Prestwood and Great Missenden Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 7,115, Prestwood and Great Missenden recorded 21 crimes in April 2024 — a rate of 3.0 per 1,000 residents. This places the area 61.0% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, highlighting a consistently lower crime profile than the national benchmark. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (5 cases, 23.8% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour and shoplifting (4 cases each, 19.1% of total). These figures align with the area’s likely character as a low-density built-up area within Buckinghamshire, where community cohesion and limited commercial density may contribute to lower rates of violent and property crime. Seasonal factors in April — including Easter holidays, milder weather, and increased outdoor activity — likely influenced the distribution of crimes. For example, shoplifting incidents may reflect higher foot traffic in local retail areas during the Easter period, while the drop in violent crime could correlate with reduced alcohol-related incidents typically linked to late-night socialising in urban centres. The area’s crime profile appears to be shaped by its smaller population scale and lower levels of transient populations compared to larger urban areas.

April 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns compared to March, with anti-social behaviour, public order offences, and 'other crime' each doubling (from 2 to 4, 1 to 2, and 0 to 1 respectively). This contrasts with significant declines in violent crimes (down 61.5%, from 13 to 5) and burglary (down 66.7%, from 3 to 1). The drop in violent crime may reflect seasonal trends, as Easter holidays and spring weather could have reduced opportunities for alcohol-fueled disputes. Meanwhile, the sharp rise in anti-social behaviour and public order offences might indicate increased community activity during the Easter period, though the small absolute numbers (4 incidents) suggest these remain rare occurrences. Violence and sexual offences in the area (0.7 per 1,000) are 73% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), reinforcing the area’s position as significantly safer than the national benchmark in this category. The low rate of vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000, 79% below UK average) also aligns with the area’s likely limited reliance on car-centric transport networks compared to more industrial or commuter-focused regions.

The crime rate in April 2024 (3.0 per 1,000) represents a 36.4% decrease from March’s rate of 4.6 per 1,000, reflecting a sustained downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 1 crime per day over the month — a figure that, while low, highlights the potential for individual residents to encounter crime if they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 339 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is exceptionally low compared to larger urban areas. This statistic is particularly meaningful for local residents, as it contextualises the likelihood of encountering crime within the community. The area’s population scale (7,115 people) further amplifies the impact of even small changes in crime rates; for instance, the 21 crimes recorded in April equate to a 0.3% incidence rate among the population, which is far below the UK’s 0.77% (7.7 per 1,000). This contrast underscores the effectiveness of local policing strategies and the community’s resilience in maintaining safety, despite the seasonal fluctuations in crime types observed during the Easter period.