Wootton (Bedford) Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Wootton (Bedford) continues to exhibit a crime profile markedly different from the national average, with a May 2024 crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents — 57.1% below the UK average of 8.4. This built-up area within Bedford shows a distinct pattern of crime, with violence and sexual offences accounting for nearly half (47.1%) of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour follows at 23.5%, and criminal damage and arson at 11.8%, suggesting a focus on interpersonal and property-related issues. The seasonal context of May, with its longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising, likely contributes to the prominence of violent crime. The UK comparison underscores Wootton’s relatively low crime environment, particularly when considering the significant gaps in rates for violence (40% below UK average) and anti-social behaviour (38% below). However, the presence of 16 violent incidents in May — a 77.8% increase from April — indicates a need for closer attention to emerging trends. The area’s crime picture remains influenced by local dynamics, such as the potential impact of community events or seasonal shifts in youth activity, which may explain the rise in violent offences despite the overall low rate. While property crimes are less prevalent, the 47.1% share of violent crime suggests a focus on addressing interpersonal conflicts and ensuring public spaces remain safe for evening use.

May 2024 saw a 77.8% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from nine to 16 incidents. This surge, though significant, remains 40% below the UK average for this category. Other theft and other crime both doubled from zero to two incidents, reflecting a sudden uptick in these categories. Conversely, public order offences fell by 50%, from four to two, a decline that may be linked to seasonal shifts in community activity. The crime mix in Wootton continues to skew heavily towards violent crime, with 47.1% of all reported incidents falling into this category. This contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences account for 33% of all crimes. Residents may find the 50% drop in public order offences particularly noteworthy, as it suggests a potential reduction in disturbances during extended evenings, a common feature of May in this area.

Wootton (Bedford) recorded a crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents in May 2024, marking a 41.3% increase from the previous month’s rate of 2.5 per 1,000. This rise, though notable, still places the area significantly below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. Over the 31 days of May, 34 crimes were reported, averaging approximately one crime per day. This translates to a monthly exposure rate of one reported crime for every 278 residents, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the local population. While the increase in crime rate may raise concerns, the absolute number of crimes remains low relative to the area’s population of 9,465. The daily crime count, though steady, does not suggest a sharp spike in activity, and the monthly exposure metric provides a clearer picture of how often residents encounter crime in their daily lives. The contrast with the UK average highlights Wootton’s relatively safer environment, though the upward trend from April underscores the need for continued monitoring of local patterns.