Ampthill Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Ampthill's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 5.0 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 21.9% below the UK average of 6.4. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, reflects a combination of factors shaped by the area's character as a built-up community within Central Bedfordshire. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 53.3% of all reported incidents (24 cases), followed closely by criminal damage and arson (8.9%) and drugs-related offences (8.9%). The dominance of violent crime—particularly sexual offences—suggests challenges in addressing personal safety and community well-being, especially given that Ampthill's rate for this category (2.7 per 1,000) is 16% above the UK average. This contrast with categories like public order offences (27% below UK average) and anti-social behaviour (78% below) indicates uneven distribution of crime types, possibly influenced by local demographics and socio-economic conditions. The seasonal context of February—a winter month marked by low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may partly explain the relatively low overall crime rate compared to busier periods, though the sharp increase in criminal damage and arson raises questions about localized pressures. As a small built-up area, Ampthill's crime profile appears to be shaped by a combination of its proximity to larger urban centres and the rhythms of daily life in a community with limited industrial or commercial activity.

February 2026 saw a 300% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from one to four incidents. This sharp rise, alongside a 100% increase in robbery and 'other crime,' highlights a shift in the nature of incidents reported. While violent crime remained the dominant category (53.3% of total), the surge in property-related offences such as burglary and vehicle crime—both of which were 20% and 14% above UK averages respectively—suggests evolving patterns. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 33.3%, a decrease that may reflect seasonal lulls or localized efforts to address such issues. The area's violent crime rate (2.7 per 1,000) was 16% above the UK average, indicating a specific challenge in managing aggression and sexual offences. This contrast with categories like public order offences (27% below UK average) and anti-social behaviour (78% below) reveals a complex mix of local factors influencing crime trends. For residents, the rise in criminal damage and arson—now the second most common category—may signal concerns about community safety in specific neighbourhoods.

Ampthill's crime rate in February 2026 rose by 45.3% compared to the previous month, climbing from 3.4 to 5.0 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though significant, still places the area 21.9% below the UK average of 6.4. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately two crimes per day in February, a figure that, while low, reflects the concentrated nature of reported incidents. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 201 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents in this built-up area. This statistic, when considered alongside the population of 9,063, highlights that the vast majority of residents are not directly affected by crime on a regular basis. However, the month-on-month surge in specific categories—such as criminal damage and arson, which saw a 300% increase—suggests localized pressures that may require closer monitoring. The contrast between Ampthill's overall rate and the UK average, coupled with the uneven distribution of crime types, illustrates the unique challenges and dynamics of this Central Bedfordshire community.