Great Shefford Crime Rate

Great Shefford is a notably safe urban settlement within West Berkshire, characterised by a very low crime rate of 33.1 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7, contributing to an impressive safety score of 92/100. While the national average safety score sits at 79/100, Great Shefford remains a high-performing area for security. Recently, the area has seen an 11.6% increase in reported crime year-over-year, a trend that warrants attention despite the low baseline numbers. Residents can generally expect a peaceful environment, though the slight upward trend suggests a need for continued community awareness and proactive security measures to maintain the area's high standards of safety.

Great Shefford experiences a relatively low volume of crime, with the top three categories being violence and sexual offences (33.3%), anti-social behaviour (16.7%), and burglary (14.6%). While violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded, the actual number remains low at 16 incidents. Property-related crime is a notable factor in the local statistics, with a combined rate of 14.5 per 1,000 residents. This includes burglary, other theft, and vehicle crime. For homeowners, the presence of burglary and theft in the top tiers of local data suggests that while the area is statistically very safe, basic security remains a sensible consideration. The low overall frequency of these crimes means that individual incidents can have a larger impact on percentage-based statistics, but the general risk to property remains significantly lower than the national average.

The crime trend in Great Shefford is currently increasing, with a 11.6% rise in reported incidents compared to the previous year. Analysis of the monthly trend data shows that the crime rate fluctuated throughout 2025, with notable peaks in April (4.8 per 1,000) and August (5.5 per 1,000). The year ended with a relatively high rate of 4.8 in November. Conversely, months such as May and July saw the lowest activity, with rates of 1.4 per 1,000. While the overall crime volume remains low, this double-digit percentage increase suggests that the community should remain vigilant. The fluctuations may be tied to seasonal factors or specific local events, but the general upward trajectory indicates that security should not be taken for granted in this otherwise very safe area.

How To Keep Safe in Great Shefford

The most prevalent crime type in Great Shefford is violence and sexual offences. While the overall numbers are low, personal safety remains a priority. To stay safe, always be aware of your surroundings when walking alone, especially during the evening hours. It is advisable to let someone know your expected arrival time if you are travelling back to the village late at night. Ensure your home is well-lit at the entrance to deter any unwanted loitering. Additionally, participating in local neighbourhood watch schemes can help foster a stronger sense of community vigilance. Since burglary is also a top crime type, ensure all windows and doors are double-locked, even when you are at home, to prevent opportunistic entry. Finally, keep high-value items out of sight from ground-floor windows to reduce the temptation for passers-by.

In Great Shefford, crime patterns show distinct variations throughout the day. Morning hours are primarily characterised by theft-related offences, which account for 50% of crimes during this period. As the day progresses into the afternoon, burglary becomes more prominent, making up 35% of incidents. This trend continues into the evening, where burglary rises slightly to 38%. The most significant peak for burglary occurs during the night, accounting for 45% of all recorded crimes between 12am and 6am. Vehicle crime also sees its highest relative frequency during the night-time hours (24%). These patterns suggest that property-related offences in Great Shefford are often opportunistic, occurring when residents are either away from home during the day or asleep at night. Understanding these time-based risks can help residents better time their security routines.

When comparing Great Shefford to its immediate neighbours, it is situated in an exceptionally low-crime pocket of West Berkshire. Nearby areas such as East Garston, Welford, Chaddleworth, and Eastbury all recorded a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people over the same period. While Great Shefford's rate of 33.1 is higher by comparison, it must be viewed in the context of its larger population and role as a local hub. Compared to the wider West Berkshire local authority and the UK national average, Great Shefford remains an extremely safe and desirable location for those prioritising a secure living environment.

With a property crime rate of 14.5 per 1,000, residents of Great Shefford should focus on proactive home security. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide evidence after a crime has been committed, which is a reactive approach to safety. In a quiet area like Great Shefford, the best defence is preventing an incident from occurring in the first place. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed for this purpose, using multi-camera intelligence to monitor property boundaries in real-time. By identifying potential threats before a break-in occurs, scOS can trigger autonomous responses such as activating lights or speakers to deter intruders. This proactive stance is particularly effective against burglary, which accounts for a significant portion of local property crime. Investing in a system that 'thinks' and reacts autonomously ensures that your home is protected by more than just a recording device, providing peace of mind in an already safe neighbourhood.