Leighton Buzzard Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Leighton Buzzard

Leighton Buzzard reports an annual crime rate of 68.4 per 1,000 residents, positioning it as a safer area when compared to the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. The town boasts a safety score of 84 out of 100, which is comfortably above the national average of 78. Current trends indicate a stable crime landscape, with a marginal increase of 0.9% year-over-year. This data offers a foundational understanding of the local crime situation, paving the way for a more detailed examination of specific offences and patterns.

Crime Type Analysis in Leighton Buzzard

In Leighton Buzzard, Violence and sexual offences stand out as the most common crime, accounting for 33.0% of all reported incidents at a rate of 22.6 per 1,000 people. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent offence, making up 21.4% of the total, with a rate of 14.7 per 1,000 residents. Vehicle crime ranks third, representing 7.9% of crimes at 5.4 per 1,000.

Focusing on property-related crime, which includes burglary (2.6 per 1,000), theft from person (0.3 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (4.6 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.6 per 1,000), vehicle crime (5.4 per 1,000), and other theft (4.1 per 1,000), the combined rate is 23.4 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the national average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. This lower incidence suggests a more secure environment for homeowners and residents regarding their possessions, though vigilance, particularly concerning vehicle security and deterring anti-social behaviour, remains important for maintaining local safety.

Crime Trends in Leighton Buzzard

Leighton Buzzard has experienced a stable crime trend, with a slight year-over-year increase of 0.9%. Monthly data shows some variability, with crime rates per 1,000 residents fluctuating. For instance, the rate was 4.7 in October 2024, peaked at 7.3 in May 2025, and then settled at 4.6 in September 2025. This indicates that while there are monthly shifts, the overall picture remains consistent. Residents should be aware of these minor fluctuations, but the general stability suggests no dramatic changes in the local crime landscape, providing a degree of predictability for the community.

Crime Time Patterns in Leighton Buzzard

Crime patterns in Leighton Buzzard show distinct variations throughout the day. Morning hours typically see elevated theft activity, accounting for 37% of crimes between 6am and 12pm, alongside notable vehicle crime at 25%. In the afternoon, from 12pm to 6pm, theft remains the dominant issue, rising to 43% of incidents. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crime types become most prevalent at 44%, with vehicle crime also significant at 24%. During the night, from 12am to 6am, vehicle crime becomes the most frequent offence, making up 52% of incidents, indicating a heightened risk when properties are often unattended.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Leighton Buzzard's crime profile can be understood in the context of its neighbouring areas. When compared to smaller communities like Heath and Reach, Billington (Central Bedfordshire), and Soulbury, Leighton Buzzard, as a larger urban area, naturally exhibits a higher volume of incidents. However, against towns of similar size or slightly larger, such as Wing (Buckinghamshire), its crime rates provide a useful benchmark. This regional comparison helps residents understand Leighton Buzzard's relative position within the local safety landscape, highlighting its generally favourable standing despite being a more populated centre.

Enhancing Security in Leighton Buzzard

With a property crime rate of 23.4 per 1,000 people in Leighton Buzzard, which is below the national average, prioritising proactive home security is a wise decision for residents. Traditional security systems often only record a burglary after it has occurred. If you are seeking genuine protection, consider advanced solutions designed to prevent crime at your property's perimeter. AI-powered systems like scOS employ multi-camera intelligence to detect threats before they escalate, providing real-time intervention. This proactive approach, with features like autonomous lighting and speaker engagement, destroys an intruder's element of surprise. Most burglars make a quick decision about a target; visible and professional-grade deterrence signals serious protection, often causing them to move on within 60 seconds. Investing in such technology ensures your focus is on prevention, offering a robust defence for your home and vehicles.