Princes Risborough Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2026, Princes Risborough maintained a crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents, significantly below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000 (26.6% lower). This built-up area within Buckinghamshire exhibits a distinct balance between property and violent crime, with violent crimes accounting for 43.9% of all reported incidents, compared to 39.0% for property crimes. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences (18 incidents, 2.1 per 1,000), followed by other theft (7 incidents, 0.8 per 1,000). This pattern contrasts with national trends, where violence typically constitutes around 2.3 per 1,000. The winter season likely contributes to this balance, as low outdoor activity during February may reduce opportunities for property crimes while indoor social interactions increase risks of interpersonal violence. The area’s crime profile aligns with its character as a commuter-focused market town, where retail and community hubs drive both theft and assault incidents. Public order offences, though relatively low (3 incidents, 0.4 per 1,000), show a 200% month-on-month increase, suggesting seasonal shifts in local dynamics. The overall crime rate remains consistent with historical patterns for this area, reflecting its small population (8,661 residents) and limited exposure to high-risk environments typically associated with larger urban centres.

February 2026 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with other theft rising by 250% (2 to 7 incidents) and public order offences doubling (1 to 3). This contrasts with a 10% decrease in violence and sexual offences, which remained the largest single category (18 incidents). The spike in other theft—90% above the UK average (0.4 vs 0.8 per 1,000)—raises questions about localized factors, such as increased retail activity or unsecured property in residential areas. Meanwhile, shoplifting fell 31% below the UK average (0.4 vs 0.6 per 1,000), possibly reflecting effective local policing or community engagement in high-footfall zones. The balance between property and violent crime remained skewed, with violent crimes comprising 43.9% of all incidents, compared to 39.0% for property crimes. This suggests ongoing challenges in managing interpersonal conflicts, even as property crime rates remain relatively low. Residents may find the 26.6% UK comparison figure particularly relevant, as it underscores the area’s effectiveness in crime prevention despite its proximity to London’s commuter belt.

Princes Risborough’s crime rate in February 2026 (4.7 per 1,000) marked a 2.5% decrease from the previous month’s 4.9 per 1,000, indicating a slight but sustained decline. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 1 crime per day over 28 days, a figure that aligns with its low overall rate. When scaled to the population, this means one reported crime occurred for roughly every 211 residents over the course of the month—a stark contrast to the UK’s average monthly exposure, though no direct comparison is provided here. The population context further highlights the area’s relative safety: with 8,661 residents, even a single incident carries significant weight in a tightly knit community. This low density, combined with the area’s commuter-focused infrastructure, likely contributes to the limited opportunities for crime compared to denser urban environments. The 26.6% gap below the UK average suggests effective local policing or community-driven initiatives, though no specific programmes are documented in the data. For residents, the monthly exposure figure offers a tangible sense of risk, framing crime as a rare but not impossible occurrence in this built-up area.