Houghton Regis Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a resident of Houghton Regis, the crime rate of 9.1 per 1,000 in August 2023 translates to a 1-in-110 chance of experiencing a reported crime during the month. This figure is 12.3% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, reflecting a pattern of higher-than-average risk for certain crime types. Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile, accounting for 29.4% of all incidents—2% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour (17.2%) and criminal damage and arson (14.4%) also feature prominently, with the latter category 106% above the UK rate. Seasonal factors may influence these trends: August, a peak holiday month, could see increased burglary risks due to empty homes and leisure activity patterns. However, the area’s character as a built-up district within Central Bedfordshire likely contributes to higher levels of property-related crime compared to rural counterparts. While violent crime rates are elevated, public order offences (3.9%) are 33% below the UK average, suggesting local efforts may be effective in managing disruptive behaviour. The overall profile indicates a mixed picture, where some crime types align with national trends while others diverge significantly, requiring nuanced understanding of local dynamics.

August 2023 saw dramatic spikes in criminal damage and arson, which surged 420% from 5 to 26 incidents—106% above the UK average. This category’s rapid increase may reflect seasonal factors such as unoccupied properties during holidays or targeted vandalism in community spaces. Simultaneously, shoplifting and possession of weapons both doubled, reaching 6 incidents each. These jumps contrast with declines in bicycle theft (-50%) and public order offences (-41.7%), potentially linked to reduced foot traffic or targeted interventions. The crime mix also shifted: violent crimes now account for 29.4% of all incidents, while property-related crimes (73 total) remain the largest category. Vehicle crime (0.8 per 1,000) is 63% above the UK average, tied to the area’s road networks or car ownership rates. For residents, the 1-in-110 monthly exposure rate underscores the tangible impact of these figures, though the decrease in anti-social behaviour suggests some local measures may be working. The sharp rise in criminal damage and arson—now 14.4% of all crimes—demands scrutiny of environmental triggers or community tensions.

The crime rate in August 2023 (9.1 per 1,000) marks a 36.3% increase from the previous month’s rate of 6.7 per 1,000, reflecting a significant upward trend. On a daily basis, Houghton Regis experienced approximately 6 crimes per day in August, a figure that, while modest, translates to a daily risk of 3-in-1,000 for residents. Over the course of the month, this equates to 1 reported crime for every 110 residents, a statistic that highlights the direct impact of crime on the community. When compared to the UK average, the area’s elevated rates in specific categories—such as criminal damage and arson (106% above) and possession of weapons (329% above)—underscore local disparities. These figures are particularly striking when contrasted with the UK average for public order offences, which are 33% below national levels. The population context further illustrates the gravity: with 19,813 residents, the 180 total crimes represent a concentrated impact, especially in an area where property crime dominates. This comparison reveals a combination of local conditions and national trends, with Houghton Regis’s built-up nature likely amplifying risks in specific categories while other areas show more balanced profiles.