Shortstown Crime Rate

Shortstown is a safe and growing residential area with an overall crime rate of 94.0 per 1,000 residents. This figure is slightly above the UK average of 91.7, but the area maintains a strong safety score of 80/100, outperforming the national average of 79. Over the past year, crime has increased by 20.5%, a trend that residents should monitor as the community expands. Property crime in Shortstown stands at 38.1 per 1,000, which is higher than the national average of 32.3, largely due to elevated levels of shoplifting and 'other theft' in commercial zones. The following detailed breakdown provides essential insights into crime types and time patterns to help residents stay informed and proactively protect their homes and belongings.

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Shortstown, accounting for 30.5% of all reported incidents (28.7 per 1,000). This is followed by shoplifting at 19.0% and anti-social behaviour at 17.3%. Property crime overall—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—stands at 38.1 per 1,000 residents. This is higher than the UK average of 32.3, suggesting that residents should be particularly mindful of their belongings. Shoplifting (17.9 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (6.2 per 1,000) are the most frequent property-related concerns. Burglary is relatively low at 2.3 per 1,000, but the high volume of theft-related offences indicates that opportunistic crime is a significant factor in the area's statistical profile.

Shortstown has experienced a 20.5% increase in crime over the past year, a significant rise compared to the previous period. Monthly data shows considerable fluctuation, with a major peak in May (14.2 per 1,000) and another high in July (11.9 per 1,000). These spikes are often linked to increased outdoor activity and anti-social behaviour during the summer months. The lowest crime rate was recorded in September and November (both 5.4 per 1,000). The overall upward trend suggests that residents should be increasingly mindful of their safety and property security as the area continues to develop and grow.

How To Keep Safe in Shortstown

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Shortstown. To stay safe, residents should be mindful of their surroundings when walking through the area, particularly in less populated spots after dark. Stick to well-lit routes and try to walk with others whenever possible. For home security, given that shoplifting and other thefts are prominent (accounting for over 25% of local crime), ensure that your property is well-protected against opportunistic theft. Keep valuables out of sight from windows and ensure all doors and gates are locked, even when you are at home. If you have a vehicle, vehicle crime (6.2 per 1,000) is a factor, so always use a garage or a well-lit driveway and never leave items on display inside the car. Joining a local safety group can also help you stay informed about any spikes in anti-social behaviour.

Crime in Shortstown is heavily concentrated during the daylight hours, reflecting its commercial and active residential nature. Morning and afternoon periods are peak times for theft, with theft and shoplifting accounting for 49% and 56% of offences in those windows respectively. This suggests that retail areas are the primary focus of criminal activity during the day. Evening hours (6pm to 12am) see a more varied mix of crimes, including anti-social behaviour. Overnight, between 12am and 6am, the focus shifts dramatically to vehicle crime, which accounts for 58% of all incidents in this period. This indicates that while daytime risks are commercial, vehicles are the most vulnerable assets during the night.

Shortstown sits in a varied regional context. Its crime rate of 94.0 is higher than the nearby quiet villages of Cotton End (60.6), Cardington (0.0), and Cople (0.0). However, it remains significantly safer than the central Bedford area, which has a much higher rate of 121.2. This makes Shortstown a popular choice for those seeking a modern residential setting that is more secure than the town centre while still offering better amenities than the surrounding hamlets. For residents, it provides a balanced safety profile within the Bedford local authority.

In an area like Shortstown, where property crime (38.1 per 1,000) is above the national average, traditional security systems often fall short. Most CCTV cameras are reactive—they provide a recording of a crime after it has occurred. To truly protect your home, a proactive approach is needed. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that prevents crime before it starts. By monitoring your property 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, making them move on to an easier target. For Shortstown residents, scOS offers the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is actively defended, not just recorded. This shift from reactive to proactive is the most effective way to ensure your property doesn't become part of the local crime statistics.