Kempston Crime Rate

Kempston, located within the Bedford local authority, reports an overall crime rate of 103.9 per 1,000 residents and holds a safety score of 76/100. This crime rate is higher than the UK national average of 91.6, which is often characteristic of busy urban areas with significant retail presence. Recent data from January to December 2025 shows an increasing trend, with crime rising by 6.9% year-over-year. While the area remains generally safe for its residents, the high volume of shoplifting and the slight rise in overall offences highlight the importance of property security. Kempston serves as a major commercial hub, and this activity is reflected in its crime profile, particularly in the town's shopping districts.

Crime in Kempston

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Kempston, accounting for 36.0% of all local incidents. Shoplifting is also significantly high at 15.4%, followed by anti-social behaviour at 11.9%. Property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle offences, occurs at a rate of 37.6 per 1,000 residents. This is above the national average, largely driven by the high rate of shoplifting (16.0 per 1,000). Burglary accounts for 2.6% of total crime, with 55 recorded incidents. For residents, while residential break-ins are relatively low, the volume of shoplifting and vehicle crime suggests that both commercial and personal property require attentive security measures.

Crime Trends in Kempston

The crime rate in Kempston has shown an increasing trend, with a 6.9% rise in total offences over the last year. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that the rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated throughout the year, starting at 8.9 in January, reaching a peak of 10.6 in July, and ending the year at 7.2 in December. This summer peak is a common trend in urban areas, often associated with increased footfall and public activity. While the overall increase is something for the community to be aware of, the decline in the latter months of the year is a positive sign. Continued community vigilance and effective local policing will be key to managing and reversing this upward trend in the future.

How To Keep Safe in Kempston

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Kempston, accounting for 36% of all reports. To stay safe, residents should be mindful of their surroundings, particularly in busy commercial areas, and stick to well-lit paths when walking at night. Shoplifting is also very high at 15.4%, so local business owners should invest in robust retail security and staff training. For homeowners, vehicle crime is a steady concern; always ensure cars are locked and avoid leaving any valuables inside. Maintaining good perimeter security and using motion-activated lighting can significantly reduce the risk of opportunistic property crime. Engaging with local neighbourhood watch schemes and staying informed about local trends can also help residents contribute to a safer community and help reverse the recent upward trend in crime.

Crime in Kempston shows distinct temporal patterns. During the morning and afternoon, theft and shoplifting are the primary concerns, accounting for 37% and 41% of incidents respectively. This reflects the town's busy retail hours. As the evening sets in, the profile shifts significantly toward 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 58% of evening activity. The night-time period (12am - 6am) is particularly important for vehicle security, as vehicle crime surges to 39% of all recorded incidents during these hours. This suggests that while the town's commercial areas are the focus during the day, residential streets and car parks are most vulnerable to opportunistic crime during the late-night hours.

In the local context, Kempston's crime rate of 103.9 per 1,000 residents is lower than the main Bedford urban settlement (120.2), but higher than other nearby areas like Wixams (65.2) and Great Denham (58.8). Neighbouring villages like Box End and Kempston Hardwick report exceptionally low rates of 0.0 in this dataset. This suggests that Kempston is a more active urban centre within its immediate region. For those considering the area, Kempston offers a more affordable urban lifestyle than some neighbours but requires a more proactive approach to property and personal security.

Kempston has a property crime rate of 37.6 per 1,000, which is slightly above the national average. In an area where shoplifting and vehicle crime are notable concerns, homeowners should prioritize security that acts as a visible and active deterrent. Traditional CCTV systems are reactive, often only providing evidence after a crime has been committed. scOS offers a proactive solution by using AI to monitor property boundaries in real-time. For Kempston residents, scOS can detect a potential intruder or an unknown vehicle before they even reach your door or driveway. By autonomously triggering lights or audio warnings, scOS destroys the element of surprise, encouraging opportunistic criminals to move on. This professional-grade protection is ideal for maintaining home security in a busy urban environment and ensuring that your property remains a hard target.