Ampthill Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Ampthill's crime rate in August 2024 stood at 3.8 per 1,000 residents, a figure 53.7% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. This stark divergence from national trends underscores the area's unique characteristics. Violence and sexual offences, the most common category, were 33% below the UK average, a statistic that likely reflects Ampthill's status as a quieter, less densely populated built-up area. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, remaining 44% below the UK rate, while burglary — the third most common category — was 25% above the national average, an anomaly that may be linked to seasonal factors such as the August peak in holiday activity, which can leave homes unoccupied and vulnerable. The seasonal context is significant: August is typically a peak holiday month, and while this might increase burglary risks, the overall crime rate remains low. The balance of crime types also tells a story: violent crime dominated (47.1% of all incidents), but property-related crimes accounted for just 29.4% (11 out of 37 total), a contrast to the UK's more even distribution. This suggests that Ampthill's built-up area, likely centred around local amenities and fewer commercial hubs, experiences different crime dynamics compared to larger urban centres. The low rate of vehicle crime (78% below the UK average) may be partly explained by the area's limited commuter traffic and fewer parking zones, while the relatively high burglary rate could be tied to the seasonal influx of empty homes. These patterns, though influenced by broader national trends, are shaped by Ampthill's specific geography and social fabric.

Violence and sexual offences surged by 166.7% in August, rising from 6 to 16 cases. This dramatic increase contrasts sharply with the UK average for this category, which remains 33% lower than Ampthill's rate. Other theft also saw a 100% jump, rising from 0 to 2 incidents, a shift that may reflect seasonal patterns or targeted activity. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 66.7% (3 to 1), and criminal damage and arson dropped by 50% (2 to 1). These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime in the area. Anti-social behaviour increased by 40%, though it still remains 44% below the UK average. Residents might find the 1-in-267 monthly exposure rate particularly useful for understanding the low likelihood of encountering crime in their neighbourhood.

Ampthill's crime rate in August 2024 rose 9.6% from 3.4 to 3.8 per 1,000 residents compared to July. This increase, while modest, reflects a shift in crime patterns. On a daily basis, 1 crime was reported per day in August, a figure that contextualises the low frequency of incidents for a built-up area. Monthly exposure data shows that over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for every 267 residents — a rate that, when scaled to the area's population of 9,063, highlights the relatively low risk of encountering crime. The population-scaled perspective reinforces that Ampthill remains a safer area than the UK average, despite the month-on-month rise. This contrast with national figures underscores the importance of local factors, such as community cohesion and the area's character as a quieter, less densely populated built-up area within Central Bedfordshire.