Great Barford Crime Rate

Great Barford is a relatively safe settlement within the Bedford local authority, featuring an overall crime rate of 49.6 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7, contributing to a high safety score of 88/100. However, it is important to note that crime in the area has seen a notable increase of 30.6% year-over-year. While the starting point for this increase was low, the upward trend suggests that residents should remain mindful of local security. The data provided covers the period from December 2024 to November 2025, offering a comprehensive look at the types of crime occurring and the times they are most likely to happen.

In Great Barford, violence and sexual offences constitute the largest portion of recorded crime, accounting for 34.2% of all incidents (17.0 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour, which both represent 11.7% of the total. Burglary also features significantly, making up 10.8% of reported crimes.

Property crime as a whole—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—occurs at a rate of 18.3 per 1,000 people. While this is below the UK average of 32.3, the fact that vehicle crime and burglary are both prominent highlights specific vulnerabilities for local residents. For homeowners, this means that while the village is generally safe, there is a clear need for robust physical security for both properties and vehicles, particularly given the recent upward trend in local crime statistics.

Great Barford has experienced a significant increase in crime, with a 30.6% rise compared to the previous year. The monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that the crime rate peaked in August 2025 at 7.6 per 1,000 residents. Other high-activity months included July and September, both recording 5.4. Conversely, the lowest crime rates were seen in January and October, both at 2.2 per 1,000. This volatility, while partly due to the small population size, indicates a general trend of rising activity during the summer months. For residents, this upward trajectory highlights the importance of maintaining and potentially upgrading home and vehicle security measures.

How To Keep Safe in Great Barford

The most frequent crime type in Great Barford is violence and sexual offences, followed closely by vehicle crime. Personal and property awareness are key to maintaining safety in the village.

1. Always ensure your vehicle is locked and that no valuables are left on display, even for short periods. Vehicle crime is a top concern here, particularly overnight.
2. If you park on a driveway, consider using a physical deterrent like a steering wheel lock or a security post, which can complement electronic security measures.
3. Be aware of your surroundings when walking through the village, especially during the evening. Stick to well-lit paths and avoid isolated areas where possible.
4. Join local social media groups or community alerts to stay informed about recent suspicious activity or reported crimes in the Great Barford area.
5. Ensure your home's entry points, including side gates and garage doors, are fitted with robust locks. Burglary often occurs in the afternoon when properties appear empty.

Analysis of crime timing in Great Barford reveals high-risk periods for specific offences. Vehicle crime is exceptionally prevalent during the night, accounting for 54% of all incidents between midnight and 6am. This suggests that vehicles are being targeted while parked in residential areas overnight. During the daylight hours, burglary becomes a primary concern, peaking in the afternoon at 40% of recorded crimes. Theft also shows a peak in the morning (25%) and afternoon (27%). These patterns suggest that while the village is generally quiet, offenders are active during times when they believe residents are either asleep or away from their properties.

In the context of its immediate surroundings, Great Barford has a higher recorded crime rate than several of its neighbouring villages. Areas such as Blunham, Workhouse End, Willington, and Roxton all reported a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people during the same period. While this makes Great Barford appear more active by comparison, it is essential to remember that its rate of 49.6 per 1,000 is still roughly half the national average. For those looking at the region, Great Barford offers a balance of rural living with a safety profile that, while higher than its immediate neighbours, remains very secure in a UK-wide context.

With vehicle crime and burglary identified as significant contributors to the local crime profile, homeowners in Great Barford should prioritise advanced property protection. The property crime rate of 18.3 per 1,000 residents, combined with a 30.6% increase in overall crime, indicates that traditional security may no longer be sufficient. Standard CCTV systems are reactive; they provide evidence after your vehicle has been taken or your home entered.

A proactive system like scOS changes this dynamic by using AI to detect threats at the property boundary. For Great Barford residents, scOS's DVLA vehicle verification is particularly valuable, as it can instantly identify unauthorised or suspicious vehicles. The system’s multi-camera intelligence ensures that every angle of your property is monitored simultaneously, with the ability to trigger autonomous responses like activating lights or speakers to deter intruders before they act. By choosing a system that prevents crime rather than just recording it, you significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a statistic in the area's rising crime trend.