Shillington Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Shillington, Central Bedfordshire, indicate a crime rate of 42.0 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This is notably higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000 residents, suggesting a lower level of overall safety compared to the national average. While the safety score stands at a respectable 90 out of 100, the concerning trend of a 54.4% year-on-year increase in crime requires careful consideration. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a peak in reported incidents during September 2025. Understanding the specific types of crimes occurring and the factors contributing to this upward trend is crucial for developing effective safety strategies.

The crime landscape in Shillington is currently dominated by violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37.5% of reported crimes. Vehicle crime also represents a significant proportion (13.6%), alongside anti-social behaviour (13.6%). Criminal damage and arson contributes 12.5%, followed by public order offences at 9.1%. While burglary remains a concern, it represents a relatively smaller percentage of overall crime at 2.3%. The prevalence of these crime types reflects a complex interplay of factors including the village’s location, proximity to larger urban centres, and the characteristics of its community. The relatively small population size can also amplify the impact of individual incidents, making crime appear more prevalent than it might in a larger area.

The concerning upward trend in crime rates in Shillington, increasing by 54.4% year-on-year, demands attention. Examining the monthly data reveals fluctuations, with particularly high reported incidents in April, May, June, September and December 2025. January 2025 saw a relatively low rate of 2.4 crimes per 1,000 residents, compared to 4.8 in December 2025. This escalation suggests a potential shift in criminal activity or a change in reporting practices. Further investigation is necessary to understand the root causes of this trend and implement preventative measures.

How To Keep Safe in Shillington

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone. Consider travelling with a companion or using well-lit routes. Vehicle crime is also a significant concern; always lock your vehicle and remove valuables. Secure your property by ensuring doors and windows are locked, and consider installing security lighting. Report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. Finally, be mindful of anti-social behaviour and avoid confrontation, instead reporting incidents to the relevant authorities.

Crime in Shillington exhibits a pattern where vehicle crime is particularly prevalent during the night hours (12am - 6am), accounting for a significant proportion of incidents. Burglary is more commonly reported during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm). Theft tends to occur during commercial hours, while other crimes are more dispersed across the day. The evening period (6pm - 12am) sees a concentration of various crime types, highlighting a need for increased vigilance during these hours.

Compared to neighbouring areas, Shillington’s crime rate is significantly higher than Apsley End and Upper Gravenhurst, which both report zero crimes. Meppershall has a higher crime rate at 50.5 per 1,000, while Pirton’s rate is closer to Shillington’s at 41.3 per 1,000. This highlights that while Shillington faces challenges, it is not uniquely positioned within the local area, and some nearby communities are experiencing even higher crime levels.

Traditional CCTV systems offer a reactive response – recording crime as it happens. However, in Shillington, where crime is on the rise, a proactive approach is increasingly vital. scOS offers a different perspective. By utilising AI to detect potential threats at your property boundary, it can prevent incidents before they occur. The system's multi-camera intelligence watches all angles simultaneously, instantly verifying vehicle plates with the DVLA database, and learns your family’s routines. Imagine a system that doesn’t just record a burglary, but actively deters it – that’s the power of scOS. The visible presence of professional-grade security often signals a serious commitment to protection, creating a deterrent effect that can make burglars reconsider their targets. While DIY security systems have their place, scOS provides a level of protection beyond what most homeowners can achieve independently.