Houghton Regis Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Houghton Regis recorded a crime rate of 8.2 per 1,000 residents in May 2025, 1.2% above the UK average of 8.1. This slight deviation from the national figure is driven by specific categories, violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 35.2% of all reported crimes. These incidents, at 2.9 per 1,000 residents, were 2% above the UK average, suggesting local factors may be contributing to this trend. The area’s crime profile reflects a balance between violent and property crimes, with anti-social behaviour (16.7%) and vehicle crime (11.1%) forming the next most common categories. Vehicle crime, at 0.9 per 1,000 residents, stood out as 125% above the UK average, a stark contrast to shoplifting, which was 70% below the national rate. This disparity may indicate differences in local infrastructure, such as higher vehicle density or vulnerabilities in parking areas. Seasonal factors in May—longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising—could exacerbate anti-social behaviour and public order issues, though these were tempered by a 58.8% decrease in public order offences. The area’s built-up nature within Central Bedfordshire likely influences these patterns, with urban settings often correlating to higher vehicle crime and property-related incidents. However, the relatively low rate of shoplifting compared to the UK average suggests effective retail security measures or a lower density of high-street activity. Overall, the crime picture in Houghton Regis illustrates a mix of national trends and local idiosyncrasies, requiring nuanced approaches to community safety.

May 2025 saw a 350% surge in vehicle crime, jumping from four to 18 incidents. This sharp increase, 125% above the UK average, may reflect heightened traffic activity or vulnerabilities in local parking infrastructure. Burglary also rose by 133.3%, from six to 14 cases, a trend that could be linked to seasonal patterns or increased property exposure during longer evenings. Conversely, public order offences fell by 58.8%, from 17 to seven incidents, influenced by bank holidays and reduced outdoor socialising. The possession of weapons category saw a 200% increase, from one to three reports, a concerning spike that may warrant closer attention. Anti-social behaviour, though still prevalent, decreased by 15.6%, from 32 to 27 cases, due to seasonal shifts in community activity. These fluctuations illustrate the combination of local conditions and broader societal trends.

Houghton Regis' crime rate in May 2025 remained stable at 8.2 per 1,000 residents, a 1.2% increase from the previous month’s rate of 8.1. This narrow fluctuation suggests consistent patterns in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately five reported crimes each day, a figure that, while localised, offers a tangible sense of frequency for residents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 122 residents, a monthly exposure that contextualises the impact of crime within the community. When compared to the UK average, Houghton Regis’ rate aligns closely, though specific categories like vehicle crime and burglary show marked deviations. The population of 19,813 means that these statistics translate to real-world impacts for local households, with crime distribution reflecting both individual and collective vulnerabilities. The stability in the overall rate contrasts with the sharp fluctuations in specific crime types, underscoring the need for targeted analysis of subcategories.