Wootton (Bedford) Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

July 2024 marked a notable shift in Wootton (Bedford)’s crime profile, with the area maintaining a crime rate of 3.0 per 1,000 residents—64.3% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This figure, while significantly lower than national levels, reflects a nuanced distribution of crime types. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 39.3% of all reported incidents, followed by criminal damage and arson (17.9%) and anti-social behaviour (14.3%). These patterns align with the seasonal context of July, a peak summer month characterized by school holidays, festivals, and increased tourism. The area’s built-up nature within Bedford likely contributes to the prevalence of violent crime, as outdoor events and crowded spaces may heighten opportunities for such offences. Conversely, the low rates of burglary (0.1 per 1,000) and theft from the person (not explicitly reported) suggest that Wootton’s urban character, combined with local policing efforts, may mitigate certain risks. The seasonal context also appears to influence property-related crimes: while anti-social behaviour dropped sharply, the surge in criminal damage and arson could be linked to the presence of transient populations or increased alcohol consumption during festivals. This interplay between local characteristics and seasonal rhythms offers insight into the area’s crime dynamics, even as the overall rate remains consistently low compared to national benchmarks.

July 2024 saw a dramatic increase in criminal damage and arson, rising by 400% from one incident in June to five in July—a stark contrast to the 71.4% drop in anti-social behaviour, which fell from 14 to four. This spike in property-related damage may be linked to seasonal factors, such as increased outdoor events or festivals during peak summer, which could draw attention to vulnerable properties. Meanwhile, vehicle crime surged by 200%, jumping from one to three incidents, a rise that could be attributed to higher traffic volumes or increased opportunities during the school holidays. Violence and sexual offences also rose by 57.1%, from seven to 11, though this category remains 58% below the UK average. These shifts underscore the volatility of crime in specific categories, even as overall rates remain low. For residents, the 400% increase in criminal damage and arson highlights the need for heightened vigilance around property security during the summer months.

Wootton (Bedford) recorded a crime rate of 3.0 per 1,000 residents in July 2024, a 9.8% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 3.3 per 1,000. This represents a sustained reduction in overall crime, consistent with broader trends observed in the area over recent months. On a daily basis, the locality experienced approximately one reported crime per day during July, a figure that remains relatively stable compared to previous months. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for roughly every 338 residents, highlighting the low frequency of incidents relative to the population size. With a population of 9,465, the area’s crime profile continues to be significantly lower than the UK average, which stood at 8.4 per 1,000. This suggests that local factors—such as community policing efforts, demographic characteristics, or geographic isolation—may contribute to the reduced risk of crime compared to larger urban centres. The monthly exposure metric provides residents with a tangible sense of how often crime occurs within their immediate vicinity, offering context for both reassurance and awareness.