Prestwood and Great Missenden Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Prestwood and Great Missenden, a built-up area within Buckinghamshire, recorded a crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents in September 2024, placing it 33.8% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This figure reflects a continued trend of lower-than-average crime levels in the area. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 44.4% of all reported crimes (16 incidents), followed by public order offences (16.7%, 6 incidents) and criminal damage and arson (13.9%, 5 incidents). These figures align with the area’s character as a relatively low-density, commuter-focused region with limited nightlife, though the spike in public order offences and vehicle crime suggests emerging pressures. The seasonal context of September—marking the start of the academic year and shorter evenings—may contribute to shifts in criminal activity. Violent crime rates in the area (2.3 per 1,000) are 12% below the UK average for this category, while vehicle crime (0.7 per 1,000) is 56% above the UK average, highlighting a mix of local and national trends. These patterns may reflect the area’s proximity to transport networks and the presence of residential communities, though further analysis would be needed to confirm connections.

September 2024 saw the most dramatic month-on-month swing in violence and sexual offences, which increased by 128.6% (from 7 to 16 incidents). This jump, though not unprecedented, contrasts with a 66.7% drop in anti-social behaviour (from 6 to 2 incidents), suggesting shifting patterns in community engagement or policing focus. Vehicle crime also surged by 150%, rising from 2 to 5 incidents, a figure 56% above the UK average for this category. This increase may relate to seasonal factors, such as the return of students or increased foot traffic during the academic term. Public order offences rose by 20%, reaching 6 incidents (0.8 per 1,000), which is 43% above the UK average for this category. This discrepancy could reflect local dynamics, such as the area’s proximity to transport hubs or the timing of events in nearby towns. The area’s rate for violence and sexual offences (2.3 per 1,000) remains 12% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour is 74% below the UK rate, illustrating a combination of local conditions and broader trends.

The crime rate in September 2024 (5.1 per 1,000) represents a 9.1% increase from the previous month’s rate of 4.6 per 1,000, reflecting a gradual upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day over the 30-day period, a figure that may be contextually relevant for residents assessing local safety. Over the course of September, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 198 residents, a monthly aggregate that provides a snapshot of exposure but should not be confused with daily frequency. When scaled to the population of 7,115, this rate underscores the area’s relatively low crime profile compared to national benchmarks. The previous month’s rate was 4.6 per 1,000, indicating a modest but measurable shift in activity. This change, while statistically significant, must be considered alongside broader seasonal factors, such as the return to school and the transition into autumn, which may influence both criminal behaviour and policing priorities. The area’s population context—smaller than many urban centres—also means that even modest increases in crime rates can have a noticeable impact on community perception, though the overall rate remains well below UK averages.