Houghton Regis Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2023, Houghton Regis recorded a crime rate of 7.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 2.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. The data reveals a clear dominance of violent crime, which accounted for 40% of all reported incidents, compared to property crime’s 24%. Violence and sexual offences (58 cases) were the most prevalent category, with rates 12% above the UK average. This imbalance may reflect the area’s characteristics as a built-up zone within Central Bedfordshire, where social interactions and community dynamics could contribute to higher rates of interpersonal crime. Anti-social behaviour (38 cases) followed closely, at 61% above the UK average, linked to the Easter holiday period and increased outdoor activity. Seasonal factors in April—such as warmer weather and school holidays—may have influenced crime patterns, with criminal damage and arson rising by 50% compared to March. However, property crimes remained lower than the UK average, with shoplifting and vehicle crime both declining. The overall rate, though slightly below the national benchmark, suggests that local efforts in policing or community engagement may be mitigating some risks. The data underscores the need for targeted strategies to address rising violent and anti-social incidents, while maintaining the positive trend in property crime reduction.

April 2023 saw a notable shift in crime types, with violent crimes (58 incidents) outnumbering property crimes (35). This imbalance may partly explain the 12% increase in violence and sexual offences compared to the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. A sharp rise in drug-related offences—doubling from 3 to 6—marked the month, a trend that could be linked to increased social interactions during Easter and spring. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 20%, and vehicle crime dropped by 36.4%, reflecting reduced foot traffic or changes in policing focus. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common crime, was 61% above the UK average, a figure that may be influenced by the area’s community density and seasonal events. Residents should note that while overall rates remain stable, the surge in drug offences and anti-social behaviour underscores areas for targeted awareness.

Houghton Regis' crime rate in April 2023 rose slightly to 7.3 per 1,000 residents, a 2.1% increase from the previous month’s 7.2 per 1,000. This places the area just 2.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, reflecting a generally stable position relative to national trends. Daily crime figures show an average of five crimes reported each day, a consistent level that aligns with the area’s historical patterns. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 137 residents, a metric that contextualises the scale of incidents within the local population. This monthly exposure rate is a useful benchmark for residents to gauge the likelihood of encountering crime in their community. The population of 19,813 means that individual risk remains relatively low, though the slight upward trend in April suggests vigilance is warranted. Comparisons to the UK average highlight that while Houghton Regis is slightly safer than the national average, the proximity of its rate to the UK figure indicates that local factors—such as seasonal activity and community dynamics—play a significant role in shaping crime outcomes.