Riseley (Bedford) Crime Rate

Riseley is a secure and tranquil village in the Bedford local authority, featuring an overall crime rate of 49.8 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7, earning the area a high safety score of 87/100. While the area is safe, there has been a 26.4% increase in crime over the past year. This upward trend, although starting from a low base, indicates that residents should remain mindful of local safety. The following analysis, covering December 2024 to November 2025, provides a detailed look at the types of crime occurring in Riseley and the times they are most likely to happen, helping the community stay informed and protected.

In Riseley, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crimes, making up nearly half of all incidents at 49.2% (24.5 per 1,000 people). This is followed by anti-social behaviour and "other" crimes, which each account for 10.4% of the total. Public order offences also contribute significantly at 7.5%.

Property-related crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—occurs at a rate of 10.4 per 1,000 residents. This is substantially lower than the UK average of 32.3, indicating that Riseley is a very secure environment for property owners. Vehicle crime and criminal damage each account for 6.0% of the total, while burglary and other theft are even less common at 4.5% each. While property crime is low, the high proportion of violence-related offences suggests that personal safety is the more prominent concern for the local community.

Riseley has seen a 26.4% increase in crime year-over-year, which is a notable shift for the village. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that crime rates peaked in September 2025 at 8.2 per 1,000 residents, followed by July at 7.4. The safest month was May 2025, which saw a very low rate of just 0.7 per 1,000. These fluctuations are common in small populations, but the overall upward trend suggests that residents should be more vigilant than in previous years. The peak in late summer and early autumn suggests a seasonal pattern that residents should be aware of.

How To Keep Safe in Riseley (Bedford)

The most frequent crime type in Riseley is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour. Residents can take several steps to enhance their personal and property safety.

1. Be aware of your surroundings when walking through the village at night. Stick to well-lit paths and avoid isolated areas where possible.
2. Ensure your home's exterior is well-lit with motion-activated lighting, which can deter both anti-social behaviour and opportunistic property crime.
3. Join local community groups or village social media pages to stay informed about any recent suspicious activity or reported crimes in the Riseley area.
4. Secure all outbuildings, such as sheds and garages, with high-quality locks. Even in low-crime areas, these can be targets for opportunistic theft of tools or bicycles.
5. Report any incidents of anti-social behaviour to the local police. Early reporting helps authorities identify patterns and allocate resources effectively to keep the village safe.

Crime timing in Riseley shows clear trends throughout the day. The afternoon is a peak period for theft, accounting for 41% of incidents, suggesting that opportunistic crime is more likely when people are active. In the evening, the "other" crime category, which includes anti-social behaviour and public order offences, rises to 40%. Night-time is the most significant period for vehicle crime, which makes up 42% of all recorded incidents between midnight and 6am. Burglary remains relatively consistent but shows peaks in the afternoon (29%) and night (27%), indicating that properties are most at risk when they appear unoccupied or when residents are asleep.

In the local region, Riseley is one of the more active villages compared to its immediate neighbours. Nearby areas such as Backnoe End, Keysoe Row, and Upper Dean all reported crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 residents. However, Riseley is comparable to Sharnbrook, which has a crime rate of 34.1. Despite having more recorded incidents than its closest rural neighbours, Riseley’s rate of 49.8 is still roughly half the national average. For those looking for a safe residential environment in North Bedfordshire, Riseley remains an excellent choice with a safety profile that far exceeds the UK norm.

With a property crime rate of 10.4 per 1,000 people, Riseley is a low-risk area for theft and burglary, yet the recent 26.4% increase in overall crime suggests that proactive security is a wise investment. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV, are reactive; they provide a recording of an event after it has occurred. For homeowners in Riseley, the goal should be to maintain the village's safe character by preventing crime before it happens.

The scOS artificial intelligence system offers a proactive solution. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries, scOS can detect potential threats in real-time. If an unauthorised person enters your perimeter, the system can autonomously respond by activating lights or speakers, removing the element of surprise that burglars and vandals rely on. In a village like Riseley, where property crime is infrequent, a visible and intelligent deterrent like scOS is highly effective at encouraging opportunistic offenders to move on to easier targets. Choosing scOS means investing in a system that actively works to protect your home, rather than one that just records it being targeted.