Biddenden Crime Rate

Biddenden is a secure urban settlement in Ashford that maintains a good safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 65.3 per 1,000 residents. This figure is notably lower than the UK national average of 91.6, earning the area a safety score of 81/100. Compared to the UK average safety score of 79, Biddenden remains a safe location for its community. However, recent data indicates a significant year-over-year trend increase of 39.7% in reported crime, a shift that warrants increased awareness among residents. With a property crime rate of 18.5 per 1,000—well below the national average of 32.2—Biddenden continues to be a safe residential environment, though the upward trend highlights the importance of proactive security and community vigilance.

Crime Breakdown in Biddenden

Biddenden's crime profile is heavily dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for a significant 59.1% of all reported incidents, equating to a rate of 38.6 per 1,000 residents. Criminal damage and arson is the second most common crime at 10.2%, while other theft represents 9.1% of the total. These three categories form the primary focus of local police activity within the settlement.

When looking at property-related crime, Biddenden has a rate of 18.5 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, the fact that Biddenden has seen a 39.7% year-over-year increase in total crime is a key consideration for residents. Burglary accounts for 4.5% of total crime, with vehicle crime at 3.4% and criminal damage at 10.2%. For residents, this means that while Biddenden remains statistically safer than the national average, the recent upward trend in crime, particularly in categories like criminal damage and theft, suggests that maintaining robust home and property security is increasingly important for protecting assets and maintaining peace of mind.

Crime Trends in Biddenden

The crime trend in Biddenden shows a significant 39.7% increase in total crime compared to the previous year. While this rise is notable, the village remains safe compared to the national average. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals a fluctuating pattern. The year began with a very low rate of 1.5 in January, which rose to 2.2 in February and 4.5 in March.

A significant increase was noted in the late spring and summer, with May recording 8.2 and June reaching a yearly peak of 11.1 per 1,000 residents. Rates remained relatively high through the autumn, with October recording 8.9, before dropping back to 1.5 in December. This pattern suggests that Biddenden has experienced a period of increased activity, particularly during the middle of the year. While the overall annual increase is high, the return to low levels at the end of the year is an encouraging sign. Continued monitoring and proactive security will be important for managing this trend effectively.

How To Keep Safe in Biddenden

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Biddenden, accounting for 59.1% of all reports. While the area is statistically safe, the recent upward trend in crime suggests that residents should take proactive steps to maintain their personal and property security.

To stay safe in Biddenden:

• Stay aware of your surroundings when walking through the area, particularly in less populated or poorly lit sections during the evening hours.
• Given that criminal damage and arson is the second most common crime (10.2%), ensure that your property's exterior is well-maintained and that any combustible materials are stored securely.
• Always lock your vehicle and remove any valuables, as vehicle crime accounts for 3.4% 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; your reports help the police understand and address emerging patterns effectively.

Biddenden's crime data shows clear shifts in activity across the 24-hour cycle. Theft-related offences are most prevalent during the daylight hours, accounting for 49% of morning crimes and 52% of afternoon crimes. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most likely to occur when the area is active or when properties are left unattended during the working day.

As night falls, the risk profile changes significantly. During the night (12am to 6am), vehicle crime and burglary become the primary concerns, making up 28% and 24% of all reported incidents in that period, respectively. Evening hours (6pm to 12am) are dominated by 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which account for a substantial 50% of reports. For Biddenden 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 as the community experiences an increase in reported crime.

In the local Ashford and Kent context, Biddenden compares favourably to larger urban areas like Headcorn, which has a higher crime rate of 85.0 per 1,000. However, it has a higher rate than nearby Smarden (54.0) and other very small settlements like Woolpack Corner and Frittenden, which reported no crime in the current period. For residents and prospective movers, Biddenden offers a safe residential environment that is significantly more secure than the regional average. The recent 39.7% increase in crime is a notable trend that distinguishes it from some of its more stable neighbours, but its safety score of 81/100 reinforces its status as a reliable and secure place to live.

In Biddenden, where property crime sits at 18.5 per 1,000 and the area is experiencing a significant upward trend in total crime, effective security is about staying ahead of the curve. Traditional CCTV systems are reactive—they provide footage after a crime has been committed. In a community where crime is increasing, the goal should be to prevent it before it happens.

scOS provides this proactive protection by using AI-powered intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries 24/7. It doesn't just record; it understands, distinguishing between residents, visitors, and potential threats. If an unauthorised person is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lighting or audio warnings, to disrupt their plan. In an area where the crime rate is rising, scOS's ability to monitor property lines and verify vehicles in real-time is invaluable. 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 Biddenden's status as a safe residential haven.