Ashford Crime Rate

Ashford Crime Statistics

Ashford currently maintains a crime rate of 77.7 per 1,000 people, a figure that sits comfortably below the UK average of 91.7. This statistical performance is reflected in the area's safety score of 82/100, which surpasses the national average safety score of 79/100. Recent data indicates a positive shift for the district, with crime rates decreasing by 6.4% year-over-year. This downward trend suggests that Ashford is becoming increasingly secure for its 140,936 residents. While certain crime types remain more prevalent than others, the overall data portrays Ashford as a relatively safe local authority area within the region. The following detailed analysis explores the specific crime breakdowns, monthly trends, and safety recommendations to provide a comprehensive overview of the current security landscape in Ashford.

About Ashford

Ashford is a significant commercial and residential hub in Kent, characterised by a diverse mix of historic market town charm and modern urban development. As the home of Ashford International station, the area serves as a major transport gateway between London and mainland Europe, which introduces a high volume of transient population and commuters. This role as a transit hub often influences local crime statistics, particularly in areas surrounding the station and town centre. The district balances large-scale retail developments, such as the Ashford Designer Outlet, with extensive rural landscapes and smaller villages. These commercial centres are primary drivers for footfall, contributing to the prevalence of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. Economically, Ashford has seen substantial growth and investment, yet like many expanding urban areas, it faces challenges related to population density in its core. The combination of a busy commercial sector, high-speed rail links, and a growing residential population creates a dynamic environment that shapes the local safety profile and crime distribution across the local authority area.

Ashford Crime Breakdown

An analysis of crime types in Ashford reveals that 'Violence and sexual offences' is the most frequently reported category, with 4,222 incidents recorded. This accounts for 38.5% of all crime in the district, representing a rate of 30.0 per 1,000 residents. The second most common issue is anti-social behaviour, making up 15.4% of total reports, followed by shoplifting, which constitutes 10.2% of the area's crime. These three categories together form the bulk of the local policing challenge.

When looking specifically at property-related crime—which includes burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft—the rate stands at 26.3 per 1,000 people. While this is lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3, it remains a significant concern for residents. Criminal damage and arson is the most prominent property crime, with 1,006 incidents (9.2% of total crime), while burglary and vehicle crime remain relatively low at 2.9% and 2.7% respectively.

For homeowners and residents, these statistics suggest that while the risk of traditional household intrusion is lower than in many other UK districts, the broader category of property theft and damage requires consistent vigilance. Understanding that nearly 40% of crime is related to violence and sexual offences highlights the importance of personal safety awareness, while the property crime figures underscore the need for robust, modern security solutions to protect physical assets and residential premises.

Ashford Crime Trends

The crime data for Ashford shows a promising downward trajectory, with an overall decrease of 6.4% in total crimes compared to the previous year. This reduction indicates a strengthening of community safety and effective local policing strategies. However, an analysis of the monthly trendData from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals some notable fluctuations throughout the year.

The highest peak in criminal activity occurred in July 2025, reaching a rate of 7.7 crimes per 1,000 people. Another significant spike was observed in March 2025 with a rate of 7.2. Conversely, the safest months were February and September, both recording a low of 5.6 crimes per 1,000. The year concluded with a relatively stable trend, ending November at 6.6. These monthly variations often correlate with seasonal changes, such as increased footfall during the summer months or holiday periods. For residents, this means that while the annual trend is improving, staying vigilant during the spring and summer peaks is advisable. The general decline over the 12-month period is a positive sign for the district's long-term safety outlook.

Nearby Areas Comparison

When comparing Ashford to its surrounding districts, the data shows a notable contrast. Ashford's crime rate of 77.7 per 1,000 residents is significantly higher than the recorded figures for Folkestone and Hythe, Maidstone, Swale, Tunbridge Wells, Canterbury, and Rother, all of which currently report a rate of 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people in the provided dataset. While these zero-rated figures may reflect specific reporting anomalies or placeholder data for those regions, Ashford remains a primary focus for regional safety within Kent. Despite having a higher rate than these immediate neighbours, it is important to note that Ashford is still significantly safer than the UK national average of 91.7 per 1,000. For those considering the wider region, Ashford offers a balanced safety profile that, while more active than its neighbours, continues to trend in a positive, safer direction for residents and businesses alike.

Proactive Home Security in Ashford

With a property crime rate of 26.3 per 1,000 residents in Ashford, protecting your home requires more than just passive recording. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or doorbell cameras, often only provide footage of a crime after it has occurred. In an area where criminal damage and burglary still impact the community, the goal should be prevention rather than reaction. This is where a proactive system like scOS changes the dynamic of home protection.

scOS is an AI-powered operating system that monitors your property boundaries in real-time. Unlike standard systems that might alert you once someone is already at your door, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to detect threats before they reach your home. By identifying suspicious patterns and verifying vehicles through DVLA data, it can distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder. When a genuine threat is detected, scOS can autonomously engage lights and speakers, destroying the element of surprise that burglars rely on. For Ashford residents, moving from reactive recording to proactive AI deterrence means stopping the 60-second decision-making process of a criminal before they ever attempt a break-in.

How To Keep Safe in Ashford

The most prevalent crime type in Ashford is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38.5% of all reported incidents. While this category covers a broad range of offences, maintaining personal safety in public and private spaces is paramount for residents.

To enhance your personal safety in Ashford, consider the following actionable tips:

• Stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Stick to well-lit, busy routes and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas or parks after dark.
• When using Ashford’s transport hubs, such as Ashford International, keep your belongings secure and be mindful of people around you, particularly during peak commuting times.
• Utilise personal safety apps on your smartphone that allow you to share your location with trusted contacts if you are feeling uneasy.
• Report any suspicious behaviour or anti-social activity to the local authorities immediately. Early reporting can help prevent situations from escalating and assists the police in identifying hotspots.
• In residential areas, ensure that communal entrances are never propped open and that you are aware of who you are letting into your building or neighbourhood.