Dunstable Crime Rate

Dunstable presents a safety profile that is better than the national benchmark, with an overall crime rate of 84.4 per 1,000 people. This compares favourably to the UK average of 91.7, resulting in a respectable safety score of 81/100. The town's crime trend is currently stable, showing a marginal 0.9% decrease over the last 12 months (Dec 2024 - Nov 2025). With a property crime rate of 31.8 per 1,000, Dunstable aligns closely with the UK average for property-related offences. This data suggests that while Dunstable is a generally safe urban environment, standard precautions regarding property and vehicle security remain relevant for residents. The following sections explore these statistics in greater detail.

In Dunstable, the crime landscape is primarily defined by three categories: violence and sexual offences (33.1%), anti-social behaviour (16.8%), and vehicle crime (8.4%). These statistics highlight that over half of all reported incidents in the town fall into these categories, with violence and sexual offences being the most frequent.

Property crime in Dunstable, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 31.8 per 1,000 people. This is very close to the UK average of 32.3, suggesting that residents face a typical level of risk for an urban area. Specifically, there were 237 vehicle crimes and 107 burglaries recorded during the Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 period. Other theft and shoplifting also contribute significantly to the property crime total, reflecting the town's active commercial sector.

For homeowners, these figures underscore the importance of maintaining robust security. While burglary makes up a relatively small percentage of total crime (3.8%), the combined impact of all property-related offences means that proactive measures are a sensible precaution for residents and business owners alike.

The crime trend in Dunstable is currently classified as stable, with a negligible 0.9% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. This indicates a consistent safety environment for the town's residents. Monthly data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 people remained relatively steady, with the lowest rate of 5.9 recorded in August 2025 and a peak of 8.1 in July 2025.

This lack of significant fluctuation suggests that Dunstable is not experiencing any sudden surges in criminal activity. The slight peak in mid-summer (July) and autumn (October) follows typical national patterns where warmer weather and darker evenings can influence crime rates. Overall, the stable trend is a positive indicator for the community, suggesting that existing policing and safety measures are effectively managing the local crime levels.

How To Keep Safe in Dunstable

The most frequent crime type in Dunstable is violence and sexual offences, representing 33.1% of all reports. Personal safety and awareness are the most effective tools for residents and visitors to the town.

1. Stay in well-lit areas: When walking at night, use main roads that are well-lit and avoid shortcuts through unmonitored parks or secluded alleyways.
2. Be aware of your surroundings: Avoid distractions like looking at your phone for long periods while walking, especially in quieter areas of the town.
3. Use licensed transport: If you are out late, ensure you use registered taxi services or pre-booked apps to get home safely.
4. Secure your vehicle: With vehicle crime making up 8.4% of local offences, always ensure your car is locked, windows are closed, and no valuables are left on the seats.
5. Community vigilance: Join local neighbourhood watch schemes or stay informed through community safety groups to be aware of any local trends or concerns.

Crime in Dunstable follows clear temporal patterns throughout the day. The afternoon is a high-risk period for theft, which accounts for 45% of incidents between 12pm and 6pm. This likely correlates with peak retail activity and times when residential properties are often left unoccupied.

As the day moves into the night, the risk profile shifts. Between 12am and 6am, vehicle crime becomes the dominant concern, representing 52% of all recorded offences. This suggests that vehicles parked on streets or in driveways are most vulnerable during these early morning hours. Burglary rates are relatively stable but show a slight increase in the afternoon (16%). Evening hours see a rise in other crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order issues, which make up 48% of incidents between 6pm and 12am. Residents should adjust their security habits accordingly, focusing on property during the day and vehicle safety overnight.

In the context of Central Bedfordshire, Dunstable sits in the middle of the regional crime spectrum. It is significantly safer than neighbouring Houghton Regis, which has a higher crime rate of 108.1 per 1,000. However, it experiences more criminal activity than the nearby village of Totternhoe (75.9) and the rural area of Eaton Bray and Edlesborough (38.3). For those looking for the quietest local environment, Tilsworth remains the safest nearby option with a crime rate of 0.0. This comparison shows that Dunstable offers a typical urban safety level for the region, balancing town amenities with a crime rate that remains below the national average.

With a property crime rate of 31.8 per 1,000, Dunstable residents should consider the limitations of traditional security. Most standard CCTV systems are reactive; they provide a recording of a crime after it has already occurred. For a proactive approach, scOS offers an AI-powered security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously with advanced intelligence, scOS can detect a potential threat at your property boundary. This triggers an autonomous response—such as activating lights or speakers—to destroy the element of surprise and deter the intruder. In an area like Dunstable, where vehicle crime and theft are the primary property concerns, having a system that can verify vehicles and recognise routines means fewer false alarms and more effective protection. Choosing proactive AI detection over simple recording can be the difference between a prevented incident and a traumatic event.