Buntingford Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Buntingford's crime rate in May 2025 stood at 5.6 per 1,000 residents — 30.9% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure, while relatively low, reveals a complex crime profile shaped by local dynamics. Anti-social behaviour emerged as the most significant category, accounting for 35.3% of all reported crimes, a rate 41% above the UK average of 1.4 per 1,000. This discrepancy suggests that community-specific factors, such as the built-up area's proximity to transport links and mixed-use development, may contribute to higher levels of anti-social activity compared to the national average. Violence and sexual offences, at 13 incidents (1.4 per 1,000), represented 25.5% of total crimes, a rate 51% below the UK average. This could be partly explained by the area's relatively low population density and the presence of local amenities that reduce the need for late-night socialising. Shoplifting, at 5 incidents (0.6 per 1,000), accounted for 9.8% of crimes, 10% below the UK average. The seasonal context of May — with its bank holidays, longer evenings, and increased outdoor drinking — likely influenced the pattern of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. However, the overall crime rate remains significantly lower than the UK average, suggesting that local policing, community engagement, or demographic characteristics may be playing a role in maintaining this lower level of criminal activity.

Shoplifting surged by 150% in May, rising from 2 to 5 incidents — a sharp increase that may reflect seasonal retail activity or changes in policing focus. Burglary doubled from 1 to 2 cases, while drugs-related crimes jumped from 0 to 4, indicating potential shifts in local patterns. Anti-social behaviour remains the most prevalent category at 35.3% of total crimes, 41% above the UK average of 1.4 per 1,000. Conversely, violence and sexual offences fell by 40.9% from 22 to 13 cases, a decline that may correlate with the start of the school year reducing late-night activity in public spaces. The data also shows a 50% reduction in criminal damage and arson, though this remains below the UK average. Residents may find the shoplifting increase particularly relevant, as it directly impacts local businesses.

Buntingford's crime rate in May 2025 rose 18.8% from 4.7 to 5.6 per 1,000 residents compared to April. This increase, though notable, remains 30.9% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. Locally, this translates to roughly 2 crimes reported per day over the 31-day period — a manageable frequency for a built-up area of 9,164 residents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 180 residents, a figure that contextualises risk in relation to population density. While the monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average (which would be 1 in 123 residents at 8.1 per 1,000), the upward trend from April suggests seasonal or situational factors may be influencing patterns. The built-up area's proximity to major transport links and retail hubs could contribute to this dynamic, though the relatively low crime rate overall indicates effective local policing or community engagement strategies.