Bedford Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

November 2025 saw Bedford's overall crime rate reach 7.4 per 1,000 residents, marking a 1.4% increase above the UK average of 7.3. This rise, though modest, highlights a shift in the area's crime profile, with violence and sexual offences dominating the monthly tally at 528 incidents (36.4% of total crimes). This category alone sits 5% above the UK average for the same period, a trend consistent with the seasonal context of November: darker evenings, Bonfire Night events, and Black Friday shopping sprees, which may contribute to heightened tensions in public spaces. Anti-social behaviour, while still prevalent (13.2% of crimes), remained 6% below the UK average, possibly reflecting community efforts in local neighbourhoods. Vehicle crime, however, surged to 0.6 per 1,000 (8.5% of total crimes), 50% above the UK average—a figure that aligns with Bedford’s mixed urban-rural character, where unsecured vehicles in both residential and commercial areas may be more vulnerable. The month’s data also reveals a stark contrast between property and violent crime: property crimes (527) and violent crimes (528) were almost evenly split, a balance less common in other UK regions. This equilibrium suggests a combination of factors, including the area’s retail presence and commuter activity, which may drive both theft and interpersonal conflicts. While the seasonal context of November—its extended darkness and transient crowds—likely amplifies certain risks, the data underscores a need for vigilance in both public and private spaces.

November 2025 brought several concerning shifts in Bedford’s crime profile. Possession of weapons rose by 50% (12 to 18 incidents), a sharp increase that may reflect heightened tensions during Bonfire Night or other seasonal events. Other theft also climbed by 17.6% (91 to 107), potentially linked to the surge in Black Friday shopping and the associated increase in retail activity. In contrast, theft from the person plummeted by 64.3% (14 to 5), a decline that may be attributed to heightened awareness or improved security measures during the month. Vehicle crime remained elevated at 0.6 per 1,000, 50% above the UK average, a figure that deserves closer attention given Bedford’s mix of urban and suburban areas. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour, though still a concern, remained 6% below the UK average, indicating effective local initiatives in managing community disturbances. The data also shows that drugs-related offences rose by 5.5% (55 to 58), a modest increase that could be tied to seasonal changes in illicit activity. Residents should be particularly alert to the rise in weapons possession and vehicle crime, as these trends may signal broader shifts in criminal behaviour during the autumn months.

Bedford’s crime rate in November 2025 (7.4 per 1,000) marked a 2.9% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.7, suggesting a short-term decline despite the overall rise compared to the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 48 crimes per day—a figure that, while not alarmingly high, underscores the persistent nature of criminal activity in the region. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 134 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while comparable to other UK towns, highlights the need for continued vigilance. This statistic, when contextualised with Bedford’s population of 194,976, illustrates that the crime burden is distributed across the community, though certain areas may face disproportionate risks. The drop from 7.7 to 7.4 per 1,000 between October and November aligns with typical seasonal patterns, where the end of the university term and the onset of colder weather may reduce some types of crime, such as public order offences. However, the persistent elevation in vehicle crime and weapons possession suggests that these issues remain entrenched, requiring targeted interventions. Residents should note that while the overall rate is slightly above the UK average, the distribution of crime types reflects Bedford’s unique characteristics, including its commuter routes and retail hubs, which may influence local crime dynamics.