Holywell (Central Bedfordshire) Crime Rate

Holywell (Central Bedfordshire) presents as an exceptionally safe urban settlement, evidenced by its high safety score of 92/100. The area maintains an overall crime rate of 41.4 per 1,000 people, which is substantially lower than the UK national average of 91.6. While the local data shows a recent year-over-year increase of 33.3%, this trend must be viewed in the context of very low baseline figures where minor fluctuations result in significant percentage changes. For residents and prospective homeowners, Holywell offers a secure environment that ranks well above the national benchmark for safety. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of local crime patterns, trends, and practical safety advice for the community.

Crime in Holywell (Central Bedfordshire)

Crime in Holywell is primarily characterised by anti-social behaviour, which accounts for over half of all recorded incidents at 51.5%. Following this, violence and sexual offences represent 14.7% of the total, while criminal damage and arson make up 10.3%. These three categories dominate the local landscape, suggesting that most reported issues relate to community conduct and interpersonal disputes rather than organised property theft.

Property crime in Holywell, which encompasses burglary, robbery, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, remains relatively low at 11.6 per 1,000 people. Burglary specifically accounts for just 5.9% of total crime, with vehicle crime following at 4.4%. While these figures are significantly lower than the UK average for property-related offences, the presence of robbery (2.9%) and shoplifting (1.5%) indicates that residents should remain vigilant. For homeowners, this data suggests a generally secure environment, though the concentration of anti-social behaviour may impact the perceived quality of life in specific neighbourhoods. Maintaining visible security measures remains a prudent step to deter opportunistic theft and protect residential assets.

Crime Trends in Holywell

The crime data for Holywell shows a notable year-over-year increase of 33.3%. In a small settlement with a population of just over 1,600, such a percentage can be driven by a relatively small number of additional incidents. Looking at the monthly trend for 2025, the crime rate per 1,000 people fluctuated significantly. The year began quietly with rates of 1.8 and 2.4 in January and February, before a sharp peak of 7.3 in March.

Another significant spike occurred in May (6.7) and July (6.1). These summer months often see higher reports of anti-social behaviour, which aligns with Holywell's top crime type. Towards the end of the year, the area became much quieter, dropping to a low of 0.6 in November before a slight rise to 2.4 in December. This volatility suggests that crime in Holywell is not a constant pressure but rather occurs in sporadic bursts or clusters. For residents, this means that staying informed about local activity is crucial, as the environment can change rapidly from month to month.

How To Keep Safe in Holywell (Central Bedfordshire)

The most prevalent issue in Holywell is anti-social behaviour, which accounts for over half of all reported incidents. To maintain personal safety and community harmony, residents should follow these practical tips:

• Report Nuisance Early: Do not let low-level anti-social behaviour escalate. Use the local non-emergency 101 number to report persistent issues, which helps local authorities allocate patrols more effectively.
• Enhance Boundary Security: Given that burglary peaks during the night and afternoon, ensure that gates are locked and fences are in good repair. A well-defined boundary is the first line of defence against opportunistic trespassers.
• Improve Evening Lighting: With 'other' crimes peaking in the evening, motion-activated security lighting around your property can act as a significant deterrent to those looking to engage in nuisance behaviour under the cover of darkness.
• Join Neighbourhood Watch: Engaging with local community safety groups can provide early warnings about specific trends or individuals active in the area, fostering a collective approach to security.
• Secure Vehicles Overnight: Although vehicle crime is low, always ensure windows are closed and no valuables are left on display, particularly during the night-time hours when these offences are most likely.

Analysis of Holywell's crime data reveals distinct temporal patterns. The evening hours (6pm to 12am) are most associated with 'other' crimes, primarily anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 68% of incidents during this window. This suggests that community-related disturbances are most frequent as residents return home and local activity increases. Conversely, the night-time period (12am to 6am) sees a shift toward property-related offences, with burglary (28%) and vehicle crime (14%) reaching their peak intensity.

The afternoon (12pm to 6pm) also presents a significant risk for burglary, accounting for 26% of incidents, likely occurring while properties are unoccupied during the working day. Morning hours (6am to 12pm) show a higher percentage of theft-related crimes (24%). These patterns indicate that while Holywell is generally safe, the type of threat evolves throughout the day, requiring a security approach that is effective both during the active daytime hours and the vulnerable overnight period.

When comparing Holywell to its immediate neighbours, it sits comfortably in the middle of a very safe regional bracket. Nearby Oldhill Wood and Dagnall both maintain a perfect record with 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people, representing the pinnacle of local safety. Conversely, Holywell is significantly safer than Kensworth, which has a crime rate nearly double at 81.8 per 1,000, and Markyate, which stands at 59.6. For those looking for a balance between an active community and high security, Holywell represents a middle ground that is far safer than the UK average while remaining more affordable or accessible than the zero-crime hamlets nearby. This regional context highlights Holywell as a resilient and secure choice for residents within the Central Bedfordshire authority.

With a property crime rate of 11.6 per 1,000 people, Holywell residents enjoy a level of security that is far superior to most of the UK. However, the presence of burglary and vehicle crime, particularly during the night, suggests that property protection should not be ignored. Traditional security often relies on reactive measures—cameras that record a crime after it has occurred. In an area like Holywell, where the goal is to maintain the high safety score, proactive protection is a more logical choice.

Systems like scOS utilise AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor property boundaries in real-time. Rather than simply providing footage for a police report, scOS is designed to prevent the incident entirely. By identifying threats as they approach and deploying autonomous responses such as light activation or audible warnings, it destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. For Holywell homeowners, investing in proactive AI detection ensures that your property remains a 'hard target', deterring the opportunistic offenders who occasionally move through even the safest neighbourhoods.