Wootton (Bedford) Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Wootton (Bedford) experienced a 13.8% increase in its overall crime rate in April 2025, rising from 2.3 to 2.6 per 1,000 residents. Despite this upward trend, the area remains 66.2% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, reflecting a consistently low crime profile compared to national standards. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime breakdown, accounting for 48% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson, each contributing 16%. These figures are consistent with the area’s character as a relatively quiet built-up area within Bedford, where community cohesion and lower population density likely contribute to the reduced crime rates. The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter holidays, spring weather, and increased outdoor activity—may explain some of the fluctuations, such as the 100% rise in criminal damage and arson cases. However, the overall volume of crime remains minimal, suggesting that local factors, such as effective policing or a stable social environment, continue to play a significant role in maintaining safety. The relatively low levels of property crime—only 4 incidents compared to 12 violent crimes—further indicate that the area’s crime profile is skewed toward non-physical offences, which may be influenced by the local demographics and the absence of high-risk commercial zones.

April 2025 marked a 100% increase in criminal damage and arson cases, rising from 2 to 4 incidents. This surge, though modest in absolute terms, may reflect heightened outdoor activity during the Easter period and spring weather. Conversely, public order offences fell by 33.3%, dropping from 3 to 2, suggesting a possible reduction in alcohol-related incidents or improved community engagement during the Easter holidays. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common crime type, accounting for 48% of all reported incidents, but they were 50% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. The rise in drug-related crimes—also doubling from 0 to 2—presents a new concern, though these remain well below the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. Residents might find the 100% increase in criminal damage and arson particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a shift in the types of crime being reported, linked to seasonal factors or local events.

April 2025 saw a 13.8% rise in Wootton’s crime rate compared to March, moving from 2.3 to 2.6 per 1,000 residents. While this increase is notable, the area remains significantly safer than the UK average, which stands at 7.7 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly one crime per day in April, a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 9,465. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 379 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents. This context is critical for residents: even with the upward trend, the scale of crime remains manageable. The population size also means that local efforts—such as community policing or neighbourhood watch schemes—can have a pronounced impact on reducing incidents further. The shift in crime types, particularly the rise in criminal damage and arson, may signal seasonal factors like increased outdoor activity during spring, but the overall volume remains far below national benchmarks.