Rural Bedford Crime Rate

Rural Bedford is a notably secure region, with an overall crime rate of 59.3 per 1,000 residents—well below the UK national average of 91.7. This safe environment is reflected in its high safety score of 86/100, placing it among the more peaceful areas in the country. The crime trend is currently stable, showing only a minor 3.5% change year-over-year, which indicates a consistent safety profile. Residents benefit from a property crime rate of 19.0 per 1,000, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3. This data paints a picture of a low-crime area where residential security is strong, though specific rural challenges remain. The following analysis explores these statistics in detail to help residents maintain their high standard of safety.

Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Rural Bedford, comprising 35.3% of all reports (20.9 per 1,000). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 18.4% and criminal damage and arson at 9.1%. Overall property crime—including burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—stands at 19.0 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3, reflecting the area's generally secure nature. However, burglary and vehicle crime each account for 6.5% of total offences, indicating that even in rural settings, residential security remains a priority. The low shoplifting rate (1.4%) highlights the primarily residential and agricultural character of the area compared to more urban Bedford settlements.

Rural Bedford has a stable crime trend, with total offences increasing by only 3.5% over the past year. Monthly data shows a fairly consistent crime rate, ranging from a low of 4.0 in January to a peak of 6.1 in March. The summer months of June and July also saw slightly elevated rates (5.8 and 5.9 respectively), which is common in rural areas as outdoor activity increases. The consistency of these figures suggests that Rural Bedford is not experiencing any major shifts in criminal activity. For residents, this stability is a positive sign that the area remains a safe and predictable place to live, with local safety initiatives effectively maintaining the status quo.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Bedford

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Rural Bedford, though the overall volume remains low. To maintain personal safety, especially in more isolated rural spots, always let someone know your expected return time when walking or exercising alone. Carry a fully charged mobile phone and stick to well-known footpaths. For your home, focus on 'target hardening' by ensuring that all windows and doors have high-quality locks. Since rural properties often have outbuildings, ensure these are as secure as the main house, as they can be easy targets for opportunistic theft. Installing motion-activated lighting around the perimeter of your property can also be a significant deterrent, removing the cover of darkness that offenders often rely on in less populated areas.

Crime in Rural Bedford is influenced by its residential nature, with distinct peaks during the afternoon and overnight. Between 12pm and 6pm, theft and burglary are more prominent, accounting for a combined 66% of offences in that window, likely targeting homes while residents are at work. Evening hours (6pm to 12am) see a shift towards 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which makes up 47% of reports. Overnight, from 12am to 6am, vehicle crime becomes the primary concern, representing 40% of all incidents. This suggests that while daytime risks are focused on the property itself, the night brings a specific threat to vehicles parked on driveways or rural roads.

Rural Bedford serves as a peaceful buffer within the local authority, providing a lower-crime environment than the nearby urban centres. While its rate of 59.3 is moderate, it sits comfortably below the national average, offering a secure alternative for those who find town-centre living too busy. The area's crime profile is typical of a rural-urban fringe, where most offences are low-volume and residential in nature. Compared to the wider Bedford district, this area maintains a consistently high safety score, making it a preferred choice for families and retirees looking for a stable and secure community.

In the expansive setting of Rural Bedford, traditional security measures like basic CCTV often fall short because they only record an incident after it has occurred. With a property crime rate of 19.0 per 1,000, and the potential for properties to be more isolated, proactive protection is a smarter choice. scOS uses advanced AI to turn your cameras into an active security team that never blinks. It detects threats at the boundary of your property, not just at the door. For rural homeowners, the ability to verify vehicles via DVLA data and recognize familiar faces means the system only alerts you to genuine threats. scOS doesn't just provide footage of a burglary; it prevents it by activating deterrents the moment an intruder is detected. This autonomous response is particularly valuable in rural areas where police response times may be longer, ensuring your home is protected in real-time.