Prestwood and Great Missenden Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Prestwood and Great Missenden

Prestwood and Great Missenden, a combined built-up area in Buckinghamshire, boasts a favourable crime profile with an overall crime rate of 47.2 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000, contributing to the area's excellent safety score of 89 out of 100, well above the national average of 78. Furthermore, the area has experienced a positive trend, with a notable decrease of 21.5% in its year-over-year crime figures. This introduction provides a concise overview of Prestwood and Great Missenden’s crime landscape, setting the context for a deeper analysis of specific crime types, temporal patterns, and comparisons with neighbouring communities.

Crime Type Analysis in Prestwood and Great Missenden

In Prestwood and Great Missenden, violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type, with 131 incidents recorded, representing 39.0% of all crimes at a rate of 18.4 per 1,000 residents. Public order offences rank as the second most common, with 33 reported incidents, making up 9.8% of the total, at 4.6 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour also ties for third most frequent, with 33 crimes, representing 9.8% of all offences at 4.6 per 1,000 people.

Focusing on property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Prestwood and Great Missenden records a rate of 17.3 per 1,000 residents. This figure is considerably lower than the national property crime average of 33.2 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively safer environment for homeowners and residents regarding their possessions. Specific concerns include vehicle crime at 3.2 per 1,000 and burglary at 2.1 per 1,000. The overall lower property crime rate suggests that while vigilance is always important, the risk is generally reduced compared to many other parts of the UK.

Crime Trends in Prestwood and Great Missenden

Prestwood and Great Missenden has experienced a very positive crime trend over the past year, with a significant year-over-year decrease of 21.5%. This indicates a notable improvement in the overall crime situation. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals some fluctuations but an underlying downward trajectory. The rate was 5.8 in October 2024, saw a low of 2.4 in May 2025, and then rose to 6.0 in February 2025 before declining to 2.8 in September 2025. This pattern suggests some monthly variations, but the overall picture is one of a significant decrease in crime. For residents, this decreasing trend is highly reassuring, suggesting that efforts to maintain safety are proving effective.

Time Patterns of Crime in Prestwood and Great Missenden

Crime in Prestwood and Great Missenden exhibits distinct patterns throughout the 24-hour cycle, influenced by daily routines and activities. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are prominent, often coinciding with the start of commercial activities and increased public movement. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft continues to be a significant concern, likely driven by peak shopping hours and higher footfall in public spaces. The evening period (6pm-12am) sees a shift, with 'other' crime types becoming more prevalent, alongside a notable presence of vehicle crime, possibly related to social activities and unattended vehicles. In the night hours (12am-6am), vehicle crime becomes a dominant issue, often targeting parked vehicles, while burglary also remains a concern. Understanding these temporal shifts can help residents tailor their security awareness and measures throughout the day.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Prestwood and Great Missenden's crime rate of 47.2 per 1,000 residents positions it as a very safe area when compared to its immediate neighbours. Neighbouring communities such as Great Kingshill, Little Kingshill, South Heath, and Hughenden Valley generally exhibit similar low crime figures, reflecting their quiet, residential characteristics. Prestwood and Great Missenden consistently maintains a safety profile that is either comparable to or better than these nearby areas. This comparison reinforces the area's reputation as a highly secure and desirable place to live within the regional context, standing out for its favourable crime statistics and peaceful environment.

Protecting Your Property in Prestwood and Great Missenden

With Prestwood and Great Missenden's property crime rate at 17.3 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average, it is still prudent for homeowners to consider robust security solutions. 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.