Kempston Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Kempston's crime rate in October 2024 reached 8.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 8.6% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure, while modest, reflects a persistent challenge for local authorities. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 28.7% of all incidents, followed by shoplifting (17.7%) and anti-social behaviour (13.8%). The dominance of violent crime may be influenced by Kempston's status as a commuter town, where transient populations and late-night retail activity could contribute to higher rates of assault and disorder. However, the stark contrast between Kempston's shoplifting rate (1.6 per 1,000) and the UK average (0.7 per 1,000) suggests a unique local dynamic, linked to the area's high concentration of retail outlets along the A6. October's seasonal context—shorter evenings and Halloween—may have amplified incidents of public disorder and theft. The relatively low rate of burglary (0.3 per 1,000) compared to the UK average (0.3 per 1,000) indicates that residential properties may be better protected than national data suggests. These patterns highlight the need for targeted interventions, particularly in retail zones, while also acknowledging the broader socioeconomic factors that shape Kempston's crime profile.

October 2024 marked a sharp rise in vehicle crime, which surged by 137.5% from 8 to 19 incidents. This increase, coupled with a 120% rise in other thefts and a 100% jump in drug-related offences, highlights a troubling shift in crime patterns. Shoplifting, at 1.6 per 1,000 residents, remains 122% above the UK average, likely tied to Kempston's retail presence. Conversely, burglary fell by 12.5%, suggesting potential success in targeted policing efforts. The violent crime category, though still the most common, was 6% below the UK average at 2.5 per 1,000. These fluctuations demonstrate the complexity of local crime trends, with some categories aligning with national patterns while others diverge sharply. Residents may find the 122% shoplifting disparity particularly noteworthy, given its direct impact on local businesses.

Kempston's crime rate in October 2024 rose to 8.8 per 1,000 residents, a 15.3% increase from the previous month's 7.6 per 1,000. This upward trend suggests a shift in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 6 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the concentrated nature of reported incidents. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 114 residents, a ratio that contextualises the scale of incidents against the local population. With a population of 20,665, Kempston's crime profile highlights the need for ongoing monitoring, particularly as seasonal factors like shorter evenings and Halloween may influence certain types of crime. The rise in vehicle crime and shoplifting, both significantly above UK averages, underscores areas where local conditions may differ from national trends.