Upper Bucklebury Crime Rate

Upper Bucklebury is a safe urban settlement with a crime rate of 53.2 per 1,000 people, which is notably lower than the UK average of 91.7. The area enjoys a high safety score of 87/100, significantly exceeding the national benchmark of 79. However, recent data shows an increasing trend, with a 29.7% rise in crime year-over-year. This upward movement suggests that while Upper Bucklebury remains a secure place to live, residents should be increasingly aware of local trends, particularly regarding property crime. The following analysis provides a detailed look at Upper Bucklebury's crime statistics, including the prevalence of burglary and specific time-based insights to help the local community stay secure.

In Upper Bucklebury, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 36.1% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 19.2 per 1,000 residents. Burglary is also remarkably high, representing 18.1% of total crime at a rate of 9.6 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour (15.7%) is the third most frequent offence. These statistics indicate that while Upper Bucklebury is a safe community overall, the high percentage of burglary is a significant concern for residents.

Property crime in Upper Bucklebury is recorded at a rate of 19.2 per 1,000 people, which is notably lower than the UK average of 32.3. However, this is driven almost entirely by burglary (9.6 per 1,000) and criminal damage (5.8 per 1,000), with other theft and vehicle crime being very low. For residents, this means that while property theft is generally low, the risk of a serious home break-in or vandalism is the primary property-related concern. Homeowners should therefore prioritise robust home security and perimeter protection to address the elevated burglary rate, which is higher than in many surrounding areas.

Upper Bucklebury's crime trend is currently increasing, with a 29.7% rise in total offences over the past year. Monthly data shows a relatively stable but slightly volatile rate, with a peak in July 2025 at 9.6 crimes per 1,000 people, and a low of 1.3 in October. This overall upward trajectory, while starting from a low baseline, suggests that residents should be more aware of local safety than in previous years. The consistency of the low crime volume across most months reinforces Upper Bucklebury's position as a safe community, but the recent increase indicates a need for continued vigilance.

How To Keep Safe in Upper Bucklebury

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Upper Bucklebury, though the overall rate is low. Standard personal safety advice applies: stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking in quieter areas after dark. Letting someone know your plans and sticking to well-lit paths is always a sensible precaution.

A specific concern in Upper Bucklebury is the high percentage of burglaries, with 63% occurring at night and 57% in the afternoon. To keep your home safe, ensure that all entry points are securely locked even when you are at home, and use timers for lights when you are away. For vehicle owners, while vehicle crime is extremely low, maintaining standard security habits like locking your car and not leaving valuables inside is still recommended. Since criminal damage is also a factor, using motion-activated lighting around your property can be a powerful deterrent. By following these simple, localised tips, Upper Bucklebury residents can help maintain the village's reputation as a safe place to live.

Crime in Upper Bucklebury follows distinct time-based trends, particularly regarding property offences. The night-time period (12am-6am) is the most critical time, with burglary accounting for a staggering 63% of all offences during these early hours. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) is also a significant period, with 57% of reports being burglaries, often occurring while homes are unattended. Morning hours (6am-12pm) see a higher percentage of burglary (43%) and theft (25%). These patterns suggest that property security should be a primary focus during both the afternoon and overnight periods, with an emphasis on perimeter protection to deter opportunistic break-ins.

In the local context, Upper Bucklebury is a strong performer for safety. It is significantly more secure than neighbouring Thatcham, which has a higher crime rate of 69.2 per 1,000. While it is more active than the very small hamlets of Chapel Row and Ashmore Green, which reported no crime, it compares favourably to Cold Ash (11.1). Upper Bucklebury offers a balanced safety profile for the West Berkshire region, providing a secure and tranquil environment for its residents. Its 87/100 safety score is a testament to the area's security, making it a desirable location for those who prioritise peace of mind.

Upper Bucklebury's property crime rate is low at 19.2 per 1,000 people, but the fact that burglary accounts for over 18% of all offences is a specific concern for residents. In a safe area like Upper Bucklebury, the goal of security should be to maintain that safety by deterring any potential threats before they escalate. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV, often only provide footage of an incident after it has occurred, which is of limited use in preventing the initial loss.

A proactive AI-powered system like scOS is the ideal solution for Upper Bucklebury. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter, scOS can identify suspicious behaviour in real-time. Whether it is someone loitering near your home in the afternoon or an unknown person approaching at night, scOS can respond autonomously with security lights or audio alerts. This destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. With features like pattern learning and DVLA vehicle verification, scOS ensures that you are only alerted to real threats. This professional-grade protection is the best way to ensure your Upper Bucklebury home remains as secure as the statistics suggest.