Shefford Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 7,701 residents, Shefford's 126 reported crimes in October 2024 equate to one incident for every 61 residents, a stark figure that underscores the area's elevated crime profile. At 16.4 crimes per 1,000 residents, this rate is 102.5% above the UK average of 8.1, positioning Shefford as one of the higher-risk built-up areas in England. The most prevalent crime type was shoplifting, which accounted for 42.1% of all incidents and 858% above the UK average. This suggests that local retail environments—likely centred in the town's commercial core—may be particularly susceptible to theft, potentially due to a combination of foot traffic patterns and the seasonal context of October, with Halloween and darker evenings increasing opportunities for such crimes. Violence and sexual offences followed, making up 22.2% of the total, while anti-social behaviour accounted for 16.7%. These figures may reflect the area's mix of residential and commercial land use, with public spaces serving as focal points for disorder. The seasonal transition into darker evenings likely contributes to higher rates of anti-social behaviour, as visibility decreases and community engagement patterns shift. However, the absence of a significant increase in vehicle crime or burglary compared to the UK average indicates that other factors—such as local policing strategies or community initiatives—may be mitigating certain types of property crime.

October 2024 saw stark shifts in crime patterns, with criminal damage and arson surging by 233.3% (from 3 to 10 incidents) and burglary doubling from 1 to 3 cases. These increases align with seasonal factors such as Halloween and darker evenings, which may contribute to heightened property crime. Conversely, public order offences fell sharply by 75% (from 8 to 2), possibly reflecting reduced alcohol-related incidents during the month. Shoplifting remained the dominant crime type, accounting for 42.1% of all reported incidents and 858% above the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000. This disparity suggests local retail environments—concentrated in the town centre—may be particularly vulnerable to theft. For residents, the 233.3% rise in criminal damage and arson is a clear indicator of a growing concern that may require targeted local interventions.

Shefford's crime rate in October 2024 rose to 16.4 per 1,000 residents, marking a 24.7% increase from the previous month's rate of 13.1. This translates to roughly 4 crimes reported each day in the built-up area, a figure that may concern local residents given the relatively small population of 7,701. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 61 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the density of incidents within the community. When compared to the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, Shefford's rate remains elevated, though the area's specific challenges—such as high levels of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour—suggest factors unique to local demographics or geography may be at play. The population-scaled perspective underscores that, while the overall rate is high, the impact is felt acutely in a concentrated community setting.