Olney Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics

The small urban settlement of Olney boasts a highly favourable crime profile, with an overall rate of just 43.2 crimes per 1,000 residents. This figure is less than half the UK national average of 93.1 per 1,000, resulting in an excellent Safety Score of 89 out of 100. Furthermore, the area has seen a positive trend, with crime decreasing by -5.7% year-over-year. This combination of a low rate and a downward trend establishes Olney as one of the safest communities in the region. The following sections analyse the specific types of crime reported and the temporal patterns observed.

Crime Type Breakdown

Violence and sexual offences constitute the largest proportion of crime in Olney, accounting for 46.5% of all incidents, though the absolute rate remains very low at 20.1 per 1,000 people. This concentration is typical in areas where property and commercial crime are infrequent. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common offence (9.8% of total crime, 4.2 per 1,000), followed by Shoplifting (8.5% of total crime, 3.7 per 1,000), which is likely concentrated in the town centre's retail establishments.

Olney’s property-related crime rate is exceptionally low at 15.0 per 1,000 residents, less than half the UK average of 32.9 per 1,000. This category includes Other theft (7.6%), Burglary (6.3%), and Criminal damage and arson (5.1%). While the risk is minimal, it is worth noting that Burglary accounts for a higher percentage of the total crime here than in many larger areas. This suggests that while overall crime is low, securing residential properties remains the primary focus for homeowners to maintain the area’s high safety standards.

Crime Trends in Olney

Olney has experienced a positive crime trend over the last year, with a decrease of -5.7% year-over-year, indicating an improving safety environment. The monthly data shows a generally low and stable pattern. The lowest crime rates were recorded in December (2.2 per 1,000) and August (2.3 per 1,000).

The highest monthly rates occurred during the late spring and summer. The peak was in July (4.5 per 1,000), followed by October (4.4 per 1,000) and April (4.1 per 1,000). Even these peak figures are extremely low compared to regional or national averages. The overall trend demonstrates consistency and a slight reduction in criminal activity, offering reassurance to the community that Olney remains a very secure location.

How To Keep Safe in Olney

The most reported crime in Olney is Violence and sexual offences (46.5% of total). Although the per capita rate is low, residents should focus on maintaining a safe presence in public spaces, particularly during peak social hours.

1. Secure Homes Against Burglary: Given that burglary accounts for a relatively high percentage of property crime, ensure all doors and windows are locked, particularly at night. Consider visible deterrents.
2. Be Vigilant in the Town Centre: Shoplifting and anti-social behaviour tend to cluster around the central commercial area. Be aware of your belongings when shopping and report any disruptive behaviour.
3. Check Farm and Outbuilding Security: In a semi-rural setting, sheds, garages, and remote outbuildings can be vulnerable to theft and criminal damage. Use high-quality locks and consider securing expensive tools or machinery.
4. Walk Safely After Dark: When walking home from the town centre or social events, stick to well-lit main routes and avoid shortcuts through unlit footpaths.

Time Patterns of Crime

Crime in Olney shows a consistent presence of property offences throughout the day. The Afternoon period (12pm-6pm) is the riskiest time, with Theft (47%) and Burglary (28%) dominating, likely when commercial activity is highest and properties are left unoccupied. The Night period (12am-6am) has the highest concentration of Burglary (32%) and Vehicle crime (35%), as criminals target unattended properties under the cover of darkness, though the volume remains minimal. The Evening (6pm-12am) sees a shift towards public order and anti-social behaviour ('Other' at 35%), as social activity increases. Morning hours (6am-12pm) maintain a high proportion of theft (48%) and Burglary (18%), suggesting ongoing opportunistic activity.

Regional Crime Context

Olney’s crime rate of 43.2 per 1,000 is exceptionally low, placing it among the safest settlements in the Milton Keynes area. It is comparable to its neighbour Lavendon, which has a rate of 39.4 per 1,000. These figures contrast strongly with the much higher rates found in the main urban hub of Milton Keynes. The other comparison areas, Emberton, Sherington, and Yardley Hastings, report very low specific crime rates (0.0 per 1,000), confirming that the wider Olney area is part of a generally low-risk network of villages. Olney serves as a safe local centre within this secure environment.

Property Protection and Proactive Security

With a property crime rate of just 15.0 per 1,000, Olney residents enjoy a minimal risk. To maintain this safety, homeowners should look beyond basic, reactive security, which only records a crime after it happens. Traditional cameras simply provide footage for police after a loss has occurred.

The superior option is proactive security, like the scOS system. This professional-grade solution uses AI and multi-camera intelligence to detect threats at the property boundary, before a burglar can gain entry. By recognising suspicious activity instantly, scOS provides an autonomous, real-time response—such as engaging external lights and audio—to destroy the element of surprise. Since most burglars move on within 60 seconds of facing deterrence, installing visible, professional-grade security like scOS ensures that opportunistic criminals bypass the property and seek easier targets elsewhere.