In November 2024, Ashford's crime rate stood at 8.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 13.2% above the UK average of 7.6. This figure translates to a per-capita risk that, while not alarmingly high, remains a notable concern for residents. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (216 incidents, 31.3% of total), shoplifting (142 incidents, 20.6%), and anti-social behaviour (89 incidents, 12.9%). These patterns align with seasonal factors: the surge in shoplifting likely reflects the impact of Black Friday, while the rise in violence and sexual offences may be consistent with the timing of Bonfire Night. Conversely, anti-social behaviour saw a decline, possibly linked to reduced evening activity as the month progressed. The UK comparison reveals stark contrasts: shoplifting in Ashford was 161% above the UK average, while vehicle crime was 9% below, suggesting that local retail environments and traffic patterns may be driving these divergences. The overall rate, though elevated, does not indicate a dramatic escalation in risk, but it underscores the need for targeted measures to address specific crime types, particularly in high-traffic retail areas.