Wixams Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In September 2024, Wixams maintained a crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 53.2% below the UK average of 7.7. This marked contrast with national trends highlights the area’s distinct crime profile, where violent crime outpaces property crime for the first time this year. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 44.8% of all reported crimes, significantly exceeding the 39% UK average for this category. This shift in the crime balance may partly explain the area’s lower-than-average rates for shoplifting and vehicle crime, which are typically driven by high-traffic zones or transient populations. Seasonal factors in September—such as the return of students to local institutions and the transition into shorter evenings—may contribute to the prominence of violent crime. The area’s relatively low property crime rates, particularly for burglary and vehicle-related offences, could reflect a combination of effective local policing and the built-up nature of Wixams, where residential density may deter opportunistic theft. Anti-social behaviour, while still a concern, has seen a 50% decrease month-on-month, linked to the start of the academic year and increased community activity. This data suggests a combination of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and crime prevention efforts that warrant further analysis.

September 2024 saw notable shifts in Wixams’ crime profile, with burglary and vehicle crime each doubling compared to August, marking a 100% increase for both categories. This rise in property-related offences contrasts with the 23.5% decrease in violence and sexual offences, which fell from 17 to 13 incidents. The reduction in violent crime may be linked to the start of the academic year. Anti-social behaviour also declined by 50%, possibly reflecting a quieter community environment as students returned to local institutions. Wixams’ performance against the UK average reveals stark differences: violence and sexual offences are 39% below the national rate, while burglary is 29% above. This divergence highlights the area’s unique characteristics, such as its built-up nature, which may reduce opportunities for vehicle crime but increase exposure to residential burglaries. For residents, the 100% increase in burglary is a critical data point, suggesting heightened vulnerability in certain housing types or locations. The absence of shoplifting and vehicle crime above the UK average further underscores Wixams’ lower risk profile for these categories, likely due to its compact, managed development model.

Wixams’ crime rate in September 2024 dropped 12.1% from August’s 4.1 per 1,000 to 3.6 per 1,000, reflecting a sustained downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day, a figure that translates to one crime for every 276 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate, while low compared to the UK average, places Wixams in a league of its own, with its population of 7,996 residents facing a markedly lower risk of victimisation than the national average. The built-up nature of the area, combined with its proximity to Bedford’s urban core, may contribute to this lower risk, as compact communities often benefit from stronger social cohesion and more visible policing. However, the 29% increase in burglary compared to the UK average raises questions about local vulnerabilities—whether in specific housing stock or security practices. These figures, when contextualised against Wixams’ demographic profile, suggest a balance between the protective effects of a tightly knit community and the challenges posed by targeted property crime. The data invites further exploration of how local infrastructure and policing strategies interact to shape this unique crime picture.