Princes Risborough Crime Rate

Crime and Safety in Princes Risborough

Princes Risborough is a safe and historic market town, with an overall crime rate of 60.3 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7. The town's high level of safety is further evidenced by its safety score of 86/100, which is well above the UK average of 79. Recent data indicates that the crime trend in Princes Risborough is stable, with a minor 2.4% decrease year-over-year. As a historic and highly desirable town, Princes Risborough offers a very secure and peaceful environment for its residents. 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 Princes Risborough

In Princes Risborough, the safety landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 36.6% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 22.1 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 15.5% and shoplifting at 12.3%. These statistics indicate that personal safety and retail-related offences are the most frequent concerns for the local community.

Property-related crime in Princes Risborough—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—has a combined rate of 21.7 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Within this category, shoplifting is a major contributor at 12.3%, followed by criminal damage and other theft at 7.7% each. Vehicle crime accounts for 4.2% of total incidents, while burglary is relatively low at 3.1%. For residents, this suggests that while the risk of a serious break-in is statistically modest, opportunistic theft in the town centre and commercial areas is more common. Homeowners should focus on securing their property against these more frequent types of opportunistic crime.

Crime Trends in Princes Risborough

The crime trend in Princes Risborough is currently stable, with a minor 2.4% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. This indicates that the town is successfully maintaining its high safety levels. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a peak in June 2025, where the crime rate reached 6.8 per 1,000 residents. The lowest activity was recorded in October 2025 at 2.7 per 1,000.

The peak in June is a common seasonal trend, often linked to increased public activity during warmer weather. However, the subsequent return to more moderate levels throughout the year suggests that there is no sustained rise in criminal activity. For residents, the overall stable trend is a reassuring sign that Princes Risborough remains a consistently safe and secure environment, with crime rates staying far below the national average. Monitoring these patterns helps the community stay vigilant during historically busier months.

How To Keep Safe in Princes Risborough

The most prevalent crime type in Princes Risborough is violence and sexual offences, though the absolute number of incidents is low. In a safe and historic town, personal safety is often about maintaining awareness when in the town centre or near the station.

To stay safe in Princes Risborough, especially when walking at night, try to stick to well-lit routes. While the area is exceptionally safe, it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and let someone know your plans if you are out alone.

For residents, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting are the next most common concerns. Opportunistic theft can be a problem in any busy town centre, so always ensure that your bags are zipped and valuables are kept out of sight. At home, ensuring your property has visible security measures like good lighting can deter low-level disruption. 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 (39% of night-time crime). Engaging with local neighbourhood watch schemes can also help you stay informed about any local issues. By taking these simple steps, you can help maintain Princes Risborough’s status as a safe and welcoming place to live.

Crime Time Patterns in Princes Risborough

Analysis of crime timing in Princes Risborough reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. The morning hours (6am - 12pm) are dominated by theft-related offences, which account for 49% 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 53%, suggesting that daytime is the primary window for opportunistic retail crime and shoplifting.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), the profile shifts, with 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order offences—rising to 47% of total incidents. This reflects the transition to evening social activities. During the night (12am - 6am), vehicle crime becomes a major concern, accounting for 39% of all reports. Burglary also reaches its highest relative frequency during this period at 19%. For residents, this data suggests that property and vehicle security is most critical overnight, while personal awareness in the town centre is key during the daytime.

Nearby Area Comparison

In the regional context, Princes Risborough is a high-safety hub. Nearby areas like Lacey Green and Loosley Row (8.8) report even lower crime rates, while smaller hamlets like Askett and Whiteleaf report crime rates of 0.0. Princes Risborough’s rate of 60.3 is expectedly higher due to its larger population and status as a major commercial and transport centre. However, it remains much safer than the larger urban centres in the region. For those considering the area, Princes Risborough provides the amenities of a bustling town with a safety profile that is far superior to most urban settlements in the Home Counties, making it a highly desirable and secure place to live.

Proactive Security in Princes Risborough

Princes Risborough has a property crime rate of 21.7 per 1,000 people, which is notably lower than the UK average. However, the data shows that certain crimes, like shoplifting and opportunistic theft, are persistent concerns, particularly during the busy daytime hours. Traditional security systems, such as basic alarms or standard CCTV, are often reactive—they notify you after an incident has occurred or provide footage of a thief who has already left.

For Princes Risborough homeowners who want to maintain their high safety standards, a proactive approach is the best solution. The scOS AI-powered security system uses intelligent monitoring to detect threats at your property boundary. It can distinguish between a delivery person and a potential intruder in real-time. By triggering autonomous responses—such as activating deterrent lighting or audio alerts—scOS can stop a crime before it happens. In an area where property crime is low but still present, having an AI that never blinks and actively defends your home provides a level of security that traditional DIY systems simply cannot match. Moving to proactive protection is the best way to ensure your home remains a safe haven.