Kempston Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Kempston's crime rate in May 2023 stood at 7.5 per 1,000 residents, marking a 6.2% deficit compared to the UK average of 8.0. This position as a slightly safer area than the national average contrasts with specific crime type trends, particularly the dominance of violence and sexual offences (36.8% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (18.1%). The area's built-up nature within Bedford likely contributes to these patterns, with high street activity potentially driving both violent incidents and anti-social behaviour. Seasonal factors in May—longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising—may have amplified these trends, though the overall rate remains below the UK benchmark. Property crimes, comprising 33.5% of total incidents (52 cases), were skewed by a 157.1% surge in shoplifting, which was 84% above the UK average. This anomaly suggests specific pressures on retail areas during the month, linked to post-holiday spending or increased pedestrian traffic. Meanwhile, violent crime rates (2.8 per 1,000) aligned precisely with the UK average, indicating that Kempston's safety profile is shaped more by property crime dynamics than by violent crime trends. The area's relatively low burglary and vehicle crime rates (both below UK averages) further reinforce the idea that Kempston's urban character, while conducive to certain crime types, does not mirror the broader national picture in all categories.

May 2023 saw dramatic fluctuations in Kempston's crime profile, with shoplifting rates surging by 157.1% as 18 incidents were recorded—a stark contrast to the 7 cases in April. This spike, coupled with a 100% increase in theft from the person (from 0 to 2 cases), suggests a shift in criminal activity patterns during the month. Shoplifting in Kempston was 84% above the UK average, a figure that may partly explain the area's elevated property crime share. Conversely, vehicle crime decreased by 22.2% (from 9 to 7 cases), aligning with the UK average and reflecting potential seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity during earlier evening hours. The sharp rise in shoplifting could indicate increased foot traffic in retail areas during May's longer evenings, a hypothesis supported by the area's built-up character within Bedford's urban framework.

Kempston's crime rate in May 2023 rose 28.0% compared to the previous month, moving from 5.9 to 7.5 per 1,000 residents. This increase, while notable, still places the area 6.2% below the UK average, highlighting a consistent trend of lower-than-national crime levels. On a daily basis, 5 crimes were reported each day in Kempston during May, a figure that reflects the area's relatively stable security environment despite the month-on-month rise. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 133 residents, a ratio that contextualises the impact of crime on local communities. With a population of 20,665, Kempston's crime statistics suggest that while specific incidents have risen, the overall risk remains proportionally lower than the UK average, offering a nuanced perspective on local safety compared to national trends.