Bedford Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2026, Bedford recorded 1,306 crimes across a population of 194,976 residents, equating to a crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 people—1.5% above the UK average of 6.6 per 1,000. This figure, while modest, reflects a mix of persistent and emerging challenges. Violence and sexual offences dominated with 449 incidents (34.4% of total), a category that was 6% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed with 180 cases (13.8%), and drugs-related crimes, at 104 (8.0%), were 85% above the national average, suggesting localized pressures in this area. The seasonal context of January—post-holiday lull, shorter days, and reduced retail activity—likely contributed to the lower frequency of outdoor crimes, though this was offset by the sharp rise in 'other crime' reports. The data also reveals a combination of urban dynamics and specific vulnerabilities, such as the high rate of bicycle theft compared to theft from the person. These patterns may be influenced by Bedford’s mix of residential and commercial zones, where unsecured property and transient populations could drive certain types of crime. While the overall rate remains close to the UK average, the distribution of crime types highlights areas requiring targeted interventions, particularly in addressing drug-related incidents and unclassified 'other crimes'.

January 2026 saw a significant 217.6% increase in 'other crime' reports, rising from 17 to 54 incidents. This surge, though unclassified in detail, may reflect unreported or under-recorded activities, or shifts in policing priorities. Concurrently, drug-related crimes rose by 62.5%, from 64 to 104, placing Bedford 85% above the UK average for this category. This discrepancy could indicate local challenges in addressing substance misuse or enforcement gaps. Conversely, robbery incidents fell by 47.6%, dropping from 21 to 11, linked to the post-holiday lull in retail activity. Vehicle crime also decreased by 20.9%, from 86 to 68, a trend consistent with shorter daylight hours and reduced outdoor activity. Bicycle theft in Bedford was 150% above the UK average, a stark contrast to the 100% below figure for theft from the person, which may reflect differences in local infrastructure or policing focus.

Bedford’s crime rate in January 2026 remained stable at 6.7 per 1,000 residents, a 1.5% increase from the previous month’s 6.6 per 1,000. This minimal fluctuation suggests consistency in local crime patterns, though the slight rise may reflect seasonal transitions. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 42 crimes per day, a figure that underscores the ongoing need for community vigilance. When scaled to the population of 194,976, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 149 residents. This ratio, while not alarmingly high, highlights the frequency of incidents within a densely populated local authority. The population context further illustrates that even modest crime rates can have tangible impacts on daily life, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or concentrated residential zones. The stability in the overall rate contrasts with notable shifts in specific crime categories, which are detailed elsewhere but are not reflected here.