Kempston Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Kempston's crime profile in August 2023, accounting for 33.8% of all reported crimes and maintaining a rate of 2.6 per 1,000 residents—identical to the UK average. This category's prominence reflects the area's mix of residential and commercial activity, with local amenities and social interactions likely contributing to the frequency of such incidents. The overall crime rate of 7.7 per 1,000 residents placed Kempston 4.9% below the UK average, a position that contrasts with its performance in specific categories like anti-social behaviour, which was 18% above the national average. August's seasonal context, as a peak holiday month, may partly explain the 900% increase in burglary cases, with empty homes and unoccupied properties creating opportunities for opportunistic offenders. The balance between property and violent crime in the area also shifted during the month, with property crimes comprising 38.1% of the total (61 incidents) and violent crimes making up 33.8% (54 incidents), illustrating a relatively even distribution of crime types. This pattern is consistent with Kempston's character as a built-up area within Bedford, where mixed land use and seasonal fluctuations create a dynamic crime environment. While the area's overall safety profile remains slightly better than the UK average, targeted efforts to address rising burglary and anti-social behaviour may be necessary to maintain this position.

August saw a dramatic 900% surge in burglary cases, rising from 1 to 10 incidents—a sharp increase likely linked to August's peak holiday season and the associated emptying of homes. Vehicle crime also spiked by 125%, with 9 reported incidents compared to 4 in July, a trend that may reflect increased parking activity during the summer months. Conversely, public order offences dropped by 68.4%, from 19 to 6, suggesting a possible decline in alcohol-related incidents or improved community policing efforts. Kempston's violent crime rate (2.6 per 1,000) aligns with the UK average, while anti-social behaviour remains 18% above the national benchmark. These shifts highlight the area's vulnerability to seasonal crime drivers and the need for targeted interventions in high-risk categories.

Kempston's crime rate in August 2023 rose by 9.5% compared to July, climbing from 7.1 to 7.7 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, reflects a shift in crime patterns influenced by seasonal factors. On average, 5 crimes were reported daily in August, a figure that highlights the persistent nature of local crime despite the area's overall performance remaining 4.9% below the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 129 residents—a monthly exposure rate that provides context for residents assessing their personal risk. This statistic, while not alarming, underscores the need for continued vigilance. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Kempston's crime profile, though lower than the UK average, is not immune to fluctuations tied to August's unique dynamics, such as increased tourism and seasonal absences from homes.