Kempston Crime Rate

With an overall crime rate of 104.8 per 1,000 residents, Kempston's figures sit above the national average of 91.7. Despite this, the area maintains a safety score of 76/100, indicating an environment where many feel secure compared to larger urban centres. However, the data shows an upward trend, with total offences increasing by 8.2% year-over-year. This growth suggests shifting local dynamics that residents should monitor. The following breakdown provides a detailed look at specific crime categories and time-based patterns to help the community stay informed and proactive about their personal and property safety. Overall, Kempston serves as a busy urban settlement where commercial activity influences the statistical landscape.

Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant category in Kempston, accounting for 35.7% of all recorded incidents (37.4 per 1,000). This is followed by shoplifting at 15.8% and anti-social behaviour at 12.1%. When examining property-related crime—which encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—the rate stands at 38.7 per 1,000 people. This combined figure highlights a persistent risk to personal belongings and residential assets. While burglary itself is relatively low at 2.8 per 1,000, the high volume of shoplifting and 'other theft' suggests that opportunistic crime is a primary concern for the local business community and residents alike. For homeowners, the frequency of vehicle crime (4.6 per 1,000) and criminal damage (8.1 per 1,000) indicates that external property remains vulnerable to spontaneous or targeted offences.

Kempston has experienced a year-over-year crime increase of 8.2%, marking a notable rise in total offences. Analysis of the monthly trend data shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout the year, with significant peaks in May (10.2 per 1,000) and July (10.6 per 1,000). These summer months typically see higher levels of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Conversely, the lowest crime rate was recorded in February (7.2 per 1,000), suggesting a seasonal dip during the winter months. The overall upward trajectory indicates that while Kempston remains a safe community, there is a growing volume of reported incidents that warrants increased awareness from residents and continued attention from local law enforcement.

How To Keep Safe in Kempston

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime in Kempston. To stay safe, always plan your route in advance and stick to well-lit, populated streets. If you are out late, try to travel with others and use reputable, licensed taxi services rather than walking alone. Stay aware of your surroundings by avoiding the use of headphones in quiet areas, as this can reduce your situational awareness. Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, move towards a public space or a shop where others are present. For home safety, ensure that your property's perimeter is well-defined and that external lighting is functional, as this discourages unwanted loitering and anti-social behaviour near your residence.

Crime in Kempston follows a distinct temporal pattern influenced by its commercial and residential mix. Morning and afternoon hours see a concentration of theft and shoplifting, peaking between 12pm and 6pm as retail activity intensifies. As the day transitions into the evening, the nature of reported offences shifts significantly towards anti-social behaviour and public order issues, which account for 58% of crimes in the 6pm to 12am window. Overnight, between 12am and 6am, vehicle crime becomes a major concern, representing 38% of incidents during this period. This suggests that while daytime risks are primarily commercial, nighttime risks are focused on residential property and parked vehicles.

When comparing Kempston to its immediate neighbours, there is a clear distinction in crime density. Kempston's rate of 104.8 is significantly higher than Great Denham (59.2) and Wixams (65.4). This is largely due to Kempston's role as a more established commercial and transport hub, which naturally attracts higher footfall and opportunistic crime. In contrast, nearby rural areas like Box End and Kempston Hardwick report zero crimes per 1,000 people, highlighting the stark difference between urban settlements and the surrounding countryside. For those seeking a balance between amenities and safety, Wixams offers a lower-crime alternative within the same local authority.

Traditional security systems often act as digital witnesses, recording a crime while it happens. In areas like Kempston, where the property crime rate reaches 38.7 per 1,000, proactive protection is essential. scOS represents a shift from reactive recording to active prevention. By utilizing multi-camera AI intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundary 24/7, identifying potential threats before they reach your front door. Unlike DIY cameras that alert you to a burglary in progress, scOS is designed to prevent the incident entirely. The system's autonomous response—activating lights and speakers—destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. For Kempston residents, this professional-grade deterrence is a powerful tool against the 60-second decision-making process of opportunistic offenders. Investing in a system that intervenes in real-time ensures that your property is not just another statistic.