High Wycombe Crime Rate

Crime and Safety in High Wycombe

High Wycombe currently has an overall crime rate of 103.3 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK national average of 91.7. This is reflected in its safety score of 76/100, which sits slightly below the UK average of 79. Despite these figures, the crime trend in High Wycombe is stable, with a promising 4.1% decrease year-over-year. As the largest town in Buckinghamshire, High Wycombe serves as a major commercial and transport hub, which naturally contributes to a higher volume of reported incidents compared to surrounding villages. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, time patterns, and safety advice based on the most recent statistics from December 2024 to November 2025.

Crime Breakdown in High Wycombe

High Wycombe's safety profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 35.0% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 36.2 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, both at approximately 13% each. These figures reflect the typical challenges of a busy urban centre with a large commercial heart and active nightlife.

Property-related crime in High Wycombe—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—has a combined rate of 39.9 per 1,000 people. This is notably higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Within this category, shoplifting is a major contributor at 12.7%, followed by other theft at 8.8% and criminal damage at 7.0%. Vehicle crime accounts for 5.4%, while burglary is relatively low at 2.1%. For residents, this means that while the risk of a break-in is statistically low, the risk of opportunistic theft and damage to vehicles or property is more significant. Homeowners and business owners should focus on securing their assets against these more frequent types of property crime.

Crime Trends in High Wycombe

The crime trend in High Wycombe is currently stable, with a notable 4.1% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. This is a positive sign for the community, indicating that crime is not only staying level but is trending downwards. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a peak in July 2025, where the crime rate reached 10.3 per 1,000 residents. The lowest activity was recorded in November 2025 at 7.6 per 1,000.

The summer peak in July is a common seasonal trend, often linked to increased public activity during warmer weather. However, the subsequent decline through the autumn and into winter suggests that this is a temporary fluctuation. For residents, the overall downward trend provides reassurance that High Wycombe remains a stable environment, with local safety initiatives and policing appearing to have a beneficial impact on the town's crime statistics.

How To Keep Safe in High Wycombe

The most prevalent crime type in High Wycombe is violence and sexual offences. While this category covers a wide range of incidents, personal safety should always be a priority in a busy town.

To stay safe, especially when using the town centre or transport hubs at night, stick to well-lit, busy routes and avoid shortcuts through quiet areas or parks. If you are out for the evening, stay with friends and have a planned way to get home, such as a pre-booked taxi. When using car parks, ensure you have your keys ready and keep your phone and valuables out of sight to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

For residents and business owners, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are also significant factors. When shopping, keep your bags zipped and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas. At home, ensuring your property has visible security measures like good lighting and a clear line of sight can deter anti-social behaviour. If you have a vehicle, always ensure it is locked and remove all valuables, as vehicle crime accounts for a higher percentage of incidents during the night. By staying alert and taking these simple steps, you can help maintain your personal safety in High Wycombe.

Crime Time Patterns in High Wycombe

Crime in High Wycombe follows distinct patterns throughout the day, closely linked to the town's commercial and social activities. The morning hours (6am - 12pm) are dominated by theft-related offences, which account for 54% of reported incidents. This peak coincides with the opening of shops and increased footfall in the town centre. This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), where theft remains high at 60%, suggesting that peak shopping hours are the primary window for opportunistic retail crime and shoplifting.

As evening falls (6pm - 12am), the profile shifts, with 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order offences—rising to 46% of total incidents. This reflects the transition to the town's nightlife and evening social scene. During the night (12am - 6am), vehicle crime becomes a major concern, accounting for 45% of all reports. Burglary also reaches its highest relative frequency during this period at 11%. For residents, this data suggests that property and vehicle security is most critical overnight, while personal awareness in commercial areas is key during the daytime.

Nearby Area Comparison

In the regional context, High Wycombe is the primary urban centre and consequently has the highest crime rate at 103.3 per 1,000 people. Nearby suburban areas like Downley (74.3) and Flackwell Heath and Wooburn Green (54.5) show significantly lower crime levels, while the residential area of Hazlemere is even safer at 33.7. Cryers Hill reports a crime rate of 0.0, highlighting the sharp contrast between the town centre and the surrounding rural settlements. For those moving within the area, High Wycombe offers the most amenities but requires a higher level of security awareness compared to its quieter, more residential neighbours. It remains the focal point for both economic activity and recorded crime in this part of the county.

Proactive Security in High Wycombe

High Wycombe has a property crime rate of 39.9 per 1,000 people, which is above the UK average. The data indicates that crimes like vehicle theft and shoplifting are persistent issues, while burglary remains a concern, especially at night. Traditional security systems, such as basic alarms or standard CCTV, are reactive—they notify you after a break-in has occurred or provide footage of a thief who has already left.

To truly secure a home in an urban environment like High Wycombe, proactive protection is required. The scOS AI-powered security system shifts the focus from recording to prevention. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundary in real-time, scOS can identify a threat before a crime is committed. It can distinguish between a delivery driver and a suspicious stranger, triggering autonomous responses like activating lights and speakers to deter intruders. For High Wycombe homeowners, this level of professional-grade deterrence is the most effective way to ensure that opportunistic criminals choose an easier target elsewhere. Moving from reactive footage to proactive prevention is key to managing local property risks.