Prestwood and Great Missenden Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in September 2023 was the 400% rise in public order offences, climbing from one incident to five. This surge, coupled with a 100% increase in shoplifting and burglary, highlights a significant shift in crime patterns. The overall crime rate for the area stood at 4.9 per 1,000 residents, 38.7% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.1% of total crimes, followed by criminal damage and arson at 25.7%, and public order at 14.3%. Seasonal factors likely influenced these trends, with September marking the start of university freshers' week and the transition to shorter evenings, which may have increased social activity in public spaces. The area’s relatively low crime rate compared to the UK average suggests a combination of community cohesion, effective local policing, and the absence of high-risk environments such as large retail hubs or densely populated urban centres. However, the sharp rise in public order offences raises questions about how seasonal changes in social behaviour interact with local infrastructure, such as community events or public transport patterns, which may require further attention.

The most striking change in September was the 400% increase in public order offences, which rose from one incident to five. This jump, though small in absolute terms, represents a significant shift in the crime mix, with public order now contributing 14.3% of total crimes—nearly double its share in the previous month. Shoplifting and burglary both doubled from zero to three and one respectively, reflecting a possible increase in opportunistic theft during the transition to autumn. Violent crime, at 13 incidents (37.1% of total), remained 34% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000, suggesting that the area continues to perform well in controlling violent crime. Conversely, criminal damage and arson surged 117% above the UK average, with nine incidents reported. This category’s elevated rate may be linked to the area’s built-up nature and the potential for property-related disputes during the autumn months. Residents should be aware of the heightened public order activity, which may relate to increased foot traffic or social gatherings associated with the start of the academic year.

The crime rate in September 2023 rose 52.3% compared to the previous month, climbing from 3.2 to 4.9 per 1,000 residents. This increase, while notable, remains significantly lower than the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. Over the course of September, one reported crime occurred for every 203 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day, a rate that aligns with the low overall crime profile typical of built-up areas in Buckinghamshire. The previous month’s rate of 3.2 per 1,000 suggests that the September increase may be partly attributable to seasonal factors, such as the return of students to local universities and the associated social activity. However, the area’s sustained performance below the UK average indicates that broader structural factors—such as community engagement, local policing strategies, or the absence of high-risk environments—likely contribute to its relatively safe crime profile. These comparisons underscore the importance of maintaining current initiatives while remaining vigilant to emerging trends, particularly in public order offences.