Kempston Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In Kempston, the per-capita risk of encountering crime in January 2024 was 7.1 incidents per 1,000 residents, placing the area 4.1% below the UK average of 7.4. This rate translates to a monthly exposure of one crime for every 141 residents, suggesting that everyday life in Kempston carries a relatively low risk of direct involvement in criminal activity. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 40.8% of all incidents—a rate 12% higher than the UK average. Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting followed, with the latter occurring at 58% above the national average. These patterns may reflect local dynamics, such as the area's retail presence, which could contribute to higher shoplifting rates, and its social infrastructure, which may influence anti-social behaviour. Seasonally, January's post-holiday lull and reduced retail footfall likely contributed to lower overall crime rates compared to busier months. However, the prominence of violence and sexual offences highlights ongoing challenges in community safety that may require targeted interventions. The balance between property and violent crimes also shifted, with property crimes comprising 33% of total incidents, compared to 67% for violent crimes—a divergence from national trends where property crimes typically dominate. This imbalance could stem from Kempston's specific demographics or the influence of local institutions, such as schools or workplaces, on crime patterns. As a built-up area within Bedford, Kempston's crime profile appears shaped by its role as a commuter hub and its proximity to larger urban centres, factors that may intersect with both opportunities for crime and community resilience strategies.

January 2024 saw a 300% surge in 'other theft' cases, rising from three to twelve incidents. This spike, coupled with a 100% increase in 'other crime' and a 62.5% rise in public order offences, indicates a shift in criminal activity patterns. Violent crimes remained the most prevalent category, contributing 40.8% of all reported incidents, though their rate was 12% above the UK average. Conversely, vehicle crime and drug-related offences fell sharply, with vehicle crime dropping 60% below the UK average. The 83.3% decline in burglary—from six to one incident—suggests a possible reduction in targeted property crimes, potentially linked to seasonal factors such as reduced foot traffic in retail areas. These fluctuations underscore the need for ongoing monitoring, as even a single category's change can signal broader trends in community safety.

Kempston's crime rate in January 2024 stood at 7.1 per 1,000 residents, a 7.1% decrease from the previous month's 7.7 per 1,000. This decline aligns with typical January patterns, where reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours may partly explain lower outdoor crime. On a daily basis, Kempston recorded approximately five crimes per day in January, a figure that, while consistent with the area's historical trends, remains lower than the UK average when scaled to population size. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 141 residents, a rate that places Kempston in the safer end of the UK spectrum. This monthly exposure statistic, when contextualised against the area's population of 20,665, suggests that residents face a relatively low risk of encountering crime in their daily lives. However, the distribution of crime types—particularly the sharp rise in other theft—highlights local vulnerabilities that may require targeted community engagement.