Shefford Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

The most striking anomaly in Shefford's November 2025 crime data is the 133.3% increase in criminal damage and arson, which jumped from 3 to 7 incidents. This surge, far exceeding the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000 (Shefford's rate was 0.9 per 1,000), defies typical seasonal patterns. While November usually sees a dip in property crime due to shorter evenings, this spike suggests unusual activity, possibly linked to Bonfire Night events or unseasonal weather conditions. The overall crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 places Shefford 5.5% below the UK average of 7.3 per 1,000, a margin that reflects the area's relatively low levels of violent crime. Violence and sexual offences (13 incidents) account for 24.5% of all crimes, a proportion significantly lower than the UK average of 34%. Anti-social behaviour (9 incidents) and shoplifting (9 incidents) dominate the non-violent spectrum, with shoplifting rates 90% above the UK average. This contrast highlights Shefford's unique profile as a built-up area within Central Bedfordshire, where commercial activity and community dynamics may influence crime patterns differently than larger urban centres. The seasonal context of November—dark evenings, Bonfire Night, and Black Friday shopping—may have created conditions where certain crimes, like anti-social behaviour, are more prevalent, while others, like vehicle crime, remain stable at 0.5 per 1,000.

November 2025 saw a 133.3% increase in criminal damage and arson, the most significant month-on-month change, raising concerns about unexplained spikes in vandalism. This surge contrasts with a 40% decrease in shoplifting, which dropped from 15 to 9 incidents—a shift that may reflect seasonal retail activity or improved policing around shopping areas. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common crime type, but their rate (1.7 per 1,000) is 34% below the UK average, suggesting effective community interventions or lower exposure to risk factors typically linked to violent crime. Anti-social behaviour, while down by 10% (from 10 to 9), still exceeds the UK average by 13%, indicating persistent challenges in managing public conduct. The 100% increase in vehicle crime (from 0 to 4) is particularly noteworthy, as it suggests new vulnerabilities in local infrastructure or parking arrangements. Residents may find the 90% above-average shoplifting rate (1.2 per 1,000) concerning, though the drop from October hints at potential success in targeted crime prevention measures.

Shefford's crime rate in November 2025 (6.9 per 1,000) represents a 6.0% increase from the previous month's rate of 6.5 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day over the 30-day period, a figure that aligns with the built-up nature of the area within Central Bedfordshire. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 145 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average in several categories but higher in others. With a population of 7,701, the local context means that crime impacts a smaller proportion of the community compared to larger urban areas, though specific categories like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour remain elevated. The 5.5% gap below the UK average (6.9 vs 7.3 per 1,000) underscores Shefford's relative safety, particularly in violent crime categories. However, the 70% above-average rate for criminal damage and arson highlights a critical area for local authorities to address, as this category's sharp increase may indicate underlying issues not yet captured by broader trends. The population-scaled perspective reinforces that while the absolute number of crimes is manageable, targeted efforts are needed to address specific vulnerabilities.