Shefford Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Shefford for February 2026 reveals a distinct profile shaped by local dynamics. Property crimes dominated the landscape, accounting for 29.2% of all reported incidents, with shoplifting alone contributing 14 cases—210% above the UK average. This elevated rate of shoplifting may be attributed to the area's built-up nature and the presence of retail hubs, which are common in urban and suburban settings. Violent crimes, while lower in proportion (22.9% of total incidents), were 40% below the UK average, suggesting a relatively safer environment for residents compared to other parts of the country. The seasonal context of February, a winter month marked by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, likely influenced the overall crime picture. With 6.2 crimes per 1,000 residents, Shefford's rate was 3.1% below the UK average of 6.4, a slight but notable advantage. The balance of crime types—property crimes far outnumbering violent offences—reflects the area's character as a built-up area within Central Bedfordshire, where retail and commercial activity may drive non-violent crime. This contrast with the UK average highlights Shefford's unique position, where local factors such as population density, economic activity, and infrastructure play a role in shaping crime patterns. The data also shows that while property crimes are prevalent, the area's overall safety remains aligned with national trends, with no significant spikes in violent or public order offences that might indicate broader social tensions.

February 2026 saw a striking 300% increase in vehicle crime, jumping from 1 to 4 incidents. This sharp rise may be linked to seasonal factors, such as increased car usage during winter or changes in parking patterns. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 80%, from 5 to 1, a drop that could reflect reduced outdoor activity during colder months. The crime mix also revealed significant disparities compared to the UK average: shoplifting occurred at 210% above the national rate, a figure that may be influenced by the area's retail presence. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences in Shefford were 40% below the UK average, suggesting a lower prevalence of violent crime relative to other areas. For residents, the 300% surge in vehicle crime highlights a specific concern, particularly for those who park in public spaces or use vehicles frequently. These shifts in crime patterns underscore the importance of contextual factors, such as seasonal trends and local demographics, in shaping monthly statistics.

Shefford's February 2026 crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents marks a 2.0% decrease from the previous month's 6.4 per 1,000, indicating a slight downward trend. This monthly decline aligns with the seasonal context of February, a winter month typically characterised by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull in social events. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 2 crimes per day over 28 days, a figure that provides a tangible sense of the local crime frequency. When considering the population-scaled perspective, over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 160 residents. This monthly exposure rate offers a useful benchmark for residents to contextualise their personal risk. The comparison to the UK average, though minimal, underscores Shefford's relative safety, with its crime rate remaining 3.1% below the national figure. These statistics collectively suggest that while Shefford is not immune to crime, its rates remain consistently lower than the UK average, a pattern that may reflect the area's character as a built-up area within Central Bedfordshire with potentially lower population density and fewer high-risk environments compared to larger urban centres.