Cranfield Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics

Cranfield records an excellent overall crime rate of 45.3 incidents per 1,000 residents, placing it substantially below the national average of 93.1 per 1,000. The town is highly rated for safety, achieving a Safety Score of 90 out of 100. Analysis of the latest data shows that the crime trend is stable, having experienced a minor year-over-year increase of 2.6%. Despite this small rise, the overall volume remains low. The prevalence of violence and anti-social behaviour, alongside a notable rate of criminal damage, warrants a closer look at the specific crime breakdown.

Crime Type Analysis

Cranfield maintains a very low overall crime rate of 45.3 per 1,000 residents. The crime profile is dominated by social and public safety offences. Violence and sexual offences is the most frequent category, accounting for 33.9% of all reported crimes, or 15.3 incidents per 1.000 people. This is followed by Anti-social behaviour (ASB) at 21.8% (9.8 per 1,000). The third most common offence is Criminal damage and arson, representing 10.2% of the total, suggesting vulnerability to vandalism and related property damage.

The town’s overall property crime rate is exceptionally low, standing at just 13.7 per 1,000 people, significantly below the UK average of 32.9 per 1,000. This low rate includes Burglary (4.5%), Vehicle crime (5.7%), and Other theft (5.4%). The main safety priorities for Cranfield residents are centred on personal security and deterring vandalism, given the very low incidence of acquisitive crime like burglary. The high safety score reflects this generally secure environment.

Cranfield Crime Trend Analysis

Cranfield’s crime trend is classified as stable, showing a minor year-over-year increase of 2.6%. This suggests that the overall low volume of reported crime has remained consistent over the last 12 months, with no significant adverse change in the safety environment.

Reviewing the monthly trend data shows rates generally fluctuating between 3.1 and 4.7 per 1,000. The lowest rate was recorded in November (2.7 per 1,000). A minor peak was observed in January (4.7 per 1,000), followed by steady rates through the spring and summer. The stability of these figures across the year indicates a well-managed crime environment. Residents can be assured that despite the minor upward fluctuation, the overall crime rate remains exceptionally low.

How To Keep Safe in Cranfield

The most frequent crime type in Cranfield is Violence and sexual offences. However, Criminal damage and arson is the third most common offence and requires specific attention for property owners.

1. Deter Vandalism: Given the high rate of Criminal damage, ensure all exterior walls, fences, and outbuildings are well-maintained. Install robust motion-activated lighting to deter late-night mischief or vandalism.
2. Secure Vehicles: Although Vehicle crime is low, ensure vehicles are parked securely and that no items are left visible inside, as opportunistic theft can occur, particularly in residential areas.
3. Community Reporting: Anti-social behaviour is the second most common crime. Promptly report any instances of public nuisance or disorder to the police, as addressing low-level issues helps prevent escalation.
4. Personal Safety: Maintain situational awareness when walking alone, especially during the evening, to mitigate the risk associated with Violence and public order offences. Stick to well-used routes.

Hourly Crime Patterns

Cranfield’s crime activity is concentrated during the afternoon and evening hours. The afternoon period (12pm to 6pm) is the busiest for property crime, with theft and burglary combining for a high proportion of offences, likely during peak working hours. The evening (6pm to 12am) sees a significant shift towards 'Other' crimes, which include public order and violence, dominating 53% of reported offences, consistent with increased social activity. Morning hours (6am to 12pm) are also active for theft. During the night (12am to 6am), Vehicle crime is the most significant property issue, accounting for 37% of the low volume of incidents that occur overnight.

Regional Crime Context

Cranfield’s crime rate of 45.3 per 1,000 positions it as a very safe settlement within the region. Its rate is comparable to or lower than its nearest established neighbours. It is slightly lower than North Crawley (47.6 per 1,000), Lidlington (48.5 per 1,000), and significantly safer than Marston Moretaine (57.6 per 1,000). Compared to the small village of Brogborough, the rate is expectedly higher (0.0 per 1,000). Cranfield maintains a consistently strong safety profile, offering residents a low-crime environment compared to the wider Central Bedfordshire average.

Proactive Home Protection Strategies

With Cranfield enjoying a very low property crime rate of 13.7 per 1,000, security measures should focus on absolute deterrence against the few incidents of burglary or criminal damage. Traditional security solutions, which are reactive by nature, only provide footage of a crime after it has occurred, failing to prevent the loss or damage.

For residents seeking uncompromising security, proactive systems utilizing scOS technology are highly effective. These AI-powered systems use multi-camera intelligence to constantly monitor the property perimeter, instantly identifying genuine threats. The system can then initiate an autonomous response—such as engaging lights or audio warnings—to destroy the element of surprise. Given that Criminal damage and arson is a key concern, this type of visible, professional-grade deterrence is crucial, making it clear to potential intruders that the property is seriously protected, compelling them to move on.