Kempston Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Kempston's crime rate in November 2023 stood at 6.3 per 1,000 residents, marking a 16% deficit compared to the UK average of 7.5. This performance positions the area as one of the safer built-up regions within Bedfordshire. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 28.2% of all reported crimes, with 37 incidents recorded—1.8 per 1,000 residents, a figure 31% below the UK average. This may reflect the area's mix of residential and commercial spaces, where targeted interventions in high-risk zones could contribute to the decline. Shoplifting emerged as the second most common crime, with 23 cases reported, a rate 100% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This spike aligns with the seasonal context of November, which includes Black Friday shopping and the transition to darker evenings, both of which can amplify retail crime. Anti-social behaviour followed with 17 cases, 24% below the UK average, influenced by the area's lower population density and community-focused policing efforts. The data also highlights a 20% UK surplus in vehicle crime, with 12 reported incidents, linked to increased vehicle movement during the holiday season. These findings illustrate a combination of seasonal factors, local geography, and policing strategies, all of which shape Kempston's crime profile in ways distinct from broader UK trends.

November saw a 100% increase in vehicle crime, rising from six to 12 incidents, likely tied to the approach of Christmas and increased vehicle movement. Bicycle theft also doubled, with two reported cases, possibly linked to seasonal shopping trips and the visibility of bikes in public spaces. Conversely, public order offences dropped by 63.6%, a sharp decline that may reflect the early onset of darker evenings and reduced social gatherings. Shoplifting in Kempston was 100% above the UK average, with 23 cases reported, suggesting a surge in retail crime during the Black Friday period. This contrasts with a 24% UK deficit in anti-social behaviour, which fell to 17 cases, influenced by the area's quieter residential character compared to more densely populated urban centres.

Kempston's crime rate in November 2023 fell to 6.3 per 1,000 residents, a 17.6% decrease from the previous month's rate of 7.7. This decline aligns with the broader seasonal trend observed in built-up areas during late autumn, where reduced foot traffic and shorter daylight hours may contribute to lower crime opportunities. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately four crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 158 residents, a ratio that underscores the relatively low exposure compared to the UK average. With a population of 20,665, Kempston's crime profile reflects a combination of local factors, including the area's proximity to Bedford's retail hubs and its quieter residential corridors, which may naturally dampen certain types of criminal activity.