Kensworth Crime Rate

Kensworth is a well-established urban settlement in Central Bedfordshire with a solid safety profile, reflected in its safety score of 81/100. The area's overall crime rate of 81.7 per 1,000 residents is comfortably below the UK national average of 91.6. Perhaps most encouragingly, the crime trend in Kensworth is currently decreasing, with a notable 14.7% reduction year-over-year. While the village experiences a higher crime rate than some of its immediate rural neighbours, its property crime rate of 22.1 per 1,000 is still much lower than the national average of 32.2. This data paints a picture of a community that is becoming safer, where the primary concerns are interpersonal and anti-social behaviour rather than serious property-related offences.

Crime in Kensworth

Kensworth's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 35.2% of all recorded incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 22.9% and criminal damage and arson at 13.1%. Public order offences also make up a significant portion of the local data at 10.7%. These figures indicate that a large majority of police reports in the village concern community conduct and interpersonal issues.

Property crime in Kensworth, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and theft, occurs at a rate of 22.1 per 1,000 people. While this is higher than some neighbouring villages, it remains well below the UK average of 32.2. Vehicle crime is the most prominent property offence, accounting for 8.2% of total crime. Burglary and 'other theft' each represent 2.5% of the total. For residents, this suggests that while the village is generally safe, vehicle security is a particular area of concern. Homeowners should take note that while burglary rates are low, the combined impact of criminal damage and vehicle crime indicates that property boundaries and external assets require consistent protection to deter opportunistic offenders.

Crime Trends in Kensworth

Kensworth is currently experiencing a very positive trend in public safety, with total crime decreasing by 14.7% year-over-year. This significant drop indicates that the village is becoming safer and that local initiatives may be effectively deterring criminal activity. Looking at the monthly data for 2025, the crime rate per 1,000 residents showed some notable fluctuations, but the overall trajectory remains encouraging.

The year began with relatively low rates in January (6.7) and February (4.7). However, March saw a major spike, with the crime rate jumping to 14.8 per 1,000—the highest of the year. Following this peak, the rate stabilised and remained low through the spring and early summer. Another smaller rise occurred in September (10.7) before the year ended on a quieter note, returning to 5.4 in December. This pattern suggests that while Kensworth is generally on a downward trend, residents should remain vigilant for seasonal or monthly spikes, particularly as seen in the early spring. Overall, the statistical outlook for Kensworth is one of steady improvement.

How To Keep Safe in Kensworth

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Kensworth. While these stats often include a range of incidents, personal safety and community awareness are key. Here are specific tips for Kensworth residents:

• Secure Vehicles Overnight: Vehicle crime accounts for a staggering 44% of night-time incidents in Kensworth. Always park in a garage or well-lit driveway, and consider using physical steering locks as an additional deterrent.
• Be Vigilant in the Afternoons: With 12% of burglaries occurring in the afternoon, ensure your home is fully secured if you are out. Use smart plugs for lamps to create the illusion of occupancy.
• Report Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB makes up nearly 23% of local crime. Reporting these incidents to the 101 service helps the police identify hotspots and allocate patrols, preventing low-level issues from escalating.
• Install Boundary Lighting: Since 'other' crimes (including ASB) peak in the evening, ensuring your property's perimeter is well-lit can discourage loitering and nuisance behaviour near your home.
• Engage with Neighbours: A strong community is a major deterrent to crime. Join local social media groups or a Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about any suspicious vehicles or individuals seen in the village.

Kensworth's crime data displays a clear temporal shift in the types of offences committed. During the daylight hours, theft and burglary are more prevalent. Specifically, 24% of afternoon crimes are theft-related, and the afternoon also sees the highest percentage of burglaries at 12%. This suggests that opportunistic property crime is most likely when residents are away from their homes.

As night falls, the pattern changes significantly. The night-time period (12am - 6am) is heavily dominated by vehicle crime, which accounts for 44% of all incidents during these hours. This is a critical insight for residents, highlighting the vulnerability of cars parked overnight. The evening hours (6pm - 12am) are characterised by a high volume of 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which makes up 68% of reports. This evening peak in community disturbances contrasts with the more targeted property threats seen during the day and late at night. Effective security in Kensworth must therefore address both daytime burglary risks and the high night-time threat to vehicles.

When compared to other settlements in the Central Bedfordshire area, Kensworth occupies a more active position. Its crime rate of 81.7 per 1,000 is higher than that of Holywell (41.4), Markyate (59.6), and Caddington (65.5). It is also significantly busier than zero-crime areas like Oldhill Wood. However, it is important to note that Kensworth's trend is sharply downward, suggesting it is closing the gap with its safer neighbours. For residents, Kensworth offers a more connected village feel than some of the smaller hamlets, while still maintaining a level of safety that is superior to the UK average. It remains a secure choice within the regional context, particularly given its improving statistical trajectory.

With a property crime rate of 22.1 per 1,000 people, Kensworth residents face a moderate level of risk compared to their immediate neighbours, particularly regarding vehicle crime. This environment calls for security that goes beyond simple recording. Most traditional security cameras are reactive; they capture footage of a crime as it happens, which often does little to stop the incident or recover stolen goods.

To truly protect a home in Kensworth, a proactive approach is required. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that monitors your property boundaries 24/7. Unlike standard systems, scOS can identify potential threats before they reach your door. If an unrecognised person lingers near your vehicle or property at night—when 44% of local vehicle crime occurs—the system can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting or voice alerts. This proactive stance destroys the element of surprise and makes your property a 'hard target', which is the most effective way to prevent burglary and vehicle theft in a village setting.