Houghton Regis Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Houghton Regis' crime rate in May 2023 stood at 9.6 crimes per 1,000 residents, placing it 20% above the UK average of 8.0. This figure marks a significant deviation from the national trend, with anti-social behaviour emerging as the most prominent category. At 3.1 per 1,000 residents, anti-social behaviour incidents in May were 133% above the UK average of 1.3 per 1,000. This stark contrast suggests local factors—potentially linked to the area's demographic or environmental characteristics—are amplifying such incidents. Violence and sexual offences followed closely, at 2.9 per 1,000 (30% of all crimes), and were 4% above the UK average. The seasonality of May, with its extended evenings and bank holidays, may have contributed to the rise in anti-social behaviour, as outdoor drinking and socialising increase. Vehicle crime and other theft also saw notable spikes, though these were partially offset by a 50% decline in shoplifting. The area's overall crime profile reflects a combination of seasonal activity and persistent local challenges, with anti-social behaviour serving as a clear outlier. This pattern may be influenced by the built-up nature of Houghton Regis within Central Bedfordshire, where higher population density and social interactions could drive such incidents. The data underscores the need for targeted strategies to address anti-social behaviour, particularly during months with heightened social activity.

Vehicle crime and other theft both surged by 128.6% in May compared to April, rising from seven to 16 incidents each. This sharp increase may reflect seasonal shifts, such as increased outdoor activity during longer evenings. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 50%, dropping from four to two incidents, possibly linked to reduced foot traffic during May bank holidays. Anti-social behaviour remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 32.1% of all crimes, and was 133% above the UK average of 1.3 per 1,000. This stark deviation from national trends suggests local factors—such as the area's social dynamics or environmental characteristics—are amplifying these incidents. The rise in vehicle crime may also indicate vulnerabilities in parking areas or increased vehicle-related activity during the month. These fluctuations highlight the need for targeted interventions in specific crime categories.

Houghton Regis' crime rate in May 2023 rose by 31% compared to the previous month, climbing from 7.3 to 9.6 crimes per 1,000 residents. This increase positions the area 20% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of six reported crimes each day in May, a figure that, while local to Houghton Regis, illustrates the ongoing pace of incidents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 104 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents in a community of 19,813 people. This rate, though not directly comparable to national figures, provides a clear snapshot of local experience. The shift from April to May may reflect seasonal factors, such as extended evenings and increased social activity during May bank holidays, which could influence patterns of anti-social behaviour and public order issues.