Henlow Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Henlow, Central Bedfordshire, reveal a crime rate of 48.9 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and November 2025. While this is below the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, it represents a significant increase compared to previous periods. The safety score for Henlow is 88 out of 100, which is above the UK average of 79, indicating a generally perceived sense of safety. However, the recent upward trend in crime, showing a 35.1% year-on-year increase, warrants attention. Understanding the specific types of crime occurring and the factors contributing to these trends is crucial for residents and local authorities alike.

The most recent data for Henlow, covering January 2025 to November 2025, reveals a concerning pattern of crime types. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 36.0% of reported incidents, with 36 crimes recorded. Anti-social behaviour follows closely behind at 25.0%, representing 25 crimes. Public order offences contribute significantly, numbering 13 and constituting 13.0% of all crimes. While vehicle crime, criminal damage, and burglary are less frequent, they remain a concern for residents. The prevalence of these crime types likely stems from a combination of factors, including the village's proximity to larger towns, occasional transient populations, and the challenges inherent in maintaining community safety within a smaller, more rural setting. The relatively low population density compared to urban areas can also make it more difficult to detect and deter criminal activity.

Crime in Henlow has experienced a concerning increase of 35.1% year-on-year, based on data from January 2025 to November 2025. While the monthly crime rate fluctuated throughout the period, with a low of 2.0 per 1,000 in November 2025, the overall trend remains upward. January 2025 recorded a rate of 6.4 per 1,000, gradually rising to 5.4 per 1,000 in June and July before a dip in August to 2.9 per 1,000. A subsequent rise to 4.4 per 1,000 in October suggests a recurring pattern requiring further investigation. This increase warrants increased vigilance and proactive community safety initiatives.

How To Keep Safe in Henlow

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Henlow, it's crucial to be vigilant in public spaces. Avoid walking alone at night whenever possible and stick to well-lit routes. To mitigate the risk of anti-social behaviour, report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. With vehicle crime a concern, ensure your vehicle is parked in a secure location, ideally with an alarm system. Finally, be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts – if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it.

Crime in Henlow tends to follow daily patterns. Burglary is more prevalent during the afternoon hours (12pm - 6pm), while theft sees a higher occurrence during commercial times. Vehicle crime is notably more frequent during the night (12am - 6am), and during the evening (6pm - 12am). The afternoon also sees a spike in vehicle crime, likely linked to commuters. The evening hours see a rise in public order offences, potentially related to leisure activities. Overall, awareness of these patterns can help residents take preventative measures.

Henlow’s crime rate of 48.9 per 1,000 residents sits within a cluster of similarly sized villages. Clifton, with a rate of 48.5 per 1,000, presents a comparable picture. Arlesey, however, experiences a higher crime rate at 62.4 per 1,000, while Langford (Central Bedfordshire) has a slightly lower rate of 47.3 per 1,000. These comparisons highlight the localised nature of crime trends and the importance of understanding the specific factors influencing safety within each community.

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