Kempston Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Kempston's crime profile in August 2025, accounting for 35.9% of all reported crimes. At 8.2 per 1,000 residents, the area's overall crime rate is 1.2% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This follows a seasonal pattern typical of August, when empty homes and holiday absences may increase burglary risks, though this month's data shows no significant rise in that category. The second most common crime type, criminal damage and arson (12.9% of total), is 86% above the UK average, reflecting patterns often seen in small towns where vandalism can escalate during summer months. Shoplifting (11.8% of total) also exceeds the UK average by 59%, likely driven by Kempston's retail presence along the A6. Anti-social behaviour (11.2% of total) is 38% below the UK average, suggesting community efforts in managing public conduct may be bearing fruit. The data highlights a combination of local factors—such as the town's proximity to Bedford's urban core—and broader national trends. While violent crime remains the most pressing concern, the relative underperformance in property crimes compared to other categories indicates areas for targeted intervention.

August 2025 saw a 39% decrease in violence and sexual offences, falling from 100 to 61 incidents—a shift that may reflect the end of summer holidays reducing tensions in public spaces. Burglary rates doubled month-on-month (3 to 6), though this remains below the UK average for the category. A stark contrast emerges in possession of weapons, which rose from 0 to 3 incidents—a 100% increase that deserves closer attention. Meanwhile, public order offences fell by 61.9% (21 to 8), possibly linked to reduced summer events in the area. The town's criminal damage rate (1.1 per 1,000) is 86% above the UK average, a figure consistent with the impact of high-value property in Kempston's built-up area. Residents should note the 59% above-average shoplifting rate, which may prompt local retailers to enhance security measures. This month's data also reveals a 75% increase in drug-related crimes, suggesting a need for expanded community policing initiatives in the area.

Kempston's crime rate in August 2025 (8.2 per 1,000) represents a 22% decrease from July's 10.6 per 1,000, marking a significant downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experiences approximately 5 crimes per day—a figure that, while modest, reflects the local context of a built-up area within Bedfordshire. Over the course of the month, 1 crime occurred for every 122 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average for comparable urban centres. This figure, when contextualised with Kempston's population of 20,665, suggests a relatively stable environment despite the above-average rates in certain categories. The 8.2 per 1,000 rate places Kempston in the middle range of UK towns, with its violence and sexual offences rate (3.0 per 1,000) being 5% above the national average but balanced by significantly lower anti-social behaviour rates (38% below UK levels). This mixed profile indicates that while certain crime types require targeted attention, the area's overall safety metrics remain within acceptable parameters for a medium-sized built-up area.