Wootton (Bedford) Crime Rate

Wootton (Bedford) is an exceptionally safe residential area, boasting an overall crime rate of just 28.7 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7, earning the area an impressive safety score of 93/100. Furthermore, the crime rate is on a downward trajectory, having decreased by 10.5% over the past year. Property crime is particularly low here, with a rate of 7.7 per 1,000 compared to the national average of 32.3. These figures highlight Wootton as a secure and peaceful community, ideal for those seeking a low-risk environment. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of crime types and patterns to help residents understand and maintain this high level of safety.

Violence and sexual offences are the top crime type in Wootton, making up 39.3% of all reported incidents (11.3 per 1,000). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 18.0% and public order offences at 11.4%. Property crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—is exceptionally low at just 7.7 per 1,000 residents, far below the UK average of 32.3. Vehicle crime and criminal damage both sit at 2.4 per 1,000, while burglary is rare at 0.7 per 1,000. These figures indicate that Wootton is a very low-risk area for homeowners and vehicle owners, with most recorded crime being of a non-property nature. This profile is typical for a well-established, safe residential village.

Wootton is experiencing a positive downward trend in crime, with a 10.5% decrease in total offences over the last year. Monthly data shows that crime rates remained consistently low, with a peak of only 3.8 per 1,000 in July and a low of 1.6 in November. The overall trajectory has been one of steady improvement, with the area maintaining a crime rate well below the national average throughout the period. This trend suggests that Wootton is becoming an increasingly safe place to live, likely due to a combination of effective local policing and a vigilant, engaged community. For residents, this provides significant reassurance regarding the long-term safety of the village.

How To Keep Safe in Wootton (Bedford)

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime in Wootton, despite the overall low volume. To stay safe, residents should stick to well-lit paths when walking at night and be aware of their surroundings. Although Wootton is very safe, it is always wise to let a family member or friend know your plans when out alone. For home security, given that vehicle crime is the second most common property offence here, ensure your car is always locked and that no valuables are left on display. If you have a garage, use it to keep your vehicle off the street. Additionally, joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme can help maintain the village's low crime rate by encouraging community vigilance and the sharing of safety information.

Crime in Wootton is infrequent and follows a predictable residential pattern. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the most common concern, peaking at 39% of offences between 12pm and 6pm. This suggests opportunistic incidents when people are away from home. Evening hours (6pm to 12am) see a shift towards 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order issues, which make up 53% of reports. Overnight, between 12am and 6am, the focus shifts dramatically to vehicle crime, which accounts for 54% of all incidents in this period. This indicates that while the village is generally very safe, vehicles parked overnight are the most likely target for the small amount of crime that does occur.

Wootton stands out as one of the safest settlements in the Bedford region. Its crime rate of 28.7 is substantially lower than nearby Kempston (104.8), Stewartby (62.3), and Marston Moretaine (59.4). This makes Wootton a prime choice for residents who prioritise a quiet and secure lifestyle while remaining close to local amenities. Only the industrial area of Kempston Hardwick reports a lower rate (0.0), but among residential urban settlements, Wootton is a regional leader in safety. This comparison confirms Wootton's status as a high-safety haven within the local authority.

In a high-safety area like Wootton, homeowners often feel a sense of security that can lead to reactive security choices. However, with property crime still present at 7.7 per 1,000, maintaining that safety requires a proactive approach. Traditional CCTV systems are reactive; they provide footage of a crime after it has happened. scOS changes this by using AI to prevent crime before it occurs. By monitoring your property's 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 Wootton residents, scOS offers the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is actively defended, not just recorded. In a village where crime is already low, scOS helps ensure it stays that way for your property.