Bedford Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

November 2023 marked a mixed picture for Bedford's crime profile, with some categories showing marked increases while others declined. The overall crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents placed the area 8% below the UK average of 7.5, a position that has been consistent throughout the year. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 32.9% of all reported incidents, followed closely by anti-social behaviour (12.7%) and criminal damage and arson (8.6%). These figures may reflect the seasonal pressures of November, including the impact of Bonfire Night, which typically sees a spike in anti-social behaviour and property damage. The rise in violence and sexual offences, however, is 11% below the UK average, a trend that could be influenced by local initiatives or community engagement efforts. Meanwhile, the sharp increase in theft from the person—doubling in just one month—raises concerns about public safety in high-traffic areas, particularly around shopping centres and transport hubs. This surge, coupled with the 75.4% rise in vehicle crime, suggests that seasonal factors such as Black Friday and the onset of darker evenings have created conditions conducive to certain types of criminal activity. The local context of Bedford, a town with a mix of urban and semi-rural characteristics, likely plays a role in these patterns, with commercial districts and transport nodes experiencing higher volumes of crime compared to residential areas. Residents are advised to remain cautious, especially during peak shopping periods and in poorly lit areas, while local authorities may need to consider targeted measures to address the specific risks highlighted in the data.

November 2023 saw a stark increase in theft from the person, doubling from seven to 14 incidents—a 100% rise. This surge, likely linked to the dark evenings and increased foot traffic during Black Friday, underscores a need for heightened awareness in crowded areas. Vehicle crime also jumped by 75.4%, with incidents rising from 57 to 100, possibly tied to seasonal shopping and increased vehicle movements. Conversely, robbery rates fell by 53.3%, from 15 to seven, a decline that may reflect improved policing around retail hubs or reduced opportunities during colder weather. Anti-social behaviour dropped by 24.1%, from 224 to 170, though this remains 14% below the UK average. Burglary rates were 18% above the national average, with 75 incidents reported—suggesting vulnerabilities in residential areas that require targeted intervention.

Bedford's crime rate in November 2023 fell by 8.4% compared to the previous month, dropping from 7.5 to 6.9 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the final weeks of October, though November's figures still sit 8% below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 45 crimes per day, a figure that, while consistent with historical patterns, reflects the seasonal ebb and flow of criminal activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 145 residents—a rate that, when contextualised against Bedford's population of 194,976, highlights the relative safety of the area compared to the national average. However, the monthly exposure metric does not account for variations in population density or localised hotspots, which may require more granular analysis. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly in areas experiencing recent spikes in specific crime types.