Wixams Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Wixams’ crime rate in May 2023 stood at 3.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 62.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This stark contrast with national figures highlights the area’s relative safety, particularly given its status as a built-up district within Bedford. The most prevalent crime category was anti-social behaviour, accounting for 33.3% of all reported incidents (8 cases), followed by other theft (25.0%, 6 cases) and violence and sexual offences (20.8%, 5 cases). These patterns align with the area’s character as a mixed-use residential and commercial zone, where public spaces and retail areas may contribute to anti-social incidents. Seasonal factors in May—such as extended daylight hours, bank holidays, and the transition to warmer weather—likely influenced the frequency of outdoor socialising and drinking, which may have contributed to the prominence of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Wixams was 78% below the UK average, suggesting a lower incidence of severe interpersonal crime compared to the national picture. The relatively low crime rate may also reflect the area’s smaller population (7,996 residents) and lower levels of deprivation compared to more densely populated or economically disadvantaged regions. While the overall crime rate remains low, the specific distribution of crime types indicates a need for targeted community engagement strategies, particularly in managing anti-social behaviour and ensuring public spaces remain welcoming for residents and visitors.

May 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories compared to April. Anti-social behaviour, other theft, and public order offences all increased by 100%, with anti-social behaviour rising from 4 to 8 incidents. This surge may be linked to May’s bank holidays and extended evenings, which can increase social gatherings and associated disruptions. Conversely, violence and sexual offences dropped by 58.3% (from 12 to 5), and criminal damage and arson fell by 50% (from 2 to 1). The decrease in violent crime contrasts with the UK average for violence and sexual offences (2.8 per 1,000), where Wixams’ rate of 0.6 per 1,000 was 78% below the national figure. Other theft in Wixams was 36% above the UK average (0.6 vs 0.8 per 1,000), suggesting local factors—such as retail activity or specific vulnerabilities in property security—may be contributing to this category. For residents, the sharp rise in anti-social behaviour underscores the importance of community initiatives to address public disturbances, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or late-night activity. The relatively low levels of violent crime, however, indicate that Wixams’ safety profile remains strong compared to the broader UK context.

Wixams’ crime rate in May 2023 (3.0 per 1,000) marked an 11.2% decrease from April’s rate of 3.4 per 1,000, reflecting a downward trend in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that may seem low but must be contextualised within the local population of 7,996 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 333 residents, a statistic that illustrates the relatively low frequency of criminal incidents in this built-up area. When compared to the UK average, Wixams’ crime rate is strikingly lower, with only 3.0 incidents per 1,000 residents versus 8.0 nationally. This disparity may be attributed to Wixams’ smaller population, its location within Bedford—a town known for lower crime rates compared to larger urban centres—and the effectiveness of local policing strategies. The monthly exposure figure (1 in 333 residents) provides a tangible sense of the likelihood of encountering crime for someone living in Wixams, offering residents reassurance about the area’s safety. However, the sharp increases in anti-social behaviour and other theft highlight the need for continued monitoring of specific crime trends, even in areas with otherwise low overall crime rates.