Bedford Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 194,976 residents, Bedford recorded 1,306 crimes in January 2026, translating to a crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 people—slightly below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure represents a relatively low level of criminal activity compared to larger urban areas, though the distribution of crime types reveals a mix of concerns typical of a mid-sized town. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 34.4% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (13.8%) and drug-related crimes (8%). These patterns may reflect the interplay of local factors, including the area’s mix of residential and commercial spaces, which can contribute to both higher rates of violent crime and targeted issues like drug activity. Seasonal context further shapes these trends, with January’s post-holiday period and reduced retail footfall likely influencing the lower-than-average rate of shoplifting (12% below UK levels) and other property crimes. However, the sharp increase in drug-related offences and the rise in ‘other crime’ categories suggest that certain issues may require closer attention. The stability in the overall crime rate compared to the previous month indicates that while specific areas may experience spikes, the broader security environment in Bedford remains consistent with historical trends, albeit with localized variations that warrant further analysis.

January 2026 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories, with drug-related offences increasing by 62.5% compared to December, driven by a rise from 64 to 104 reported cases. This surge, which places Bedford’s drug crime rate 79% above the UK average, may partly reflect post-holiday patterns or increased enforcement activity in targeted areas. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 20.9%, a decline from 86 to 68 incidents, potentially linked to shorter daylight hours reducing opportunities for such crimes. Other crime also rose sharply by 217.6%, with cases increasing from 17 to 54, a category that includes unclassified or complex incidents not easily categorized under standard classifications. Violence and sexual offences, however, remained 8% below the UK average, with 449 reported cases—accounting for 34.4% of all crimes—suggesting that Bedford’s approach to addressing violent crime may be effective. These shifts highlight the need for targeted interventions in areas where drug-related activity is rising, while maintaining efforts to sustain the current below-average rates for violent crime.

In January 2026, Bedford’s crime rate remained stable compared to December 2025, with a 1.5% decrease in the previous month’s rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents to 6.7 per 1,000. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall criminal activity, though localized changes in specific categories may reflect seasonal or situational factors. On a daily basis, Bedford saw an average of 42 reported crimes each day, a figure that translates to roughly one crime for every 149 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides context for residents, illustrating that while the absolute number of crimes remains within typical ranges, the frequency is comparable to other areas of similar population size. The local population of 194,976 means that each resident faces a calculated risk of approximately 0.067% per month, a statistic that aligns with the UK average but underscores the importance of community-specific policing strategies. The lack of significant year-on-year changes in the crime rate indicates that Bedford’s overall security profile has remained relatively steady, though localized spikes in certain categories—such as drug-related offences—warrant further analysis.