Houghton Regis Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Houghton Regis

Houghton Regis records an annual crime rate of 106.3 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly above the national average of 93.4 per 1,000. The town has a safety score of 75 out of 100, which is below the UK average of 78. However, the latest data indicates a positive trend, with a notable decrease of 10.8% year-over-year. This introduction provides a clear picture of the local crime situation, setting the stage for a more detailed analysis of specific crime types and patterns within Houghton Regis.

Crime Type Analysis in Houghton Regis

In Houghton Regis, Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, making up 38.3% of all reported incidents at a rate of 40.7 per 1,000 people. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent, accounting for 19.3% of the total with a rate of 20.5 per 1,000 residents. Criminal damage and arson ranks as the third most prevalent offence, representing 7.4% of crimes at 7.8 per 1,000.

Considering overall property-related crime, which includes burglary (4.2 per 1,000), theft from person (0.5 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (7.8 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.5 per 1,000), vehicle crime (5.8 per 1,000), and other theft (6.1 per 1,000), the combined rate is 32.6 per 1.000 people. This figure is just below the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Residents and homeowners should be mindful of property security, with a particular focus on deterring anti-social behaviour and safeguarding against criminal damage, to further enhance safety in the area.

Crime Trends in Houghton Regis

Houghton Regis has experienced a positive crime trend, with a significant year-over-year decrease of 10.8%. Monthly data shows some fluctuations, with crime rates per 1,000 residents generally ranging between 7.0 and 10.3. For instance, the rate was 8.9 in October 2024, dropped to 7.0 in February 2025, and then rose to 10.3 in August 2025, before finishing at 8.5 in September 2025. This overall decreasing trend is encouraging for residents, suggesting an improving safety landscape. While monthly variations exist, the consistent downward trajectory indicates a positive direction for crime reduction efforts in the community.

Crime Time Patterns in Houghton Regis

Crime patterns in Houghton Regis vary throughout the day. In the morning (6am-12pm), theft is the most significant issue, representing 41% of incidents, with burglary also notable at 12%. Afternoon hours (12pm-6pm) see theft peak at 46% of crimes. As the day transitions into evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crime types become the most frequent at 46%, with theft and vehicle crime also present. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime dominates, accounting for 44% of incidents, indicating a heightened risk when properties are typically unattended.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To contextualise Houghton Regis's crime statistics, it's useful to compare them with neighbouring areas. Dunstable, a similarly sized urban area, provides a direct point of comparison for local residents, often exhibiting similar crime profiles. Smaller communities like Chalton, Tebworth, and Tilsworth typically show lower crime volumes due to their more rural characteristics and lower population densities. Understanding these regional differences helps to paint a clearer picture of Houghton Regis's safety profile within the wider Central Bedfordshire district, reinforcing its position relative to both more rural and more urbanised neighbours.

Enhancing Security in Houghton Regis

With Houghton Regis's property crime rate of 32.6 per 1,000 people, which is close to the national average, proactive home security measures are a practical consideration for residents. While many traditional security cameras provide footage after a crime, if you want to actively prevent incidents, consider advanced solutions. AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS offer proactive protection by detecting threats at the property boundary, intervening before a break-in occurs. Its multi-camera intelligence works simultaneously to identify potential intruders, initiating autonomous responses such as activating lights and engaging speakers to eliminate the element of surprise. Given that most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds, a visible and professional-grade deterrent like scOS signals serious protection, often causing them to move on. Investing in such technology shifts the focus from reactive recording to proactive prevention, enhancing the security of your home and possessions.