Bedford Crime Rate

Bedford's latest crime data indicates an overall crime rate of 92.3 per 1,000 people, placing it almost exactly in line with the UK average of 91.7. The area boasts a safety score of 79/100, which perfectly matches the national average, suggesting a balanced and typical safety environment for a town of its size. The crime trend in Bedford is currently stable, with a negligible 0.9% decrease year-over-year. This consistency suggests that Bedford remains a reliable location for residents and businesses alike, with crime levels held steady despite national fluctuations. The following report provides a detailed analysis of the specific crime types, trends, and safety advice relevant to the Bedford local authority area.

About Bedford

Bedford is a historic market town and the administrative centre for the Borough of Bedford. Its characteristics are a mix of urban residential areas, a busy commercial town centre, and expanding suburban developments. The town's location makes it a significant transport hub, with direct rail links to London and the Midlands, which can contribute to a more transient population and influence crime statistics.

Key economic factors include a diverse employment base ranging from retail and services to light industry. The town centre's nightlife and the presence of Bedford College also mean that certain areas experience higher footfall during specific times, which can correlate with incidents of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. As a regional hub, Bedford serves a wide catchment area, leading to higher population density in the centre compared to the surrounding rural parts of the local authority, a factor that typically influences the volume of reported crime.

Crime Breakdown in Bedford

In Bedford, the most significant crime category is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 35.0% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 32.4 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (15.1%) and shoplifting (9.2%), the latter reflecting the town's active retail sector.

Property-related crime—which encompasses burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—presents a combined rate of 32.8 per 1,000 people. This is almost identical to the UK average property crime rate of 32.3, indicating that Bedford's property risk is typical for a town of its size. Vehicle crime is a notable component of this, representing 6.9% of all offences, while burglary accounts for 3.5%. For residents, this means that while the town is not an outlier for property crime, basic security remains essential. The high percentage of shoplifting (9.2%) also suggests that local businesses face a consistent challenge with retail-related theft.

Crime Trends in Bedford

The crime trend in Bedford is currently stable, with a minor 0.9% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. This indicates a consistent safety environment where criminal activity is not showing significant growth. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that the crime rate per 1,000 people remained relatively low during the winter and spring, ranging from 6.7 in February to 8.1 in May.

A noticeable peak occurred in the summer months, with the rate reaching 8.3 in June and hitting a high of 9.3 in July 2025. This summer spike is a common seasonal pattern in many UK towns. Following this, the rate settled back down to 7.4 by November 2025. This suggests that while Bedford experiences seasonal fluctuations, the overall trend is one of stability. Residents should be particularly mindful of home and personal security during the peak summer months when opportunistic crimes tend to increase.

Bedford acts as the central urban hub for its region, and this is reflected in the comparative crime statistics. Neighbouring areas such as Central Bedfordshire, Huntingdonshire, and Milton Keynes all report crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 in this data period, as do North Northamptonshire, North Hertfordshire, and Luton. This stark contrast is typical of how crime data is recorded, where the main administrative and commercial centre (Bedford) captures the majority of the region's reported incidents. For those living in or considering Bedford, it is important to understand that while its rate is higher than its immediate neighbours, it is actually very close to the UK national average, making it a statistically typical urban area within the wider region.

With a property crime rate of 32.8 per 1,000, Bedford is very much in line with the UK average for risks such as burglary and theft. However, 'average' risk still necessitates effective protection. Most traditional security systems are reactive; they record a crime as it happens or alert you after an entry has been made. For Bedford homeowners, a proactive strategy is a more effective way to ensure safety.

The scOS system provides this proactive edge by using artificial intelligence to watch over your entire property simultaneously. It doesn't just record footage; it understands it. scOS can distinguish between a neighbour, a delivery person, and a potential intruder at your property boundary. By triggering autonomous responses—like activating lights or audio deterrents—the moment a threat is identified, scOS stops the crime before it can escalate. In an area like Bedford, where property crime is a consistent reality, the ability to prevent a break-in rather than just having a video of it is the ultimate security advantage.

How To Keep Safe in Bedford

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Bedford, accounting for 35.0% of total incidents. While these often occur in specific contexts or locations, general personal safety awareness is highly recommended for all residents.

1. When walking in the town centre, particularly after dark, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through unlit parks or alleyways.
2. Be mindful of your surroundings when using cash machines or handling your phone in public. Opportunistic thefts can sometimes lead to more serious confrontations.
3. If you are out in the evening, plan your journey home in advance. Use licensed taxis or public transport and avoid walking home alone if possible.
4. For residents, ensure your home's exterior is well-lit. Motion-activated lighting is a simple but effective way to deter anti-social behaviour near your property.
5. Consider joining or starting a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Community vigilance is a proven way to reduce the prevalence of anti-social behaviour and local crime.