Kempston Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Kempston’s crime rate in May 2024 stood at 9.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 13.1% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This discrepancy underscores the area’s distinct challenges compared to the national picture, particularly in violent and anti-social crime categories. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 32.1% of all crimes, with 63 incidents reported—3.1 per 1,000 residents, 9% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 23.5% of the total (46 incidents), and was 52% above the UK rate. These figures may be influenced by Kempston’s position as a built-up area within Bedford, where commercial activity and residential density could intersect to create environments conducive to such crimes. The seasonal context of May, with its bank holidays and extended evenings, likely contributed to increased outdoor socialising and drinking, which may partly explain the rise in public order offences and anti-social behaviour. Shoplifting, at 11.2% of total crimes, was 72% above the UK average, a statistic that could reflect the presence of retail hubs or high-foot-traffic areas in the town. While the overall crime rate remains within the range of similar urban areas, the concentration of violent and property crimes suggests a need for targeted policing and community initiatives. The breakdown also highlights a stark contrast in certain categories: for instance, public order offences were 21% below the UK average, due to local efforts in community engagement or effective enforcement in specific zones. This mix of above-average and below-average trends illustrates the nuanced nature of Kempston’s crime profile, shaped by both geographic and social factors unique to the area.

May 2024 saw notable shifts in Kempston’s crime profile, with drugs-related offences surging by 200% (from 2 to 6) and public order offences rising by 120% (from 5 to 11). These increases may partly explain the overall 18.1% rise in the area’s crime rate compared to the previous month. Conversely, shoplifting decreased by 18.5% (from 27 to 22), and vehicle crime fell by 20%, suggesting some success in targeted interventions. Anti-social behaviour remained the most common offence, contributing 23.5% of all crimes—52% above the UK average—and shoplifting was 72% above the national rate. The sharp rise in possession of weapons, which tripled from 0 to 3, is particularly concerning and could indicate emerging trends linked to local social dynamics. Residents may find the 120% increase in public order offences noteworthy, as it reflects heightened tensions during extended evenings and bank holidays.

Kempston's crime rate in May 2024 rose to 9.5 per 1,000 residents, an 18.1% increase from the previous month’s 8.0 per 1,000. This places the area 13.1% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, a gap that has widened in recent months. Locally, 196 crimes were reported over 31 days, averaging roughly six crimes per day—a figure that, while not uncommon for urban areas, highlights the need for sustained community engagement. When scaled to the population of 20,665, this translates to one reported crime for every 105 residents over the course of the month. While this rate is not exceptionally high compared to other built-up areas in the UK, the concentration of violent and anti-social crimes suggests a combination of local factors, such as increased foot traffic during bank holidays and the influence of nearby commercial hubs. The daily crime count remains a local metric, as no national daily comparison is available, but the monthly exposure figure offers a clear snapshot of how frequently residents encounter crime in their daily lives.