Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
MK40 · Bedford Borough
600
crimes in April 2026
Above national average
SG6 · Hertfordshire
211
crimes in April 2026
Above national average
Hitchin has less crime — 211 vs 600 incidents in April 2026.
Bedford recorded substantially more crime than Hitchin in April 2026 — 600 incidents compared to 211, a 2.8x difference. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Bedford sees higher rates of Shoplifting (79), while Hitchin has more Other theft (16). Both areas are above the national average for recorded crime; the full 24-month reports break down the trends and outcomes in detail.
Full reports cover 24 months of trends, ward breakdowns, outcome rates, and a detailed safety score — from £4.99.
Based on April 2026 Police data, Hitchin recorded fewer crimes than Bedford — 211 vs 600 incidents. That is 65% fewer crimes. Bedford is above the national average.
The main difference lies in crime type. In April 2026, Bedford saw higher rates of Shoplifting while Hitchin had more Other theft. Overall, Hitchin recorded fewer total crimes (211 vs 600).