Bethersden Crime Rate

Bethersden is a secure urban settlement located in the Ashford district, offering a high standard of safety for its residents. The area has an overall crime rate of 53.5 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.6. This performance earns Bethersden an excellent safety score of 87/100, far exceeding the UK average of 79. Recent data shows that the crime trend in Bethersden is stable, with a minor 3.4% increase year-over-year. With a property crime rate of 20.0 per 1,000—well below the national average of 32.2—the village remains a peaceful and secure environment, though understanding local crime patterns is key to maintaining this security.

Crime Breakdown in Bethersden

Bethersden's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 41.8% of all reported incidents, equating to a rate of 22.3 per 1,000 residents. Criminal damage and arson follow at 14.3%, while anti-social behaviour represents 11.0% of the total. These three categories form the core of local police activity within the settlement.

When looking at property-related crime, Bethersden has a rate of 20.0 per 1,000 people. This total includes burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft. While this is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.2, it remains a key consideration for homeowners. Burglary accounts for 7.7% of total crime, while vehicle crime sits at 6.6%. For residents, this means that while Bethersden is statistically a very safe area, the presence of property-focused crimes like criminal damage, burglary, and vehicle theft suggests that maintaining robust home and vehicle security is an essential part of local life. Protective measures that deter opportunistic offenders are particularly effective in this residential context.

Crime Trends in Bethersden

The crime trend in Bethersden is currently classified as stable, with a minor 3.4% increase in total crime compared to the previous year. This indicates that the village remains a consistently safe environment. Looking at the monthly data for 2025, we can see a fluctuating pattern of activity. The year began with a rate of 4.7 in January, which dropped significantly to a yearly low of 1.8 in February.

Rates then increased in the spring, with both March and April recording 5.9 per 1,000 residents. The summer months saw varied levels, ranging from 2.9 to 5.3. A notable increase occurred towards the end of the year, with November recording the highest rate of 7.1 per 1,000, before settling back to 5.3 in December. These fluctuations are typical for residential settlements and do not suggest a long-term decline in safety. However, the end-of-year peak serves as a reminder to maintain good security habits during the winter months.

How To Keep Safe in Bethersden

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Bethersden, making up 41.8% of all reports. While the village is statistically very safe, maintaining awareness and taking practical safety steps is always beneficial for residents.

To stay safe in Bethersden:

• Stay aware of your surroundings when walking through the village, particularly in less populated or poorly lit areas during the evening.
• Given that criminal damage and arson is the second most common crime (14.3%), ensure that your property's exterior is well-maintained and that any combustible materials are stored securely away from the street.
• Always lock your vehicle and remove any valuables, as vehicle crime accounts for 6.6% of total incidents and is more common at night.
• Ensure that your home is secure, with high-quality locks on all doors and windows, and consider installing motion-activated lighting around the perimeter.
• Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local Ashford police to help them maintain an accurate picture of local safety and allocate resources appropriately.

Bethersden's crime data shows clear shifts in activity across the day. Theft-related offences are most prevalent during the daylight hours, accounting for 41% of morning crimes and 45% of afternoon crimes. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most likely to occur when the village is active or when properties are left unattended during the working day.

As night falls, the risk profile changes. During the night (12am to 6am), vehicle crime becomes the most significant concern, making up 34% of all reported incidents in that period, while burglary reaches its highest percentage at 22%. Evening hours (6pm to 12am) are dominated by 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which account for 52% of reports. For Bethersden residents, this means that while personal property should be guarded during the day, vehicle and home security should be the primary focus during the overnight hours. Understanding these patterns allows for more effective and targeted safety habits.

When compared to other settlements in the Ashford local authority, Bethersden holds a strong safety position. Its crime rate of 53.5 per 1,000 is lower than that of High Halden (57.5), although it is slightly higher than Woodchurch (50.4) and Shadoxhurst (42.1). Areas like Chilmington Green and Pluckley Thorne reported no crime during the same period, but they are smaller communities. For those looking at the region, Bethersden offers a very safe residential environment that is typical of the more rural urban settlements in Kent, providing a much quieter and more secure alternative to the larger regional towns. Its stable crime trend further reinforces its appeal as a reliable place to live.

In Bethersden, where property crime represents a significant part of the local statistical landscape at 20.0 per 1,000, effective home security is about prevention. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, providing footage only after a break-in has occurred. In a peaceful residential area like this, the goal should be to stop an intruder before they ever reach your door.

scOS provides this proactive protection by using AI-powered intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time. It doesn't just record activity; it understands it, distinguishing between residents, deliveries, and potential threats. If an unauthorised person is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses—such as activating high-intensity lighting or audible warnings—to deter them immediately. This proactive approach is particularly effective against the opportunistic burglars and vehicle thieves who may target residential areas. By making your property a difficult and high-risk target, scOS ensures that potential offenders move on, keeping your home and family safe and maintaining Bethersden's high safety standards.