Kempston Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

April 2025 saw Kempston's overall crime rate at 8.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 13.0% above the UK average of 7.7. This built-up area within Bedford continues to reflect a mix of urban challenges and seasonal fluctuations. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 27.4% of all crimes, followed by shoplifting (22.4%) and anti-social behaviour (12.9%). The Easter period and spring weather likely influenced patterns, with increased outdoor activity potentially contributing to a slight rise in public order offences. Shoplifting remains a stark outlier, with rates 188% above the UK average, a trend consistent with Kempston's retail presence and high foot traffic in commercial areas. Violent crime, however, showed a marginal improvement, with rates 8% below the national average. The seasonal context of April—marked by warmer temperatures and extended daylight hours—may have altered crime dynamics, though the exact relationship between weather and specific offences remains complex. Anti-social behaviour, while still prevalent, fell 17% below the UK average, suggesting local initiatives or community engagement efforts could be playing a role. The data underscores Kempston's position as a microcosm of broader UK trends, with distinct local factors amplifying or mitigating national patterns.

April 2025 marked a -6.3% decrease in Kempston's overall crime rate compared to March, with 8.7 crimes per 1,000 residents. This decline was driven by a 66.7% drop in vehicle crime and bicycle theft, likely linked to reduced demand for parking spaces during Easter holidays. Conversely, robbery and possession of weapons both surged by 100%, with three reported robberies and four weapons-related incidents—doubling their March totals. Drug-related offences also doubled, reaching 12 cases, a figure 122% above the UK average. Shoplifting, the most common crime, remained 188% above the national average, with 40 incidents reported. This stark disparity highlights Kempston's retail sector as a focal point for targeted enforcement. Violence and sexual offences, while still the most frequent category, were 8% below the UK average, a contrast to the national trend. The data suggests a shift in crime mix, with property crimes (77 total) outpacing violent crimes (49 total), though this balance may reflect seasonal patterns rather than long-term trends. For residents, the sharp increase in weapons possession—a category 186% above the UK average—raises immediate safety concerns, particularly in areas with high foot traffic.

Kempston's crime rate in April 2025 (8.7 per 1,000) marked a 6.3% decrease from March's 9.2, reflecting a gradual decline in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 6 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 roughly every 115 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is slightly higher than the national average but consistent with Kempston's built-up character. Comparing this to the UK's average population-scaled rate, Kempston's 8.7 per 1,000 is 13% higher, though this gap narrows when considering specific crime categories. For instance, shoplifting's 188% excess over the UK average contrasts with anti-social behaviour's 17% deficit, illustrating the area's unique crime profile. The population context—20,665 residents—means each resident faces a 0.87% chance of being a victim over the month, a figure that, while modest, underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas. This comparison highlights Kempston's position as a small urban centre with both elevated and mitigated crime risks relative to the national picture.