Crime in Dunstable South: statistics, rates and trends

302 crimes were recorded in Dunstable South in the 12 months to July 2026, 51.9 per 1,000 residents. That is lower than the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and down 21% on the year before. The most common offence was violence and sexual offences, with 123 reports (41% of the total).

Of the 3,911 neighbourhoods covered by this site, Dunstable South has the 2,943rd highest crime rate.

Recorded crime in Dunstable South was highest in the year to July 2018 (824 crimes) and lowest in the year to July 2026 (302). Over the whole period it fell 63%, against a fall of 4% across England and Wales. Rates use today's population for every year, so they show the direction of change rather than exact historic rates.

Month by month

The table shows every category of crime recorded in Dunstable South over the 12 months to July 2026. The index compares the local rate with England and Wales: 1.00 is the national rate, 2.00 is double it. Rates were well above the national level for vehicle crime.

The largest increases were in vehicle crime (+86%) and criminal damage and arson (+13%). The largest falls were in public order (-67%) and other theft (-50%).

Violence and sexual offences in Dunstable South

Violence and sexual offences covers offences against the person, from common assault to homicide, and sexual offences. Dunstable South recorded 123 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (21.1 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 34.2, and down 19% on the year before. It made up 40.7% of all crime in the area.

Anti-social behaviour in Dunstable South

Anti-social behaviour covers personal, environmental and nuisance anti-social behaviour. Dunstable South recorded 42 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (7.2 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 15.3, and down 32% on the year before. It made up 13.9% of all crime in the area.

Vehicle crime in Dunstable South

Vehicle crime covers theft of or from a vehicle, and interfering with a vehicle. Dunstable South recorded 39 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (6.7 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 4.9, and up 86% on the year before. It made up 12.9% of all crime in the area.

Criminal damage and arson in Dunstable South

Criminal damage and arson covers deliberate damage to property, including setting fire to it. Dunstable South recorded 26 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (4.5 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.8, and up 13% on the year before. It made up 8.6% of all crime in the area.

Public order in Dunstable South

Public order covers offences that cause fear, alarm or distress. Dunstable South recorded 14 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (2.4 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.6, and down 67% on the year before. It made up 4.6% of all crime in the area.

Burglary in Dunstable South

Burglary covers entering a home or other building as a trespasser to steal, or with intent to steal. Dunstable South recorded 12 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (2.1 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 3.5, and down 8% on the year before. It made up 4.0% of all crime in the area.

Other theft in Dunstable South

Other theft covers theft not covered by another category, such as theft by an employee or of unattended items. Dunstable South recorded 12 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (2.1 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.4, and down 50% on the year before. It made up 4.0% of all crime in the area.

Drugs in Dunstable South

Drugs covers possession, supply and production of controlled drugs. Dunstable South recorded 8 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.4 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 3.3, and down 20% on the year before. It made up 2.6% of all crime in the area.

Robbery in Dunstable South

Robbery covers theft using force or the threat of force. Dunstable South recorded 8 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.4 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 1.4, and up 300% on the year before. It made up 2.6% of all crime in the area.

Other crime in Dunstable South

Other crime covers offences not covered by another category, such as forgery and perjury. Dunstable South recorded 7 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.2 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 2.1, and down 22% on the year before. It made up 2.3% of all crime in the area.

Possession of weapons in Dunstable South

Possession of weapons covers carrying or possessing a weapon such as a firearm or knife. Dunstable South recorded 4 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.7 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.0, and down 20% on the year before. It made up 1.3% of all crime in the area.

Shoplifting in Dunstable South

Shoplifting covers theft from shops or stalls. Dunstable South recorded 4 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.7 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 8.3, and down 73% on the year before. It made up 1.3% of all crime in the area.

Bicycle theft in Dunstable South

Bicycle theft covers the taking of a bicycle without the owner's consent. Dunstable South recorded 3 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.5 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 0.8, and up 50% on the year before. It made up 1.0% of all crime in the area.

Crime rates in the neighbourhoods closest to Dunstable South, for the 12 months to July 2026. The last column shows each area's rate relative to Dunstable South.

Police.uk records each crime at an approximate location, usually the centre of a nearby street or a landmark, to protect victims' privacy. These are the locations with the most reports in Dunstable South over the 12 months to July 2026.

The latest recorded outcome for crimes in Dunstable South over the 12 months to July 2026. Many cases are still open when the data is published, and anti-social behaviour has no outcome recorded, so these shares change as investigations finish.

Dunstable South has an estimated population of 5,818. On the England IoD 2025, the average neighbourhood in Dunstable South sits in decile 4.8, close to the middle. Deprivation and recorded crime are linked, but many other factors shape local crime rates.

Figures are police-recorded crime published on data.police.uk, covering August 2017 to July 2026. Each crime is counted in the small area (LSOA) where it was recorded and added up to Dunstable South. Crimes recorded by British Transport Police are not included.

Population figures are ONS mid-year estimates. See the methodology for details.