Wootton (Bedford) Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Wootton (Bedford) continues to demonstrate a crime profile significantly lower than the UK average, with a rate of 2.2 per 1,000 residents in May 2025—72.8% below the national figure of 8.1 per 1,000. This built-up area, situated within the larger urban context of Bedford, reflects a pattern common to smaller communities with lower population densities, where crime rates tend to remain subdued. The most prevalent crimes in May were public order offences (28.6% of total incidents), followed by violence and sexual offences (23.8%) and shoplifting (14.3%). These figures suggest a dynamic influenced by seasonal factors, particularly the longer evenings and bank holidays typical of May, which may contribute to increased socialising and associated public order challenges. Shoplifting rates in Wootton (0.3 per 1,000) were 55% below the UK average, a trend consistent with areas lacking major retail hubs or high-traffic commercial zones. Violence and sexual offences. from April, still remain 82% below the UK average, a disparity that may be attributed to the area’s relatively stable community environment and lower levels of transient populations. The seasonal context of May—marked by warmer weather and extended daylight hours—likely plays a role in shaping these patterns, as outdoor drinking and socialising increase, driving public order issues. However, the absence of significant spikes in property crime, such as burglary (0.2 per 1,000) or vehicle-related offences, suggests that Wootton’s built-up character, combined with its integration into Bedford’s infrastructure, may provide a degree of natural deterrence against such crimes. Overall, the data underscores Wootton’s position as a comparatively safe area, with its crime profile shaped by both geographic and seasonal factors.

May 2025 saw a dramatic 200% increase in public order offences, rising from 2 to 6 incidents—a stark contrast to the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, where Wootton’s rate of 0.6 per 1,000 was 3% above. This surge, coupled with a doubling of burglary and other theft cases (from 0 to 2 each), suggests a shift in criminal activity patterns. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson fell by 75%, aligning with the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000 and reflecting an 83% reduction in the area. The drop in anti-social behaviour—also down 75%—may indicate seasonal changes, with May’s bank holidays reducing opportunities for such incidents. Violence and sexual offences decreased by 58.3%, from 12 to 5, a decline that positions Wootton 82% below the UK average for this category. For residents, these figures highlight the importance of vigilance during evenings and weekends, when public order issues tend to peak.

Wootton (Bedford) recorded a crime rate of 2.2 per 1,000 residents in May 2025, a 15.9% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 2.6. This downward trend contrasts with the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, positioning the area 72.8% below the national figure. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one crime reported every 31 days, a statistic that translates to a local monthly exposure of one crime for roughly every 451 residents. When considering the population of 9,465, this suggests that the likelihood of any individual being directly affected by crime remains exceptionally low. The decline in violent crime—particularly a 58.3% drop in violence and sexual offences—aligns with broader patterns observed in similar built-up areas during spring months, where seasonal transitions may reduce opportunities for such incidents. However, the rise in public order offences, despite being 3% above the UK average, hints at localized factors such as increased socialising during May’s longer evenings and bank holidays. These numbers, while modest in absolute terms, offer residents a clear benchmark for understanding their area’s safety relative to both national standards and recent trends.