Kempston Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Kempston

Kempston, a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 20,665, records an overall crime rate of 105.2 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure is higher than the UK national average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, suggesting a more elevated incidence of crime compared to the national picture. Kempston achieves a safety score of 76 out of 100, which is slightly below the UK average safety score of 78. Over the past year, crime trends in Kempston show an increasing trajectory, with an 11.7% rise year-over-year. This upward trend provides essential context for understanding the detailed crime data and the evolving safety landscape within the area.

Crime Breakdown in Kempston

In Kempston, the most prevalent crime type is Violence and sexual offences, with 746 incidents, equating to 36.1 per 1,000 residents and making up 34.3% of the total recorded offences. Shoplifting is the second most common concern, with 384 crimes, or 18.6 per 1,000 people, constituting 17.7% of all crimes. Anti-social behaviour ranks as the third highest, with 255 incidents, or 12.3 per 1,000 residents, comprising 11.7% of the total.

The property crime rate in Kempston is 41.0 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. This category includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft. Specifically, vehicle crime saw 112 incidents, other theft 88, and burglary 47. These statistics indicate a notable area of concern for residents and homeowners regarding the security of their property and vehicles. Understanding these specific crime patterns is crucial for implementing effective preventative measures and enhancing local safety strategies.

Crime Trends in Kempston

Examining the crime trends in Kempston over the past year reveals an increasing picture, with an 11.7% rise year-over-year. This upward trajectory indicates a growing concern regarding the overall crime situation in the area. Looking at the monthly crime rate data per 1,000 residents, the rates fluctuated, generally ranging from 7.2 to 9.2 per 1,000 in the first half of the reporting period (October 2024 to March 2025). A notable increase was observed in May 2025, reaching 10.2 per 1,000, and again in July 2025 at 10.6 per 1,000, before a slight dip. This increasing trend suggests that residents should remain particularly vigilant and consider strengthening their security measures. Understanding these patterns can help in making informed decisions about personal and property safety.

Time-Based Crime Patterns in Kempston

Analysis of crime data in Kempston reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. The morning hours (6am-12pm) are characterised by a high proportion of 'Other' crime (39%) and theft-related offences (33%), suggesting opportunistic crimes as residents commute or start their day. In the afternoon (12pm-6pm), 'Other' crime remains dominant (42%), with theft also prevalent (38%), often coinciding with peak commercial activity, and burglary incidents seeing a notable presence (13%). As the evening progresses (6pm-12am), 'Other' crime significantly increases (58%), alongside vehicle crime (18%), indicating a shift in criminal activity. The night period (12am-6am) shows a pronounced peak in vehicle crime (43%) and 'Other' crime (39%), indicating these hours are particularly vulnerable for vehicle-related offences when properties are often unattended. Shoplifting is also a significant concern throughout the day.

Comparison with Nearby Areas

To contextualise the crime rates in Kempston, a comparison with neighbouring urban settlements provides valuable insights. Great Denham, a nearby development, often presents a different crime profile due to its characteristics. Box End, a smaller community, can show variations in crime dynamics due to its size and nature. Kempston Hardwick, another close settlement, offers further comparison in terms of urban challenges and crime types. Finally, Wixams, a relatively newer and growing area, helps to round out the regional picture. These comparisons allow residents to understand the specific safety landscape of Kempston in relation to its immediate surroundings, highlighting both shared concerns and unique aspects of local safety.

Home Security and Protection

With a property crime rate of 41.0 per 1,000 people in Kempston, which is higher than the UK average, residents are encouraged to adopt robust home security measures. While traditional surveillance cameras simply record a burglary, true prevention requires a proactive approach. An AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers advanced protection by detecting threats at your property boundary, stopping criminals before they can gain entry.

Unlike reactive DIY systems that alert you after a break-in, scOS provides real-time intervention. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive coverage, while features like DVLA vehicle verification can identify suspicious vehicles instantly. By learning your household's routines, scOS intelligently filters out false alarms, focusing only on genuine threats. This professional-grade deterrence, including activating lights and engaging speakers, is designed to destroy the element of surprise for potential intruders, often causing them to abandon their attempts within moments. For those seeking to genuinely prevent property crime rather than just documenting it, investing in a proactive security solution that offers these advanced capabilities is a wise decision in Kempston.