Croughton Crime Rate

Croughton Crime Overview

Croughton is a notably safe urban settlement within West Northamptonshire, characterized by a crime rate that is significantly lower than the national average. With an overall crime rate of 32.1 per 1,000 residents, the area maintains an impressive safety score of 92/100, far exceeding the UK average safety score of 79. Despite this high level of security, recent data indicates an increasing trend, with a 25.4% rise in reported incidents year-over-year. While this upward movement warrants attention, the absolute volume of crime remains low, positioning Croughton as one of the more secure locations in the region. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of local crime types, temporal patterns, and practical advice for maintaining safety in the community.

Crime in Croughton

The crime landscape in Croughton is primarily defined by three categories: violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and vehicle crime. Violence and sexual offences represent the most frequent report type, accounting for 40.5% of all recorded incidents with a rate of 13.0 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 6.5 per 1,000 (20.2%) and vehicle crime at 4.9 per 1,000 (15.2%).

Property-related crime, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage, currently stands at a combined rate of 10.6 per 1,000 people. While this is significantly lower than the UK average for property offences, the presence of vehicle crime and burglary (8.9% of total crime) remains a consideration for local homeowners. For residents, this data suggests that while the area remains exceptionally safe by national standards, maintaining basic security protocols for vehicles and residential boundaries is prudent to mitigate the risks associated with opportunist theft and property interference.

Croughton Crime Trends

The crime data for Croughton shows a notable upward trajectory, with a 25.4% increase in reported offences compared to the previous 12-month period. Examining the monthly trend data from December 2024 to November 2025, we see a fluctuating pattern. The year began with very low activity, recording just 0.8 crimes per 1,000 in December 2024. However, peaks were observed in August 2025 (4.9 per 1,000) and again in November 2025 (4.1 per 1,000).

These spikes suggest that crime in Croughton is not constant but occurs in clusters. The rise in November 2025, matching previous peaks in April and July, indicates that the area is experiencing more frequent periods of elevated activity than in the previous year. For residents, this trend highlights the importance of not becoming complacent despite the area's high safety score. Ongoing vigilance and community-led security initiatives may be necessary to address this 25.4% year-over-year increase and return the area to its previous lower crime levels.

How To Keep Safe in Croughton

The most prevalent crime type in Croughton is violence and sexual offences, which often includes domestic incidents and verbal altercations. While the overall risk to the general public is low, maintaining personal safety awareness is always recommended.

To stay safe in Croughton, consider these actionable steps:

1. Stay aware of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly during the late evening hours, and stick to well-lit, familiar routes.
2. Ensure your home is secure by using high-quality window and door locks, and don't leave valuables in plain sight from the street.
3. For vehicle owners, always double-check that your car is locked and parked in a well-lit area or a secure driveway, as vehicle crime is the third most common offence here.
4. Engage with local community watch groups or stay informed via police social media channels to be aware of any specific local trends or suspicious activity.
5. Consider installing a smart security system that alerts you to boundary breaches, providing peace of mind and an early warning of any unwanted visitors.

Crime Timing in Croughton

Analysis of crime timing in Croughton reveals distinct patterns based on the type of offence. Vehicle crime is heavily concentrated in the late-night and early-morning hours, with 64% of such incidents occurring between 12 am and 6 am. This suggests that quiet residential streets are being targeted when surveillance is at its lowest.

Conversely, burglary reports show a peak during the afternoon, with 43% of incidents happening between 12 pm and 6 pm. This often coincides with times when residents are away from their homes for work or school. Evening hours also see a steady flow of reports, particularly for anti-social behaviour and burglary (31%). Understanding these windows of activity can help residents be more vigilant; for instance, ensuring properties are well-lit as the sun sets and that vehicles are secured before retiring for the night. The morning period (6 am - 12 pm) is generally the quietest for most crime types, with the exception of some theft and vehicle-related reports.

Nearby Area Comparison

When compared to its immediate surroundings, Croughton sits in a cluster of exceptionally low-crime areas. Nearby settlements such as Evenley, Aynho, Charlton, and Hinton-in-the-Hedges all reported a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people over the same period. While Croughton's rate of 32.1 per 1,000 is higher than these direct neighbours, it is essential to view this in a broader context. Croughton is a larger settlement with more activity, which naturally leads to more reported incidents. Even with its recent 25.4% increase, Croughton remains a very safe choice for residents compared to the wider West Northamptonshire local authority and the UK average. It offers a secure environment that aligns with the generally peaceful nature of this rural-fringe region.

Proactive Protection for Croughton Residents

Given Croughton's property crime rate of 10.6 per 1,000, homeowners should focus on prevention rather than just recording. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, often only provide footage after an incident has occurred. For a community like Croughton, where safety is already high but trends are rising, a more advanced approach is beneficial.

The scOS artificial intelligence system offers a proactive alternative by monitoring all cameras simultaneously to detect threats at the property boundary. Instead of simply recording a burglary, scOS is designed to prevent it. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify suspicious or fake plates, while pattern learning distinguishes between a delivery driver and a potential intruder. By triggering autonomous responses—such as activating lights or speakers—scOS destroys the element of surprise that most criminals rely on. Investing in professional-grade, AI-driven security signals a high level of deterrence, often causing opportunists to move on before they even attempt to access a home.