Crime in Milton Keynes district: statistics, rates and trends
30,731 crimes were recorded in Milton Keynes district in the 12 months to July 2026, 100.5 per 1,000 residents. That is close to the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and up 1% on the year before.
Table of Contents
- Crime in Milton Keynes district at a glance
- Crime trends in Milton Keynes district
- Types of crime in Milton Keynes district
- Milton Keynes district compared with nearby districts
- Areas within Milton Keynes district
- Streets with the most crime in Milton Keynes district
- What happened after crimes were reported in Milton Keynes district
- Population and deprivation in Milton Keynes district
- Questions about crime in Milton Keynes district
- About this data
30,731 crimes were recorded in Milton Keynes district in the 12 months to July 2026, 100.5 per 1,000 residents. That is close to the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and up 1% on the year before. The most common offence was violence and sexual offences, with 11,986 reports (39% of the total).
Of the 308 districts covered by this site, Milton Keynes district has the 96th highest crime rate.
| Measure | Milton Keynes district | South East | England and Wales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crimes, the 12 months to July 2026 | 30,731 | 784,242 | 5,665,700 |
| Crimes per 1,000 residents | 100.5 | 81.3 | 96.4 |
| Change on previous 12 months | +1% | -0% | -1% |
| Population | 305,884 | 9,642,942 | 58,797,018 |
Recorded crime in Milton Keynes district was highest in the year to July 2023 (31,112 crimes) and lowest in the year to July 2018 (25,155). Over the whole period it rose 22%, against a fall of 4% across England and Wales. Rates use today's population for every year, so they show the direction of change rather than exact historic rates.
| Period | Crimes | Per 1,000 | England and Wales per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year to July 2026 | 30,731 | 100.5 | 96.4 |
| Year to July 2025 | 30,290 | 99.0 | 97.1 |
| Year to July 2024 | 29,368 | 96.0 | 97.7 |
| Year to July 2023 | 31,112 | 101.7 | 5.2 |
| Year to July 2022 | 30,289 | 99.0 | 101.3 |
| Year to July 2021 | 27,377 | 89.5 | 102.1 |
| Year to July 2020 | 26,883 | 87.9 | 101.9 |
| Year to July 2019 | 25,625 | 83.8 | 101.5 |
| Year to July 2018 | 25,155 | 82.2 | 100.6 |
Month by month
| Month | Crimes |
|---|---|
| July 2026 | 2,810 |
| June 2026 | 2,913 |
| May 2026 | 2,882 |
| April 2026 | 2,568 |
| March 2026 | 2,781 |
| February 2026 | 2,147 |
| January 2026 | 2,338 |
| December 2025 | 2,152 |
| November 2025 | 2,373 |
| October 2025 | 2,507 |
| September 2025 | 2,507 |
| August 2025 | 2,753 |
The table shows every category of crime recorded in Milton Keynes district over the 12 months to July 2026. The index compares the local rate with England and Wales: 1.00 is the national rate, 2.00 is double it. Rates were well above the national level for shoplifting, vehicle crime.
The largest increases were in burglary (+15%) and other crime (+11%). The largest falls were in possession of weapons (-24%) and bicycle theft (-15%).
| Crime type | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Index (E&W = 1.00) | Change on year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violence and sexual offences | 11,986 | 39.2 | 1.14 | +0% |
| Anti-social behaviour | 3,258 | 10.7 | 0.69 | +8% |
| Shoplifting | 3,188 | 10.4 | 1.26 | +0% |
| Public order | 2,285 | 7.5 | 1.12 | +4% |
| Other theft | 2,257 | 7.4 | 1.15 | +7% |
| Criminal damage and arson | 2,157 | 7.1 | 1.04 | +0% |
| Vehicle crime | 2,000 | 6.5 | 1.33 | -8% |
| Burglary | 1,063 | 3.5 | 0.98 | +15% |
| Drugs | 919 | 3.0 | 0.92 | -0% |
| Other crime | 573 | 1.9 | 0.89 | +11% |
| Robbery | 359 | 1.2 | 0.87 | +0% |
| Bicycle theft | 266 | 0.9 | 1.06 | -15% |
| Theft from the person | 234 | 0.8 | 0.45 | +7% |
| Possession of weapons | 186 | 0.6 | 0.63 | -24% |
Violence and sexual offences in Milton Keynes district
Violence and sexual offences covers offences against the person, from common assault to homicide, and sexual offences. Milton Keynes district recorded 11,986 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (39.2 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 34.2, and almost unchanged on the year before. It made up 39.0% of all crime in the area.
Anti-social behaviour in Milton Keynes district
Anti-social behaviour covers personal, environmental and nuisance anti-social behaviour. Milton Keynes district recorded 3,258 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (10.7 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 15.3, and up 8% on the year before. It made up 10.6% of all crime in the area.
