Olney Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Olney's crime profile in February 2026, accounting for 40% of all reported incidents. This category, with a rate of 1.1 per 1,000 residents, is 53% below the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000. The overall crime rate of 2.7 per 1,000—57.8% below the UK average of 6.4—positions Olney as one of the safer built-up areas within Milton Keynes. The seasonal context of winter, marked by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, may contribute to the relatively low crime volume. However, the prominence of violence-related incidents contrasts with the UK trend, where property crimes often dominate. This discrepancy could reflect local characteristics such as the area's proximity to Milton Keynes' central amenities, which may drive interpersonal conflicts in public spaces. Vehicle crime, though less prevalent than in the UK overall, remains a persistent concern, likely linked to the area's commuter infrastructure and parking patterns. The low rate of anti-social behaviour (0.1 per 1,000) and criminal damage (0.1 per 1,000) further underscores the area's generally stable social environment, though the sharp rise in shoplifting cases highlights emerging vulnerabilities in retail security. These findings suggest a combination of seasonal factors, local demographics, and specific environmental conditions that shape Olney's unique crime picture.

February 2026 saw a notable 100% increase in shoplifting cases, rising from zero to two incidents. This surge may partly explain the shift in crime types observed, with property-related offences accounting for 45% of total reports—compared to 40% for violent crimes. Vehicle crime remained a persistent concern, with a rate of 0.4 per 1,000, 14% above the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. Conversely, other theft incidents dropped by 66.7%, reflecting a 2-to-1 reduction in reported cases. The decrease in violence and sexual offences—down 27.3% from 11 to 8 cases—suggests a possible seasonal dip in incidents during the winter months. These fluctuations underscore the need for targeted interventions in areas where shoplifting has risen sharply, even as overall crime rates remain low relative to national benchmarks.

Olney's February 2026 crime rate of 2.7 per 1,000 residents marks a 13.1% decline from the previous month's 3.1 per 1,000. This downward trend aligns with the typically lower activity levels of winter months, though local factors may also play a role. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one crime reported every 28 days, a figure that reflects the low overall crime volume in this built-up area. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 366 residents, illustrating the relatively low monthly exposure compared to larger urban centres. When scaled to the local population of 7,318, this suggests that most residents are unlikely to encounter crime during their daily routines. The rate remains significantly below the UK average, reinforcing Olney's position as a safer area within Milton Keynes. However, the shift in crime types—particularly the rise in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour—warrants attention to local conditions that may influence these patterns.