Bedford Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 in Bedford revealed a combination of crime trends, with the most striking anomaly being the 57.1% increase in theft from the person. This sharp rise, occurring during a typically low-activity winter month, contrasts with the general seasonal pattern of reduced outdoor crime. The overall crime rate for the area was 6.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 1.6% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 38.4% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 2.4 per 1,000 residents—3% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 15.1%, while shoplifting (9.1%) and public order offences (7.0%) rounded out the top categories. This mix of violent and property crimes reflects Bedford's status as a mixed-use urban area with a significant retail presence, though the winter lull in outdoor activity typically reduces certain types of crime. The unexpected rise in theft from the person may be linked to increased indoor activity, such as during evenings or weekends, though further investigation is needed to confirm this hypothesis. Seasonal factors, including the pre-spring lull in outdoor activity, may have contributed to the overall 6.7% decline in crime compared to January 2026, but the spike in theft from the person remains an outlier. The UK comparison highlights Bedford's relative safety, particularly in categories such as criminal damage and arson, which were 13% below the national average, suggesting effective local enforcement or community engagement strategies.

February 2026 saw a 57.1% surge in theft from the person, rising from 7 to 11 incidents. This sharp increase, occurring during a winter month with typically low outdoor activity, stands out as an anomaly. Shoplifting also rose by 15.6%, from 96 to 111 incidents, marking one of the highest rates for this category in recent months. Conversely, drug-related crimes fell by 54.8%, dropping from 104 to 47, a decline that may reflect changes in local enforcement or community engagement. Violence and sexual offences remained 3% above the UK average, with 2.4 per 1,000 residents, while criminal damage and arson dropped by 29.6%, from 98 to 69. These shifts highlight the volatility of specific crime categories, with property crimes (shoplifting, theft, burglary) collectively accounting for 24.8% of all incidents, compared to 38.4% for violent crimes. A resident might find the 11 incidents of theft from the person particularly concerning, as this category saw the most significant month-on-month increase.

Bedford's crime rate for February 2026 stood at 6.3 per 1,000 residents, a 6.7% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.7 per 1,000. This decline suggests a shift in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 44 crimes per day, a figure that reflects both the volume of reported incidents and the local population density. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for roughly every 160 residents, a rate that is lower than the UK average when considered in context. This monthly exposure statistic provides a snapshot of the frequency of crime relative to the population, though it does not capture the intensity of specific incidents. The reduction in overall crime rate may be influenced by seasonal factors, such as the pre-spring lull in activity, but further analysis is required to identify specific contributing factors.