Houghton Regis Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Houghton Regis, a built-up area within Central Bedfordshire, recorded a crime rate of 8.3 per 1,000 residents in November 2024, placing it 9.2% above the UK average of 7.6. This figure reflects a combination of local dynamics and seasonal factors, with the month's darker evenings, Bonfire Night, and Black Friday shopping likely influencing crime patterns. The top three crime types were violence and sexual offences (41.8% of total), anti-social behaviour (17.0%), and shoplifting (9.7%). Violence and sexual offences, at 3.5 per 1,000, were 36% above the UK average, a stark contrast to vehicle crime, which was 32% below the national figure. The seasonal context of November—marked by shorter days and increased retail activity—may have contributed to fluctuations in specific crime types. For instance, the 44.8% drop in shoplifting from October could be attributed to heightened security measures or reduced foot traffic during the post-Black Friday period. However, the 100% increase in robbery and possession of weapons highlights areas requiring further attention. While the overall rate is slightly lower than the previous month, the persistence of violent crime above the national average suggests that local efforts to address this issue must continue. The area's relatively low burglary rate (3.0 per 1,000) and the 9% reduction in other theft compared to the UK average indicate some success in property crime prevention. As the year draws to a close, these trends will need to be contextualised within broader community safety strategies.

November 2024 saw a sharp rise in two specific categories: robbery and possession of weapons, both jumping from zero to three incidents—a 100% increase. This spike, though small in absolute terms, may reflect heightened tensions during the darker evenings of the month or the impact of Bonfire Night events. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 44.8% (29 to 16), potentially linked to stricter retail security measures during the Black Friday shopping period. The area's violent crime rate (3.5 per 1,000) was 36% above the UK average, a stark contrast to vehicle crime, which was 32% below the national figure. For residents, the 44.8% drop in shoplifting is a tangible improvement, suggesting targeted interventions may have had an effect. The increase in weapons possession, however, raises questions about local enforcement priorities and community safety strategies.

Houghton Regis' crime rate in November 2024 (8.3 per 1,000 residents) reflects a 6.2% decrease compared to the previous month's rate of 8.9, marking a slight but notable downward trend. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 120 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately six crimes per day, a localised metric that helps gauge the frequency of incidents within the built-up area. When viewed against the broader UK context, the area's rate remains 9.2% above the national average, underscoring the need for continued monitoring. The population context—19,813 residents—further illustrates the scale of the monthly total, with 165 crimes recorded across the area. This breakdown highlights the balance between local fluctuations and national trends, offering a nuanced perspective on Houghton Regis' crime profile.