Central Bedfordshire Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Central Bedfordshire

Central Bedfordshire presents a crime rate of 61.8 per 1,000 residents annually, indicating a safer environment compared to the national average of 93.4 per 1,000. With a robust safety score of 86 out of 100, well above the UK average of 78, the area is considered relatively secure. The latest data reveals a stable trend, with a slight decrease of 2.7% year-over-year. This overview sets the stage for a more in-depth analysis of crime patterns and types within Central Bedfordshire.

About Central Bedfordshire

Central Bedfordshire is a diverse local authority district, encompassing a mix of urban centres, suburban communities, and rural landscapes. Its geographical spread includes significant transport links, such as major road networks, which can influence vehicle-related crime. The area serves as a residential hub for commuters, contributing to a transient population during working hours. Commercial areas and town centres, particularly in places like Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard, attract daily activity, which can correlate with certain types of offences. The varied demographics and economic activities across the district collectively shape the overall crime statistics and safety profile observed in Central Bedfordshire.

Crime Type Analysis in Central Bedfordshire

A detailed analysis of crime types in Central Bedfordshire reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, making up 34.1% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 21.1 per 1,000 people. Following this, Anti-social behaviour is the second most common offence, representing 19.9% of the total with a rate of 12.3 per 1,000 residents. Vehicle crime ranks as the third most frequent, accounting for 7.9% of all crimes at 4.9 per 1,000. These three categories provide a clear picture of the primary challenges within the area.

Beyond these specific types, overall property-related crime is a crucial indicator for residents and homeowners. This broad category encompasses burglary (2.3 per 1,000), theft from person (0.2 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (4.5 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.4 per 1,000), vehicle crime (4.9 per 1,000), and other theft (3.9 per 1,000). Combined, these property crimes occur at a rate of 21.0 per 1,000 people in Central Bedfordshire. This figure is considerably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000, suggesting a comparatively lower risk for residents regarding their homes and possessions. For homeowners, understanding these figures can inform decisions about home security, emphasising the importance of protecting vehicles and deterring anti-social behaviour, while recognising the overall lower incidence of property-related offences compared to national trends.

Crime Trends in Central Bedfordshire

The crime trend in Central Bedfordshire has remained stable over the past year, showing a slight decrease of 2.7% year-over-year. Examining the monthly data reveals fluctuations, with crime rates per 1,000 residents generally ranging between 4.7 and 5.7. For instance, the rate was 5.4 in October 2024, dipping to 4.7 in February 2025, before rising slightly to 5.4 in March 2025 and 5.7 in July 2025. The most recent data for September 2025 shows a rate of 4.7 per 1,000, matching the lowest point in the preceding 12 months. This stable trend, with minor monthly variations, suggests that while there isn't a significant escalating risk, residents should remain aware of ongoing patterns. The overall stability indicates that the area is not experiencing a rapid increase in criminal activity, offering a level of predictability for local communities.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, Central Bedfordshire's crime statistics can be compared with several neighbouring areas. Luton, a larger urban centre, typically experiences higher crime rates, making Central Bedfordshire appear considerably safer by comparison. Similarly, Milton Keynes and Stevenage, both significant towns, often show different crime profiles due to their urban characteristics and population densities. North Hertfordshire and Dacorum, while sharing some similarities, also exhibit their own unique crime patterns. Bedford, another nearby town, offers a further point of comparison for residents looking to understand local variations. Overall, Central Bedfordshire generally maintains a more favourable safety score and lower crime rate than many of its immediate urban neighbours, reinforcing its position as a relatively secure location within the wider region.

Enhancing Security in Central Bedfordshire

Given Central Bedfordshire's property crime rate of 21.0 per 1,000 people, which is below the national average, proactive home security measures are a sensible consideration for residents. While traditional CCTV systems merely record footage after an incident, if you want real protection, consider solutions that prevent crime before it happens. AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS offer proactive defence by detecting threats at your property boundary, rather than just after a break-in. This multi-camera intelligence watches all areas simultaneously, identifying potential intruders and deterring them. The element of surprise is destroyed through autonomous responses like activating lights and engaging speakers. Most burglars decide within 60 seconds whether to proceed; visible, professional-grade deterrence makes them move on. Investing in such advanced security focuses on prevention, providing a robust defence against property-related offences and enhancing your peace of mind.