Ampthill Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

October 2023 saw a continuation of Ampthill's historically low crime profile, with a total crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents — 55% below the UK average of 8.0. The area's crime picture remains dominated by property-related offences, with 14 property crimes (42% of total) and 10 violent crimes (30% of total). This pattern aligns with Ampthill's character as a small built-up area within Central Bedfordshire, where commercial and residential zones coexist but lack the high-density populations typical of major urban centres. Seasonal factors may partly explain the distribution, as shorter evenings and the approach of Halloween could influence patterns of anti-social behaviour and public order incidents. The most common crime category, violence and sexual offences (30.3% of total), remains significantly below the UK average for this category (2.7 per 1,000), suggesting local community dynamics or policing effectiveness may contribute to this disparity. Anti-social behaviour (21.2% of total) also shows a marked gap compared to the UK average (1.3 per 1,000), reflecting the area's relatively low population density and potential for targeted community engagement initiatives. The data illustrates a consistent trend of low-level crime in Ampthill, though the rise in criminal damage and arson deserves closer attention, particularly as this category now exceeds the UK average by 11%. This shift may relate to seasonal transitions, with the clocks going back in October creating longer evenings that could extend opportunities for such offences. Overall, the crime profile remains stable, but the upward trend in property damage-related crimes signals a potential area for local monitoring.

October 2023 marked a significant increase in criminal damage and arson, with six incidents reported — a 100% rise from zero in September. This surge, while still low in absolute terms, suggests a shift in criminal activity that may relate to seasonal factors such as the clocks going back, creating darker evenings that could facilitate such offences. Burglary also rose by 33.3%, from three to four incidents, indicating a potential vulnerability in residential security that may warrant community awareness campaigns. Conversely, vehicle crime fell sharply by 62.5%, from eight to three incidents, due to reduced parking activity during the month or increased use of private transport. Public order offences and other crime categories both decreased by 50%, which may reflect the impact of local policing efforts or community initiatives during October. Ampthill's violent crime rate (1.1 per 1,000) remains 59% below the UK average for this category, a consistent trend that may be linked to the area's smaller population and community-oriented policing approach. The rise in criminal damage and arson, however, contrasts with the UK average for this category (0.6 per 1,000), highlighting a specific concern for residents. These findings underscore the need for targeted measures to address property-related crimes while maintaining the area's overall low crime profile.

Ampthill's crime rate in October 2023 (3.6 per 1,000) was 17.5% lower than the previous month's rate of 4.4 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that may seem low but is important for residents to contextualise within the local environment. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 275 residents, illustrating the relatively low frequency of incidents in this small built-up area. When compared to the UK average, Ampthill's crime rate remains 55% below, a gap that highlights the effectiveness of local policing strategies or the area's demographic characteristics. The population-scaled perspective — with just 33 crimes reported across 9,063 residents — further reinforces the notion that Ampthill is a low-crime area, though the recent increase in criminal damage and arson suggests the need for vigilance. The comparison to the previous month also reveals a shift in crime patterns, with property-related offences showing greater volatility than violent crimes. This contrast may reflect the influence of seasonal factors, such as the clocks going back, which could affect opportunities for certain types of crime. For residents, these figures provide a clear benchmark for understanding local safety in relation to national trends, while also highlighting the importance of remaining aware of emerging patterns in property damage-related incidents.