Harrold Crime Rate

Harrold is a secure and pleasant village in the Bedford local authority, with an overall crime rate of 55.6 per 1,000 people. This is well below the national average of 91.7, earning the area a safety score of 86/100. Despite its safe reputation, there has been a 15.8% increase in crime over the past year. This trend, while notable, does not detract from the fact that Harrold remains much safer than many urban areas in the UK. The data presented here, covering December 2024 to November 2025, provides residents with a detailed understanding of local crime types and time patterns, allowing for better-informed decisions regarding personal and property security.

In Harrold, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crimes, making up 42.7% of all incidents (23.7 per 1,000 people). This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 14.6% and anti-social behaviour at 11.8%.

Property-related crime—including burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—occurs at a rate of 20.2 per 1,000 residents. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.3, the prominence of criminal damage and arson suggests that property is often a target for non-theft related offences. Burglary and shoplifting each account for 5.5% of total crime, indicating that while the volume is not extreme, there are persistent risks to both residential and commercial properties. Residents should be aware that property crime here often involves damage as much as theft, making visible deterrence a key factor in local security.

The crime trend in Harrold is currently increasing, with a 15.8% rise year-over-year. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated, with a significant peak in August 2025 at 8.1 per 1,000 residents. Other notable months were October (6.6) and June (6.1). The safest month during this period was November 2025, which saw a low of 1.5 per 1,000. These fluctuations suggest that while the overall trend is upwards, the volume of crime remains low enough that a small number of incidents can significantly impact the monthly statistics. Residents should remain vigilant, especially during the summer and autumn months when activity appears to peak.

How To Keep Safe in Harrold

The primary crime concern in Harrold is violence and sexual offences, followed by criminal damage. Residents can take several steps to enhance their personal and property safety.

1. Be vigilant about property maintenance; quickly repairing any criminal damage or graffiti can prevent further incidents by showing the area is actively cared for.
2. Ensure that all external areas of your home, including gardens and outbuildings, are well-lit with motion-sensor lighting to deter vandals and burglars.
3. When walking through the village at night, stay in well-lit areas and avoid poorly lit paths or shortcuts. Carrying a personal safety alarm can provide extra peace of mind.
4. Secure all garden tools and ladders in a locked shed or garage, as these can often be used by offenders to gain access to properties or cause damage.
5. Participate in local community groups or village forums to stay updated on any recent crime trends or suspicious activity reported by other residents.

Crime timing in Harrold shows specific trends throughout the day. The afternoon is a peak time for theft, accounting for 34% of incidents, suggesting that commercial or residential theft is more likely when people are active. In the evening, the majority of crimes (63%) fall into the "other" category, which typically includes anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Vehicle crime is most prevalent during the night, representing 30% of all recorded incidents between midnight and 6am. Burglary remains relatively consistent across all time periods but shows a slight peak in the afternoon and night, indicating that properties are targeted when they are most likely to be unoccupied or when residents are asleep.

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Harrold appears more active in terms of recorded crime. Nearby Carlton, Felmersham, and Pavenham all reported crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 residents, while Turvey recorded a much lower 23.1. However, Harrold's rate of 55.6 is still exceptionally low when compared to the UK average. For those considering the region, Harrold offers a slightly more active community environment while still maintaining a high level of safety that far exceeds national norms. It remains a very secure choice for residents in North Bedfordshire.

With a property crime rate of 20.2 per 1,000 people and a high incidence of criminal damage, Harrold homeowners should consider the benefits of proactive security. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide a record of an event after it has happened—useful for evidence, but ineffective at stopping the crime. In an area where criminal damage is the second most common crime, preventing the act is crucial to avoiding costly repairs and emotional distress.

The scOS artificial intelligence system offers a superior alternative by focusing on prevention. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries, scOS can detect an intruder or potential vandal before they cause any damage. The system can then autonomously respond by activating bright lights or audible warnings, destroying the element of surprise. For Harrold residents, this proactive approach is far more effective at deterring opportunistic offenders who might otherwise target properties for theft or damage. Investing in scOS means choosing a system that actively works to keep your home safe, rather than just watching it be targeted.