Shoplifting in Milton Keynes district
Shoplifting covers theft from shops or stalls. Milton Keynes district recorded 3,188 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (10.4 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 8.3, and almost unchanged on the year before. It made up 10.4% of all crime in the area.
Public order in Milton Keynes district
Public order covers offences that cause fear, alarm or distress. Milton Keynes district recorded 2,285 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (7.5 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 6.6, and up 4% on the year before. It made up 7.4% of all crime in the area.
Other theft in Milton Keynes district
Other theft covers theft not covered by another category, such as theft by an employee or of unattended items. Milton Keynes district recorded 2,257 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (7.4 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 6.4, and up 7% on the year before. It made up 7.3% of all crime in the area.
Criminal damage and arson in Milton Keynes district
Criminal damage and arson covers deliberate damage to property, including setting fire to it. Milton Keynes district recorded 2,157 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (7.1 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 6.8, and almost unchanged on the year before. It made up 7.0% of all crime in the area.
Vehicle crime in Milton Keynes district
Vehicle crime covers theft of or from a vehicle, and interfering with a vehicle. Milton Keynes district recorded 2,000 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (6.5 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 4.9, and down 8% on the year before. It made up 6.5% of all crime in the area.
Burglary in Milton Keynes district
Burglary covers entering a home or other building as a trespasser to steal, or with intent to steal. Milton Keynes district recorded 1,063 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (3.5 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 3.5, and up 15% on the year before. It made up 3.5% of all crime in the area.
Drugs in Milton Keynes district
Drugs covers possession, supply and production of controlled drugs. Milton Keynes district recorded 919 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (3.0 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 3.3, and almost unchanged on the year before. It made up 3.0% of all crime in the area.
Other crime in Milton Keynes district
Other crime covers offences not covered by another category, such as forgery and perjury. Milton Keynes district recorded 573 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.9 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 2.1, and up 11% on the year before. It made up 1.9% of all crime in the area.
Robbery in Milton Keynes district
Robbery covers theft using force or the threat of force. Milton Keynes district recorded 359 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.2 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.4, and almost unchanged on the year before. It made up 1.2% of all crime in the area.
Bicycle theft in Milton Keynes district
Bicycle theft covers the taking of a bicycle without the owner's consent. Milton Keynes district recorded 266 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.9 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 0.8, and down 15% on the year before. It made up 0.9% of all crime in the area.
Theft from the person in Milton Keynes district
Theft from the person covers theft of property carried on the person, such as pickpocketing, without force. Milton Keynes district recorded 234 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.8 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.7, and up 7% on the year before. It made up 0.8% of all crime in the area.
Possession of weapons in Milton Keynes district
Possession of weapons covers carrying or possessing a weapon such as a firearm or knife. Milton Keynes district recorded 186 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.6 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.0, and down 24% on the year before. It made up 0.6% of all crime in the area.
Crime rates in the districts closest to Milton Keynes district, for the 12 months to July 2026. The last column shows each area's rate relative to Milton Keynes district.
| District | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Rate vs Milton Keynes district |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Bedfordshire | 19,207 | 60.8 | -39% |
| Bedford | 18,267 | 93.7 | -7% |
| West Northamptonshire | 40,681 | 92.5 | -8% |
| Luton | 22,055 | 92.2 | -8% |
| Dacorum | 13,646 | 84.5 | -16% |
| Buckinghamshire | 36,056 | 62.3 | -38% |
| Cherwell | 12,246 | 71.9 | -28% |
| North Hertfordshire | 9,015 | 65.7 | -35% |
28 areas within Milton Keynes district, ordered by crime rate over the 12 months to July 2026. Central Milton Keynes had the highest rate (320.9 per 1,000) and Lavendon the lowest (36.6). Busy town and city centres often show high rates because many of the people there do not live there.
