Ampthill Crime Rate March 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Ampthill's crime profile in March 2024 stands in stark contrast to the UK average, with a crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents—48.1% below the national figure of 7.7 per 1,000. This built-up area within Central Bedfordshire, home to 9,063 residents, experienced a mix of crime types that reflect its unique character. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 30.6% of total crimes, followed by public order (19.4%) and vehicle crime (13.9%). The lower-than-average violent crime rate may be partly attributable to Ampthill's smaller population and the presence of community-focused policing initiatives, though these factors are not explicitly stated in the data. Seasonal changes in March—such as the transition to spring and the lengthening of evenings—likely influenced the crime mix, with public order offences potentially rising due to increased social activity during the early months of the year. Vehicle crime, which surged by 100% from February, may be linked to the area's road infrastructure or the movement of vehicles during this time of year. Despite the increase in certain categories, the overall crime rate remains well below the UK average, a trend that could be reinforced by Ampthill's relatively low population density and the absence of major commercial or industrial hubs that typically correlate with higher crime rates. The data also highlights the importance of contextual factors: while public order offences exceed the UK average, other categories like anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are significantly below national levels, suggesting a combination of local conditions and broader demographic trends.

March 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Vehicle crime surged by 100% compared to February, rising from zero to five incidents—a jump that may reflect increased traffic or changing patterns of vehicle storage in the area. Burglary also doubled, with three incidents reported, compared to none in the previous month. This increase, though modest in absolute terms, raises questions about local security measures or seasonal factors. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 33.3%, from three to two incidents, possibly linked to the transition into spring and reduced opportunities for such crimes. Violence and sexual offences, while still the most common category (30.6% of total crimes), decreased by 15.4% from 13 to 11 incidents—a shift that could indicate the impact of community initiatives or seasonal changes in social activity. Public order offences in Ampthill were 48% above the UK average, a contrast to other categories like anti-social behaviour, which were 66% below the national figure.

Ampthill's March 2024 crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents reflects a 16.1% increase from the previous month's 3.4 per 1,000.1% below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day in March, a figure that aligns with the built-up nature of Ampthill within Central Bedfordshire. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 252 residents, a ratio that suggests a relatively low monthly exposure compared to larger urban centres. This statistic is particularly notable given the area's population of 9,063, which means the crime rate is scaled to a community size that is neither densely populated nor isolated. The shift in the crime mix—particularly the rise in vehicle crime and burglary—contrasts with the area's generally lower levels of violent and property crime relative to the UK average, highlighting potential seasonal or situational factors that may have influenced local dynamics in March.