Shefford Crime Rate July 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Shefford's crime rate in July 2025 remained lower than the UK average, with a rate of 5.2 per 1,000 residents—39.5% below the national figure of 8.6. This continued trend of safety is particularly evident in the area's violent crime statistics, where violence and sexual offences (13 incidents) accounted for 32.5% of all reported crimes. While shoplifting (8 incidents) was the second most common crime type (20.0% of total), its rate (1.0 per 1,000) remains 54% above the UK average, suggesting the need for targeted interventions in retail areas. The seasonal context of July—peak summer, school holidays, and increased tourism—typically correlates with higher crime rates in many UK towns, yet Shefford's data shows a different pattern. The low overall crime rate may be attributed to the area's built-up nature within Central Bedfordshire, where local policing and community engagement likely contribute to deterrence. Anti-social behaviour (6 incidents) and public order offences (3 incidents) also showed significant reductions compared to other UK areas, with rates 48% and 38% below national averages respectively. These figures are consistent with the area's likely characteristics as a smaller, more suburban built-up area, where community cohesion and limited commercial density may reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. The continued decline in violent crime, despite the seasonal influx of visitors, highlights the effectiveness of local crime prevention strategies, though the rise in possession of weapons (2 incidents) at 275% above the UK average indicates a potential vulnerability that requires further scrutiny.

July 2025 saw a marked decrease in public order offences, which fell by 57.1% compared to June, aligning with the seasonal pattern of reduced foot traffic during summer evenings. Shoplifting also dropped by 38.5%, potentially reflecting the impact of increased police patrols during peak shopping hours. However, the data reveals two notable increases: robbery and burglary both rose by 100% compared to the previous month, suggesting a possible shift in criminal activity patterns during the summer. While shoplifting in Shefford (1.0 per 1,000) remains 54% above the UK average, violent crime (1.7 per 1,000) is 44% below the national rate. This contrast may be attributed to the area's smaller, more closely-knit community structure, which likely deters certain types of crime. The rise in possession of weapons (0.3 per 1,000) is 275% above the UK average, a figure that warrants attention from local authorities despite the overall decline in crime.

Shefford's crime rate in July 2025 stood at 5.2 per 1,000 residents, a 21.6% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.6. This reduction positions the area as one of the safest in the UK, with the overall rate 39.5% below the national average. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day, a figure that, while low, reflects the consistent vigilance of local policing and community engagement. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 193 residents, a statistic that underscores the relatively low risk of encountering crime in Shefford compared to larger urban centres. The population context further highlights this safety: with 7,701 residents, the area's small size likely contributes to stronger community bonds and faster response times from local authorities. This combination of demographic factors and effective policing may partly explain the sustained low crime levels, even during peak summer months when tourism and outdoor events typically increase activity in built-up areas.