Charing Crime Rate

Charing is a safe and quiet village with a crime profile that is considerably better than the national average. Its overall crime rate stands at 65.2 per 1,000 residents, which is well below the UK average of 91.7. This high level of safety is reflected in a safety score of 84/100. Furthermore, Charing is becoming even safer, with an 11.2% decrease in total crime recorded over the last year. For residents and those considering moving to the area, these statistics provide strong reassurance. The following sections detail the crime types and temporal patterns that define the local safety environment.

Crime in Charing

In Charing, the statistical landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 45.1% of all reported crimes. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (15.4%) and criminal damage and arson (12.6%). These figures are typical for smaller settlements, where a few incidents can significantly impact percentage-based data.

Property crime in Charing occurs at a rate of 18.2 per 1,000 residents, which is very low compared to the UK average of 32.3. This category includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts. Specifically, there were 6 burglaries and 7 vehicle crimes recorded. While these numbers are small, the fact that property-related crimes still occur means that residents should not be complacent. Criminal damage also represents a notable 12.6% of local crime, highlighting the need for visible security measures to protect homes and community assets.

Crime Trends in Charing

Charing is on a positive trajectory with crime rates significantly decreasing. Over the last 12 months, total crime has fallen by 11.2%. The monthly data for 2025 shows some variability, starting at 4.8 per 1,000 in January and reaching a peak of 9.7 in March. This was the most active month for the village.

Following the March peak, the crime rate dropped back down, staying between 3.4 and 7.1 for the remainder of the year. The year ended with a rate of 4.5 in November, which is consistent with the village's overall low-crime status. This downward trend, combined with a high safety score of 84/100, makes Charing an increasingly secure place for its 2,685 residents. The data suggests that local safety initiatives and community vigilance are proving effective in reducing crime.

How To Keep Safe in Charing

The most common crime type in Charing is violence and sexual offences. To maintain your personal safety in the village, consider the following advice:

1. Be aware of your surroundings when walking through the village, especially during the darker evening hours. Stick to well-lit paths and avoid isolated areas.
2. Ensure your home is securely locked at all times, even when you are inside, to prevent opportunistic entry.
3. Keep high-value items out of sight from windows to reduce the temptation for potential thieves.
4. If you notice any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour, report it to the local police to help them maintain a clear picture of local issues.
5. Get to know your neighbours; a strong community spirit is one of the best deterrents against crime in a village like Charing.

When Crime Occurs in Charing

Crime in Charing shows clear patterns throughout the day. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) is the busiest time for theft, accounting for 46% of all incidents in this period. As the day turns to evening (6pm-12am), there is a shift toward "other" crimes, which include anti-social behaviour and public order offences, making up 57% of evening reports.

Night-time (12am-6am) is particularly significant for vehicle crime, which accounts for 33% of all incidents during these early hours. Burglary risk is also highest during the night (18%) and afternoon (17%). These statistics suggest that while Charing is generally very safe, residents should be particularly vigilant about vehicle and property security during the night, when opportunistic criminals are most likely to be active.

Charing sits in a relatively low-crime part of Kent. When compared to its immediate neighbours, it is notably safer than Hothfield, which has a much higher rate of 98.3 per 1,000. Charing's rate of 65.2 is slightly higher than Pluckley (55.8), while other nearby areas like Egerton and Pluckley Thorne reported no crimes during this period. Overall, Charing offers a very secure residential environment that compares favourably with the wider Ashford district and the UK as a whole.

Protecting Your Property in Charing

Charing's property crime rate of 18.2 per 1,000 residents is a testament to the village's general safety. However, the 13 burglaries and vehicle crimes that did occur serve as a reminder that opportunistic crime can happen anywhere. Traditional security measures, such as basic alarms or standard CCTV, are often reactive—they only tell you a crime has happened after the fact.

For Charing residents who want the best possible protection, scOS offers a proactive approach. Using AI to monitor your property's perimeter, scOS can identify a potential threat before a break-in occurs. Whether it's a suspicious vehicle or someone approaching your home at night, the system can autonomously respond with deterrents like lights and audio warnings. This level of active defence is designed to stop crime in its tracks, ensuring that Charing remains the safe and peaceful village its residents expect. Investing in proactive security like scOS is the most effective way to protect your home against the property crimes that do occur in the area.