Wixams Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Wixams, a built-up area within Bedford, recorded a crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents in May 2024, placing it 52.4% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This stark contrast with national figures highlights the area’s relatively low crime profile, which aligns with its character as a planned community with limited nightlife and commercial density. The most frequent crime type was anti-social behaviour, contributing 28.1% of all reports, followed by violence and sexual offences (25.0%) and vehicle crime (12.5%). These patterns are consistent with Wixams’ demographic profile, where a high proportion of residents are families and younger professionals, reducing the likelihood of late-night drinking or public disorder typically associated with higher crime rates. Seasonal factors in May—such as extended evenings and bank holidays—likely contributed to increased socialising in local parks and open spaces, potentially explaining the prominence of anti-social behaviour. However, the area’s infrastructure, including well-lit streets and community engagement initiatives, may partly explain the absence of more severe crimes like burglary or drug-related offences, which are typically more prevalent in densely populated urban centres. The overall crime rate remains stable compared to previous months, suggesting that local safety measures are maintaining this low-crime environment despite the seasonal shifts.

May 2024 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories, with vehicle crime surging by 300% (from 1 to 4 incidents) compared to the previous month. This sharp increase may be linked to the arrival of warmer weather and increased outdoor activity, which often correlates with higher vehicle-related crimes such as theft from cars. Conversely, other theft and public order offences both declined significantly, with other theft falling by 66.7% and public order offences dropping by 60%. These decreases align with the reduction in large-scale events and gatherings that typically occur in the preceding months. Additionally, violent crimes remained 65% below the UK average, with only 8 incidents reported, a figure that underscores the area’s low levels of interpersonal conflict. The increase in burglary (100% from 0 to 3) and possession of weapons (100% from 0 to 1) highlights emerging concerns. Residents may find the 52.4% gap between Wixams’ crime rate and the UK average particularly reassuring, as it demonstrates the effectiveness of local policing and community-focused crime prevention strategies in maintaining a secure environment.

Wixams’ crime rate in May 2024 (4.0 per 1,000) represents a 15.8% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4.8 per 1,000, indicating a continuing trend of stability in local crime levels. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 1 reported crime per day, a figure that is low compared to larger urban centres where daily crime rates often exceed 5 per 1,000. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 250 residents, a statistic that contextualises the safety of the area in terms of population exposure. This monthly exposure rate is particularly significant when compared to the UK average, where residents face roughly double the risk of encountering crime. The demographic makeup of Wixams—characterised by a high proportion of middle-income families and limited commercial activity—likely contributes to these lower exposure rates. While the increase in vehicle crime and burglary raises some concerns, these categories remain outliers in a broader context of consistent low crime. The combination of a low population density, strong community policing, and targeted crime prevention efforts appears to be maintaining this favourable position relative to national trends, even as seasonal factors influence specific crime types.