Wootton (Bedford) Crime Rate March 2024 | Monthly Statistics

March 2024 presented an unexpected shift in Wootton (Bedford) crime patterns, marked by a 200% increase in anti-social behaviour, a category that saw the most dramatic change compared to the previous month. Despite this spike, the area’s overall crime rate of 2.2 per 1,000 residents remained 71.4% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, highlighting the area’s continued safety. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 47.6% of total incidents, though they remained 59% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, now the second most common category at 28.6% of total crimes, surged sharply, possibly linked to the transition to spring and extended evening hours. The seasonal context of March—characterized by the end of British Summer Time and the gradual increase in daylight—may have influenced outdoor activity patterns, contributing to the rise in anti-social incidents. Other theft and burglary, though relatively low, showed increases of 100% each, though these remain significantly below national averages. The data suggests that while localized fluctuations occur, Wootton’s overall crime profile remains markedly safer than the UK average, with property crimes collectively accounting for just 28.6% of total incidents. This balance between violent and property crimes, combined with the area’s low population density and strong community infrastructure, likely plays a role in maintaining the low crime rate despite the notable rise in specific categories.

March 2024 saw a dramatic 200% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from 2 to 6 incidents. This spike, though not matched by similar changes in other categories, suggests a localized shift in community dynamics. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common crime type, accounting for 47.6% of total incidents, yet they remained 59% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000. Other notable trends include a 100% rise in burglary and other theft, both reaching 1 incident each, though these remain well below UK averages. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 50%, from 2 to 1 incident, indicating a possible reduction in targeted vandalism. For residents, the sharp increase in anti-social behaviour may warrant heightened awareness in public spaces, particularly during evening hours when activity levels rise. These changes, while significant, do not yet indicate a broader pattern of increased criminal activity across the area.

Wootton (Bedford) recorded a crime rate of 2.2 per 1,000 residents in March 2024, a 50.0% increase from the previous month’s rate of 1.5 per 1,000. This upward trend suggests a temporary fluctuation, though the area remains significantly safer than the UK average. On a daily basis, 21 total crimes were reported over 31 days, equating to approximately one crime per day. This frequency is low compared to national averages, reflecting a stable local environment. Over the course of March, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 451 residents, a figure that underscores the area’s relatively low exposure to crime. With a population of 9,465, this monthly exposure rate highlights the rarity of incidents in Wootton, even as specific categories like anti-social behaviour saw sharp increases. The low crime density contrasts with broader UK trends, where the average resident faces a far higher risk of encountering crime. These figures suggest that while isolated spikes may occur, the area’s overall safety profile remains robust.