Oakley (Bedford) Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Oakley (Bedford)

Oakley (Bedford), a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 2,483, reports an exceptionally low overall crime rate of 21.0 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure is significantly below the UK national average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating that Oakley (Bedford) is a considerably safer area. The area achieves an outstanding safety score of 94 out of 100, which is substantially higher than the UK average safety score of 78. Over the past year, crime trends in Oakley (Bedford) show a strong decreasing trajectory, with a significant 22.4% reduction year-over-year. This positive trend provides a strong foundation for understanding the detailed crime data and the high level of safety enjoyed by residents.

Crime Breakdown in Oakley (Bedford)

An analysis of crime types in Oakley (Bedford) reveals that Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant category, accounting for 29 crimes, or 11.7 per 1,000 residents, and making up 55.8% of the total recorded offences. Criminal damage and arson follows as the second most prevalent issue, with 10 incidents, equating to 4.0 per 1,000 people and 19.2% of all crimes. Anti-social behaviour ranks as the third highest concern, with 5 crimes, or 2.0 per 1,000 residents, comprising 9.6% of the total.

Focusing on property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Oakley (Bedford) records a remarkably low rate of 6.4 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000, indicating a much safer environment for homeowners and residents regarding their property. Specifically, vehicle crime saw 4 incidents, and burglary 1. While these figures are very low, they still highlight the importance of maintaining vigilance and appropriate security measures to protect homes and vehicles.

Crime Trends in Oakley (Bedford)

Examining the crime trends in Oakley (Bedford) over the past year reveals a highly positive picture, with a significant year-over-year decrease of 22.4%. This strong downward trajectory indicates a notable improvement in the overall safety profile of the area. Looking at the monthly crime rate data per 1,000 residents, the rates generally remained very low, ranging from 0.4 to 4.0 per 1,000. There was a small peak in July 2025 at 4.0 per 1,000, but overall, the monthly figures demonstrate a consistent pattern of very low and decreasing crime. For residents, this trend is highly reassuring, suggesting that Oakley (Bedford) continues to be a very safe place to live, with a noticeable improvement in crime patterns over the last year.

Time-Based Crime Patterns in Oakley (Bedford)

Analysis of crime data in Oakley (Bedford) Built-Up Area reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. The morning hours (6am-12pm) are characterised by a high proportion of 'Other' crime (69%) and vehicle crime (25%), suggesting opportunistic crimes as residents commute or start their day. In the afternoon (12pm-6pm), 'Other' crime remains dominant (77%), with burglary also present (12%). As the evening progresses (6pm-12am), 'Other' crime significantly increases (78%), indicating a concentration of diverse offences. The night period (12am-6am) shows a pronounced peak in 'Other' crime (50%) and vehicle crime (43%), indicating these hours are particularly vulnerable for various offences when properties are often unattended. Despite the overall low crime rates, these patterns highlight specific times for increased vigilance.

Comparison with Nearby Areas

To contextualise the crime rates in Oakley (Bedford), a comparison with neighbouring urban settlements provides valuable insights. Clapham (Bedford), a nearby community, offers a comparison in terms of its crime profile. Stevington, a small village, can show variations in crime dynamics due to its characteristics. Bromham (Bedford), another close settlement, provides further context for similar village crime patterns. Finally, Pavenham, a small village, helps to round out the regional picture, illustrating how crime can vary even within close proximity. These comparisons allow residents to understand the specific safety landscape of Oakley (Bedford) in relation to its immediate surroundings, highlighting its exceptionally low and decreasing crime rates compared to other areas.

Home Security and Protection

Despite Oakley (Bedford) enjoying a very low property crime rate of 6.4 per 1,000 people, significantly below the UK average, and a decreasing overall crime trend, proactive home security remains a wise investment. While the risk is minimal, no area is entirely immune to crime. Traditional CCTV systems typically only record an incident after it has occurred, offering evidence but not prevention. For true peace of mind, consider an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS, which focuses on preventing crime before it happens by detecting threats at your property boundary.

Unlike reactive DIY solutions, scOS offers real-time intervention. Its multi-camera intelligence provides comprehensive surveillance, and features such as DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag suspicious vehicles. By learning your family's routines, scOS intelligently filters out false alarms, ensuring alerts are only for genuine threats. This professional-grade deterrence, with features like activating lights and engaging speakers, is designed to destroy the element of surprise for potential intruders, often causing them to move on within moments. Even in a very safe area like Oakley (Bedford), choosing a proactive security solution offers an unparalleled level of protection.