Wootton (Bedford) Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Wootton (Bedford) recorded a crime rate of 2.0 per 1,000 residents in July 2023, placing it 75.9% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This stark contrast underscores the area’s relative safety, though the crime profile reveals distinct patterns. Violence and sexual offences were the most prevalent category, accounting for 63.2% of all incidents (12 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (21.1%, 4 cases) and drugs (10.5%, 2 cases). The seasonal context of July—peak summer, school holidays, and potential festival activity—likely contributed to these trends, with outdoor spaces potentially attracting both community engagement and transient populations. The low rate of property crimes (1 case) suggests that the area’s built-up nature, combined with lower population density, may reduce opportunities for such offences. However, the 300% increase in anti-social behaviour highlights a need for localized awareness, particularly in public spaces. This pattern aligns with observations in similar suburban areas, where temporary spikes in anti-social behaviour often correlate with summer events, though the exact drivers here remain unclear. The overall rate, while low, demonstrates that Wootton’s crime environment is shaped by both its geographic character and the rhythms of the year.

The most striking shift in July 2023 was the 300% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from one to four incidents—a jump that dwarfs all other category changes. This surge, though still low in absolute terms, suggests a potential link to summer festivals or increased social activity in the area. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences rose by 20% (10 to 12 cases), maintaining their dominance as the most common crime type, which accounted for 63.2% of all incidents. This category’s rate (1.3 per 1,000) was 53% below the UK average, a disparity consistent with Wootton’s smaller population and lower population density. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 66.7% (from three to one incident), possibly reflecting reduced outdoor activity or improved community monitoring during the month. For residents, the 300% spike in anti-social behaviour is a clear indicator to remain vigilant in public spaces, especially during evening hours.

July 2023 marked a 40.5% decline in Wootton’s crime rate compared to June, falling from 3.4 to 2.0 per 1,000 residents. This downward trend aligns with broader seasonal patterns observed in similar built-up areas, where summer months often see reduced property crimes due to increased community engagement and open spaces. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day over the month, a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 9,465 residents. Over the course of July, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 498 residents—a monthly exposure rate significantly lower than the UK average, which typically sees one crime for every 120 residents. This stark contrast highlights Wootton’s relative safety, though the 300% increase in anti-social behaviour raises questions about localized factors, such as the impact of festivals or extended school holidays on community dynamics. The population-scaled perspective further underscores that, despite the spike in specific categories, the overall crime burden remains exceptionally light for the area’s size.