Princes Risborough Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile in Princes Risborough for January 2026, accounting for nearly half (47.6%) of all reported crimes. With a crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents, the area is 27.9% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This marked underperformance relative to national trends suggests a combination of local factors, including the area’s small population and limited urban density, which may reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with shorter days and reduced retail footfall—likely contributes to the lower volume of outdoor crimes typically associated with busier months. However, the dominance of violent crime here contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes often feature more prominently. This imbalance could reflect local social dynamics, such as the presence of specific community hubs or the influence of seasonal events that draw attention to interpersonal conflicts. Other notable categories include 'other crime,' which exceeds the UK average by 275%, though this category’s broad definition makes it challenging to pinpoint exact causes. The overall picture illustrates a town where violent incidents, rather than property crimes, drive the majority of recorded crime, a trend that diverges from the broader UK pattern.

January 2026 saw a stark 233.3% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from six to 20 incidents. This surge, which now accounts for 47.6% of all reported crimes, marks a significant shift in the crime mix compared to previous months. The rise in violent crime contrasts with a 25% decline in anti-social behaviour, which fell from four to three incidents—a drop that may reflect seasonal changes or targeted local initiatives. 'other crime' remains 275% above the UK average, a category that includes diverse offences ranging from fraud to public order breaches. This discrepancy highlights the need for more granular analysis, as the term 'other crime' encompasses a wide array of activities that may not align neatly with national trends. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson doubled from two to four incidents, and theft from the person rose from zero to one, both of which suggest potential vulnerabilities in community spaces or unsecured properties. These shifts underscore the importance of monitoring local patterns, as they reveal areas where interventions might be most effective. For residents, the most immediate concern remains the sharp increase in violent crime, which now constitutes the largest single category in the area’s monthly report.

Princes Risborough’s crime rate in January 2026 (4.9 per 1,000) represents a 121.5% increase compared to the previous month’s rate of 2.2 per 1,000. This jump, while significant, still leaves the area 27.9% below the UK average. Translating this into daily terms, the town recorded an average of one crime per day in January—a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 8,661 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 206 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many urban centres but comparable to other rural or semi-rural areas in the UK. When considering the population-scaled perspective, the 4.9 per 1,000 rate means that roughly 42 residents in Princes Risborough experienced a crime in January, a number that is proportionally smaller than the UK average but not insignificant given the area’s size. The comparison to the previous month’s rate also highlights the volatility of crime statistics in smaller communities, where even a handful of incidents can dramatically alter monthly figures. This context is crucial for residents, as it underscores the importance of localised data in understanding crime trends and allocating resources effectively.