Kempston Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Kempston's crime rate in May 2025 stood at 10.2 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 25.9% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This divergence from national trends is most pronounced in violent crime, which accounted for 36.7% of all reported incidents—driven by 77 cases of violence and sexual offences. Shoplifting emerged as the second most common crime category, contributing 18.1% of the total (38 cases), a rate 169% above the UK average. These figures align with Kempston's character as a built-up area within Bedford, where retail centres and high streets may contribute to shoplifting rates, while public spaces and longer evenings in May likely amplify incidents of violence and anti-social behaviour. Seasonal factors such as bank holidays and extended daylight hours appear to have influenced crime patterns, with increased outdoor socialising correlating with higher reports of public order offences. The area's crime profile contrasts sharply with the UK average in violent crime and property theft categories, suggesting localised pressures that may stem from demographic characteristics or spatial dynamics unique to Kempston's urban fabric.

May 2025 saw marked fluctuations in specific crime categories, with burglary reporting a 150% month-on-month increase (2 to 5 cases) and public order offences doubling from 9 to 18. These spikes may reflect seasonal transitions, as longer evenings and increased socialising in public spaces during May align with patterns observed in similar urban areas. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 50% (from 2 to 1 case), possibly linked to reduced cycling activity during warmer weather or improved security measures. The drug-related crime category also experienced a 41.7% decline, though it remains 7% above the UK average at 0.3 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences—already 31% above the UK average—accounted for the largest share of crimes (36.7%), highlighting the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour, the third most common category, was 15% below the UK average (1.2 vs 1.4 per 1,000), suggesting that local community engagement efforts may be mitigating certain types of disruptive activity.

Compared to April 2025, Kempston's crime rate rose by 17.3% to 10.2 per 1,000 residents from 8.7 per 1,000, indicating a significant upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 7 crimes per day in May, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 98 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides context for residents, showing that while the absolute number of crimes is relatively low compared to population size, the rate remains higher than the UK average. The 25.9% gap between Kempston and the UK's overall crime rate underscores the area's distinct challenges, particularly in violent crime and shoplifting. With a population of 20,665, the localised nature of these issues suggests that targeted policing strategies, community initiatives, and environmental design changes could help address the disparities observed. The comparison also highlights the need for continued monitoring, as the 17.3% month-on-month increase indicates a potential shift in crime dynamics that may require adaptive responses.