Clapham (Bedford) Crime Rate

Clapham (Bedford) is a safe and well-regarded residential area with an overall crime rate of 47.2 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7, contributing to its high safety score of 89/100. Although the area has seen a 15.8% increase in crime over the past year, it remains a secure community for families and individuals alike. Property crime in Clapham stands at 21.7 per 1,000, which is well below the national average of 32.3. However, the relatively high rate of criminal damage and arson (31.5% of total crime) suggests that vandalism is a specific local concern. The following detailed breakdown provides essential insights into crime types and time patterns to help residents stay informed and proactive about their safety.

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Clapham, accounting for 33.3% of all reports (15.7 per 1,000). This is followed closely by criminal damage and arson at 31.5% and anti-social behaviour at 12.7%. Property crime overall—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—stands at 21.7 per 1,000 residents. This is comfortably below the UK average of 32.3, indicating that Clapham is a relatively secure area. Criminal damage (14.8 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (3.5 per 1,000) are the primary property-related concerns, while burglary is low at 1.3 per 1,000. These figures suggest that while personal safety and vandalism are the main statistical concerns, the risk of invasive property crime remains low.

Clapham has experienced a 15.8% increase in crime over the past year, marking an upward trend in total offences. Monthly data shows a significant spike in July, where the crime rate reached 13.1 per 1,000, which is much higher than the rest of the year. Other months remained relatively stable, with rates ranging from a low of 1.3 to around 5.3. This July peak suggests a seasonal increase in anti-social behaviour or a specific series of incidents during the summer. Overall, the trend indicates that residents should remain vigilant, particularly during the summer months, even though the area maintains a high safety score.

How To Keep Safe in Clapham (Bedford)

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Clapham. To stay safe, residents should be mindful of their surroundings when walking through the village, particularly in less populated or poorly lit areas after dark. Stick to well-travelled routes and try to walk with others whenever possible. Given the relatively high rate of criminal damage (14.8 per 1,000), homeowners should take steps to protect their property from vandalism. Installing motion-activated lighting and keeping the front of your property clear and well-maintained can discourage spontaneous anti-social behaviour. For vehicle security, ensure your car is always locked and parked in a well-lit driveway or garage, as vehicle crime accounts for 7.5% of local offences. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch group is also a great way to stay informed about any emerging trends in the area.

Crime in Clapham follows a pattern where activity increases significantly in the later hours. During the morning and afternoon, theft and other property-related offences are present but relatively low. Evening hours (6pm to 12am) see a major spike in 'other' crimes, which include anti-social behaviour and public order issues, accounting for a substantial 79% of offences in that window. Overnight, between 12am and 6am, the focus remains on 'other' offences (61%) and vehicle crime, which makes up 29% of incidents in this period. This suggests that while the village is generally safe during the day, the evening and night hours are when most incidents occurs, particularly those related to anti-social behaviour and opportunistic vehicle theft.

Clapham sits in a safe regional pocket, offering a more secure environment than the central Bedford urban area. Its crime rate of 47.2 is higher than the very quiet nearby villages of Oakley (20.2) and Bromham (23.4), but it remains a low-crime choice compared to larger towns. Nearby hamlets like Milton Ernest and Stevington report zero crimes, highlighting the area's transition from urban to rural safety profiles. For residents, Clapham provides a balanced safety profile that combines a village feel with a slightly higher level of local activity than its smallest neighbours.

In Clapham, where criminal damage and property crime (21.7 per 1,000) are present, traditional security systems often fall short. Most CCTV cameras are reactive—they provide a recording of an incident after it has occurred. To truly protect your home and deter vandalism, a proactive approach is needed. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that prevents crime before it starts. By monitoring your property boundary in real-time, scOS can identify potential threats and activate deterrents like lights and speakers autonomously. This professional-grade protection is designed to stop an intruder's 60-second decision-making process, making your home a much less attractive target. For Clapham residents, scOS offers the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is actively defended, not just recorded. This shift from reactive to proactive is the most effective way to ensure your property remains secure.