Shefford Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Shefford’s crime rate for August 2023 stood at 5.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 29.6% below the UK average of 8.1. This marks one of the lowest rates in the area’s recent history, reflecting a consistent trend of below-average crime levels. The most significant category was violence and sexual offences, which made up 34.1% of total crimes (15 incidents), slightly below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. Property crimes accounted for 40.9% of the total (18 incidents), with criminal damage and arson (7 incidents) and vehicle crime (5 incidents) emerging as notable subcategories. These property-related offences were 43% above the UK average for their respective categories, suggesting localized factors may be influencing these trends. August, as a peak holiday month, may partly explain the increased risk of burglary in empty homes, though the overall crime rate remains low. The area’s relatively small population and low density likely contribute to the subdued levels of violent crime compared to larger urban centres. However, the presence of criminal damage and arson above the UK average indicates a need for continued vigilance in community spaces. The balance between property and violent crime highlights a mixed picture, with property-related issues presenting a more pronounced challenge for local authorities. This data underscores the importance of maintaining community engagement and targeted interventions to address specific vulnerabilities.

August 2023 saw notable increases in three specific crime categories: other crime (100.0% increase from 0 to 1), burglary (100.0% increase from 0 to 2), and other theft (100.0% increase from 2 to 4). These jumps, while small in absolute terms, indicate emerging patterns that residents should monitor. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped by 66.7% (from 15 to 5), and criminal damage and arson fell by 12.5% (from 8 to 7), suggesting temporary reductions in certain disruptive activities. The violent crime rate (2.0 per 1,000) was 24% below the UK average, a significant contrast to the 43% above average for criminal damage and arson. This divergence highlights the uneven nature of local crime trends, with property-related offences appearing more pronounced. For residents, the most immediate concern is the rise in other crime, which includes offences like fraud or unclassified incidents that may not be immediately obvious. The sharp increase in burglary, though only two incidents, could signal a shift in criminal focus during the summer months, linked to increased property vacancy rates. These figures should be viewed in context, as the overall crime rate remains well below the national average, but targeted awareness of these specific increases is warranted.

The crime rate in Shefford for August 2023 (5.7 per 1,000) was 12.0% lower than the previous month’s rate of 6.5, reflecting a continued downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that is relatively low compared to larger urban areas. When scaled to the population of 7,701 residents, this translates to one reported crime for every 175 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average, which would likely be significantly higher given Shefford’s smaller population and lower overall crime rate. The previous month’s rate of 6.5 per 1,000 suggests a modest but meaningful improvement in local crime management. However, the absolute numbers remain small, with only 44 total crimes recorded, underscoring the area’s generally low-risk profile. These statistics highlight the effectiveness of local policing and community initiatives in maintaining safety, though the recent increases in specific categories warrant careful monitoring. The combination of a declining trend and relatively low crime density presents a positive outlook for residents, but the small population size means even minor changes can have a noticeable impact on the local crime picture.