genuine threats, reducing false alarms. An autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, can disorient intruders and make them move on within the crucial 60-second decision window. This professional-grade deterrence signals serious protection, offering a proactive alternative to systems that merely record a burglary, thereby enhancing the safety of your home and belongings.