| Area | Type | Population | Crimes | Per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Milton Keynes | Neighbourhood | 18,170 | 5,830 | 320.9 |
| Woughton & Fishermead | Neighbourhood | 18,538 | 2,998 | 161.7 |
| Bow Brickhill | Town | 2,338 | 276 | 118.0 |
| Campbell Park & Old Woughton | Neighbourhood | 17,075 | 1,988 | 116.4 |
| Bletchley East | Neighbourhood | 20,769 | 2,414 | 116.2 |
| Wolverton | Neighbourhood | 17,023 | 1,902 | 111.7 |
| Milton Keynes | Town | 196,444 | 21,559 | 109.7 |
| Bletchley Park | Neighbourhood | 14,756 | 1,393 | 94.4 |
| Bradwell | Neighbourhood | 13,312 | 1,243 | 93.4 |
| Bletchley | Town | 44,400 | 4,009 | 90.3 |
| Monkston | Neighbourhood | 13,099 | 1,156 | 88.3 |
| Stantonbury | Neighbourhood | 16,102 | 1,416 | 87.9 |
| Newport Pagnell South | Neighbourhood | 11,072 | 880 | 79.5 |
| Shenley Brook End | Neighbourhood | 13,607 | 1,061 | 78.0 |
| Loughton & Shenley | Neighbourhood | 16,515 | 1,276 | 77.3 |
| Danesborough & Walton | Neighbourhood | 21,073 | 1,620 | 76.9 |
| Broughton | Neighbourhood | 21,959 | 1,511 | 68.8 |
| Bletchley West | Neighbourhood | 15,800 | 1,048 | 66.3 |
| North Crawley | Town | 1,395 | 90 | 64.5 |
| Stony Stratford | Neighbourhood | 17,809 | 1,099 | 61.7 |
| Newport Pagnell | Town | 15,566 | 950 | 61.0 |
| Newport Pagnell North & Hanslope | Neighbourhood | 12,322 | 644 | 52.3 |
| Tattenhoe | Neighbourhood | 12,863 | 631 | 49.1 |
| Olney | Neighbourhood | 14,020 | 621 | 44.3 |
| Hanslope | Town | 3,645 | 160 | 43.9 |
| Olney | Town | 7,849 | 318 | 40.5 |
| Woburn Sands | Town | 3,852 | 155 | 40.2 |
| Lavendon | Town | 1,996 | 73 | 36.6 |
Police.uk records each crime at an approximate location, usually the centre of a nearby street or a landmark, to protect victims' privacy. These are the locations with the most reports in Milton Keynes district over the 12 months to July 2026.
| Location | Crimes |
|---|---|
| On or near Parking Area | 2,340 |
| On or near Supermarket | 1,153 |
| On or near Shopping Area | 986 |
| On or near Petrol Station | 790 |
| On or near Police Station | 516 |
| On or near Hospital | 474 |
| On or near Secklow Gate | 422 |
| On or near Sports/Recreation Area | 358 |
| On or near Beddoes Croft | 157 |
| On or near Grafton Street | 155 |
The latest recorded outcome for crimes in Milton Keynes district over the 12 months to July 2026. Many cases are still open when the data is published, and anti-social behaviour has no outcome recorded, so these shares change as investigations finish.
| Outcome | Crimes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unable to prosecute suspect | 9,809 | 31.9% |
| Investigation complete; no suspect identified | 8,649 | 28.1% |
| Under investigation | 3,494 | 11.4% |
| Not recorded | 3,258 | 10.6% |
| Local resolution | 1,370 | 4.5% |
| Status update unavailable | 1,287 | 4.2% |
| Awaiting court outcome | 1,225 | 4.0% |
| Court result unavailable | 573 | 1.9% |
| Action to be taken by another organisation | 562 | 1.8% |
| Further investigation is not in the public interest | 210 | 0.7% |
| Offender given a caution | 186 | 0.6% |
| Suspect charged as part of another case | 80 | 0.3% |
Milton Keynes district has an estimated population of 305,884. On the England IoD 2025, the average neighbourhood in Milton Keynes district sits in decile 5.9, close to the middle. Deprivation and recorded crime are linked, but many other factors shape local crime rates.
| Measure | Milton Keynes district |
|---|---|
| Aged 0 to 15 | 21.6% |
| Aged 16 to 64 | 64.1% |
| Aged 65 and over | 14.2% |
| Homes owned outright or with a mortgage | 60.9% |
| Social rented homes | 18.1% |
| Private rented homes | 20.9% |
| Average deprivation decile (1 = most deprived, 10 = least) | 5.9 |
| Residents in the most deprived 10% of areas | 4.5% |
Is Milton Keynes district a safe place to live?
Milton Keynes district recorded 100.5 crimes per 1,000 residents in the 12 months to July 2026, close to the England and Wales rate of 96.4. Crime is concentrated in a small number of places within most areas, often busy centres and transport hubs, so the rate for a single street can differ a lot from the area as a whole.
What is the most common crime in Milton Keynes district?
Violence and sexual offences was the most common category, with 11,986 reports in the 12 months to July 2026, followed by anti-social behaviour (3,258).
Is crime in Milton Keynes district going up or down?
Recorded crime in Milton Keynes district was up 1% on the year before: 30,731 crimes in the 12 months to July 2026 against 30,290 in the previous 12 months.
Which police force covers Milton Keynes district?
Milton Keynes district is policed by Thames Valley. Non-emergency crimes can be reported online to the force or by calling 101; in an emergency call 999.
How are these crime rates calculated?
Each rate is the number of crimes recorded by the police in the 12 months to July 2026, divided by the resident population and multiplied by 1,000. Crime data is from data.police.uk and population estimates are from the Office for National Statistics.
Figures are police-recorded crime published on data.police.uk, covering August 2017 to July 2026. Each crime is counted in the small area (LSOA) where it was recorded and added up to Milton Keynes district. Crimes recorded by British Transport Police are not included.
Population figures are ONS mid-year estimates. See the methodology for details.