Shortstown Crime Rate

Shortstown, a settlement near Bedford, reports an overall crime rate of 97.8 per 1,000 residents and holds a safety score of 79/100. This crime rate is slightly higher than the UK national average of 91.6, which is often characteristic of areas with significant retail presence. Recent data from January to December 2025 shows a significant increasing trend, with crime rising by 25.0% year-over-year. While the area remains generally safe for its residents, the high volume of shoplifting and the rise in overall offences highlight the importance of property security. Shortstown serves as a growing community, and this activity is reflected in its crime profile, particularly in its commercial areas.

Crime in Shortstown

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Shortstown, representing 29.8% of all recorded incidents. This is followed by shoplifting at 21.5% and anti-social behaviour at 15.7%. Property crime, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle offences, occurs at a rate of 42.0 per 1,000 residents. This is a notable figure, largely driven by the high rate of shoplifting (21.0 per 1,000). Vehicle crime accounts for 6.8% of the total, with 32 incidents recorded. Burglary is relatively low, making up only 2.5% of total crime with 12 incidents over the year. For residents of Shortstown, the primary focus is on maintaining security for both homes and vehicles, as property-related crimes are a significant factor in the local profile.

Crime Trends in Shortstown

The crime rate in Shortstown has shown a significant increasing trend, with a 25.0% rise in total offences over the last year. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that the rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated throughout the year, starting at 6.9 in January, reaching a peak of 14.2 in May, and ending the year at 9.8 in December. This peak in late spring is a notable trend. While the overall increase is something for the community to be aware of, the fluctuations throughout the year suggest that crime levels are not steadily rising but are subject to seasonal shifts. Continued community vigilance and effective local policing will be key to managing and reversing this upward trend in the future.

How To Keep Safe in Shortstown

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Shortstown, accounting for 29.8% of all reports. To stay safe, residents should maintain general awareness and look out for one another within the community. Shoplifting is also very high at 21.5%, so local business owners should invest in robust retail security and staff training. For homeowners, vehicle crime is a steady concern; always ensure cars are locked and avoid leaving any valuables inside. Maintaining good perimeter security and using motion-activated lighting can significantly reduce the risk of opportunistic property crime. Joining a local neighbourhood watch or community social media group can also help residents stay informed and contribute to the area's overall safety.

Crime in Shortstown follows a clear temporal cycle. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the primary concern, accounting for 48% and 56% of incidents respectively. This suggests that daytime activity in commercial and residential areas is the peak window for opportunistic larceny. As the evening sets in, the profile shifts toward 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 35% of evening activity. The night-time period (12am - 6am) is particularly important for vehicle security, as vehicle crime surges to 59% of all recorded incidents during these hours. This indicates that while the community is generally quiet at night, cars parked on driveways are the most vulnerable to opportunistic crime during the late-night hours.

In the local context, Shortstown's crime rate of 97.8 per 1,000 residents is lower than the main Bedford urban settlement (120.2), but higher than nearby Cotton End (58.5). Neighbouring areas like Cardington and Cople report exceptionally low rates of 0.0 in this dataset. This suggests that Shortstown is a more active community within its immediate region. For those considering the area, Shortstown offers a growing residential environment but requires a more proactive approach to property and personal security, especially given the recent upward trend in activity.

Shortstown has a property crime rate of 42.0 per 1,000, and with vehicle crime accounting for 59% of night-time activity, property owners should focus on driveway and perimeter security. Traditional reactive systems often fail to stop a crime in progress, merely providing footage of the event. scOS offers a proactive solution by using AI to monitor property boundaries in real-time. For Shortstown residents, scOS's ability to monitor vehicles and use DVLA verification to spot suspicious plates is a major advantage. By autonomously triggering lights or audio deterrents when a threat is detected, scOS prevents crime before it happens. This proactive approach turns your home into a hard target, which is the most effective way to maintain the area's safety standards and protect your personal assets.