Oakley (Bedford) Crime Rate

Oakley (Bedford) is one of the safest residential areas in the region, with an exceptionally low overall crime rate of 20.2 per 1,000 residents. This is far below the UK average of 91.7, earning the village a remarkable safety score of 94/100. Furthermore, the crime rate is on a downward trajectory, having decreased by 20.6% over the past year. Property crime is particularly low here, with a rate of just 4.8 per 1,000 compared to the national average of 32.3. These statistics highlight Oakley as a high-safety haven, ideal for families and those seeking a low-risk environment. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of crime types and patterns to help residents understand and maintain this high standard of safety.

Violence and sexual offences are the top crime type in Oakley, accounting for 60.0% of all reported incidents (12.1 per 1,000). This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 16.0% and anti-social behaviour at 12.0%. Property crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—is exceptionally low at 4.8 per 1,000 residents, far below the UK average of 32.3. Vehicle crime is the most frequent property offence at 1.2 per 1,000, while burglary is extremely rare at 0.4 per 1,000. These statistics indicate that Oakley is one of the most secure areas for homeowners, with the vast majority of crime being non-invasive. This profile is typical for a high-safety, peaceful residential village.

Oakley has seen a significant 20.6% decrease in crime over the past year, continuing its trend as one of the safest areas in the region. Monthly data shows that crime rates remained consistently low throughout the year, with a peak of only 4.0 per 1,000 in July and a low of just 0.4 in January. The overall trajectory is very positive, with the area maintaining a crime rate far below the national average. This trend suggests that Oakley is becoming an even safer place to live, with its high safety score and low crime volume providing significant reassurance for residents.

How To Keep Safe in Oakley (Bedford)

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime in Oakley, although the actual volume is very low. To stay safe, residents should stick to well-lit paths when walking at night and be aware of their surroundings. While Oakley is exceptionally safe, it is always good practice to let someone know your plans when out alone. For home security, given that vehicle crime is the most common property offence here, ensure your car is always locked and that no valuables are left on display. If you have a garage, use it to keep your vehicle off the street. Additionally, joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme can help maintain the village's high safety standard by encouraging community vigilance and the sharing of security information among neighbours. This collective effort is key to keeping Oakley's crime rates among the lowest in the region.

Crime in Oakley is rare and follows a typical residential pattern. During the morning and afternoon, theft is non-existent according to the breakdown, with 'other' offences being the primary concern. Evening hours (6pm to 12am) see a continued dominance of 'other' crimes, accounting for 74% of reports. Overnight, between 12am and 6am, the focus shifts to vehicle crime, which accounts for 42% of the few incidents recorded in this period. This indicates that while the village is generally very safe, the evening hours are when most non-property incidents occur, and vehicles are the primary nighttime target for the low amount of crime that does happen.

Oakley is a regional leader in safety within the Bedford local authority. Its crime rate of 20.2 is significantly lower than nearby Clapham (47.2) and much safer than the larger Bedford urban area. It shares a similar high-safety profile with nearby Bromham (23.4). For those seeking a secure residential setting, Oakley offers one of the most peaceful environments in the area. Only the uninhabited hamlets of Stevington and Pavenham report lower rates (0.0). This comparison confirms Oakley's status as a premium choice for safety-conscious residents in the Bedford district.

In a village as safe as Oakley, it's easy to rely on traditional security or the general peace of the neighbourhood. However, with property crime still occurring at a rate of 4.8 per 1,000, maintaining that security requires a proactive approach. Standard CCTV systems are reactive; they provide footage of a crime after it has happened. scOS changes the game by using AI to prevent crime before it starts. By monitoring your property's boundary in real-time, scOS can identify potential threats and activate deterrents like lights and speakers autonomously. This professional-grade protection is designed to stop an intruder's 60-second decision-making process, causing them to move on to an easier target. For Oakley residents, scOS provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is actively defended, not just recorded. In a community where crime is already minimal, scOS helps ensure your property remains a secure sanctuary.