Dunstable Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 33,531, Dunstable recorded 238 crimes in May 2024—a rate of 7.1 per 1,000 residents. This figure, 15.5% below the UK average of 8.4, positions the built-up area as relatively safer than the national benchmark. The crime profile in May was dominated by violence and sexual offences (38.7% of all incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (21.0%) and vehicle crime (11.3%). These patterns may be influenced by Dunstable's mix of residential and commercial zones, where public spaces and transport hubs create opportunities for both interpersonal and property-related offences. The seasonal context of May—marked by bank holidays and extended daylight hours—likely contributed to the rise in anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime, as more people spend time outdoors. However, the relatively low burglary rate (3.4% of all crimes) and shoplifting incidents (3.4%) suggest that Dunstable's built-up area may have effective security measures or community vigilance. The 7.1 rate, while below the UK average, still reflects a combination of local factors, including the area's proximity to major roads and its role as a commuter hub, which may drive certain crime types while mitigating others.

May 2024 saw a 200% increase in bicycle theft, with incidents rising from 1 to 3. This spike may partly explain the 80% jump in vehicle crime, which climbed from 15 to 27 cases. The 83.3% rise in criminal damage and arson—surging from 12 to 22—suggests a potential link to seasonal activities, such as increased outdoor socialising during longer evenings. Conversely, other theft and other crime both fell by two-thirds, with other theft dropping from 12 to 4 and other crime declining from 6 to 2. These decreases contrast with the 70% above UK average rate for vehicle crime, which highlights a localised trend in motor-related offences. Anti-social behaviour remained a significant concern, contributing 21% of all crimes, though it stayed 3% above the UK average. The 69% reduction in shoplifting—falling from 12 to 8—indicates a possible seasonal dip in retail-related offences.

Dunstable's crime rate in May 2024 fell by 10.8% compared to April's 8.0 per 1,000, reflecting a 0.9-point drop to 7.1 per 1,000. This decline aligns with a broader trend in the built-up area. Daily crime statistics show an average of 8 crimes reported each day in May, translating to a manageable but consistent presence across the community. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 141 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for Dunstable's 33,531 population. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, the 7.1 rate places the area 15.5% below the UK average, suggesting systemic factors—such as local policing strategies or community engagement—that may contribute to this sustained gap. The shift from April to May highlights the dynamic nature of crime patterns, with some categories rising and others falling in response to seasonal and situational changes.