Hamstreet Crime Rate

Hamstreet is an exceptionally safe urban settlement, boasting a crime rate that is nearly half the national average. With 48.4 crimes per 1,000 people, it is significantly more secure than the UK average of 91.7, resulting in a high safety score of 87/100. The area's safety profile is further improved by a strong downward trend, with total crime decreasing by 10.2% over the past year. This consistent reduction in criminal activity makes Hamstreet one of the most peaceful locations in the Ashford district. For residents and prospective homeowners, these statistics paint a picture of a community where crime is infrequent and the overall environment is highly secure compared to broader UK standards.

The crime landscape in Hamstreet is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 53.6% of all reported incidents, at a rate of 25.9 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by 'other' theft at 13.4% and 'other' crime at 12.4%. Anti-social behaviour also features at 9.3%.

Property crime in Hamstreet is exceptionally low, with a rate of only 9.0 per 1,000 people. This is less than a third of the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Burglary and vehicle crime are both very rare, each occurring at a rate of just 1.0 per 1,000 residents and representing only 2.1% of total crime each. For residents, this indicates that the risk of property theft is minimal compared to most other urban settlements in the UK. However, the high percentage of theft-related offences (13.4%) suggests that opportunistic stealing is still the main property concern. Homeowners can take confidence in these figures but should remain aware that personal safety and theft prevention are the most relevant local considerations.

Hamstreet is trending towards becoming even safer, with a 10.2% decrease in total crime year-over-year. This is a very positive indicator for the village, showing that criminal activity is on the decline. Analyzing the monthly data for 2025, the crime rate was highest in December 2024 at 7.5 per 1,000 people, followed by September at 6.5 and July at 6.0.

Conversely, the village saw its lowest crime levels in January 2025, with a rate of just 1.0 per 1,000 residents. The latter half of the year has been relatively stable, with the rate fluctuating between 3.5 and 6.5. This overall reduction of over 10% suggests that local safety initiatives and community awareness are effectively deterring crime. For Hamstreet residents, the trend data confirms that while certain months see higher activity, the general direction of crime is downward, maintaining the village's reputation as a secure place to live.

How To Keep Safe in Hamstreet

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Hamstreet, making personal safety a priority even in such a low-crime village. Staying aware of your surroundings and planning your movements can go a long way.

When walking through the village, particularly during the darker winter months, stick to well-lit routes and avoid isolated paths. Since 'other' theft is the second most common crime, ensure that personal belongings are not left unattended in public spaces or visible in parked cars. For homeowners, the peak in vehicle crime and burglary during the night (37% and 23% of night-time crime respectively) suggests that keeping your driveway well-lit and ensuring your vehicle is locked is essential. Consider installing motion-activated security lights around your home to deter opportunistic offenders. Additionally, reporting any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local police helps maintain the village's safe environment. Joining a local community alert group can also provide timely updates on any safety concerns in the Hamstreet area.

Crime in Hamstreet is heavily concentrated during the daylight hours, particularly regarding theft. The morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) periods are the most active, with theft accounting for a significant 81% and 83% of all crimes reported during those times, respectively. This suggests that opportunistic theft is primarily a daytime issue in the village.

As the day progresses into the evening (6pm - 12am), theft remains the majority at 57%, but burglary begins to rise, making up 18% of incidents. The night-time period (12am - 6am) sees the most significant shift in crime types. Vehicle crime peaks during these early hours, accounting for 37% of night-time offences, while burglary also reaches its highest point at 23%. For residents, this data highlights a clear divide: theft is a risk during the busy daytime hours, while the protection of vehicles and home boundaries becomes the priority overnight.

In comparison to nearby areas, Hamstreet maintains a very competitive safety profile. Its crime rate of 48.4 per 1,000 is almost identical to Woodchurch (48.0) and only slightly higher than Shadoxhurst (40.9). While very small localities like Bromley Green and Appledore Heath report 0.0 crimes per 1,000, Hamstreet stands out as a safe and stable village within the wider Ashford region. For those looking for a balance between local amenities and a low-crime environment, Hamstreet offers a level of security that is significantly better than the larger urban centres in Kent.

With a property crime rate of just 9.0 per 1,000 in Hamstreet, the focus for residents is on preventing opportunistic theft, which is the most common property-related offence in the area. The data shows that while burglary is rare, it is most likely to occur overnight.

Traditional security cameras are reactive; they record a crime but do nothing to stop it. In a safe area like Hamstreet, a proactive AI system like scOS is the most effective way to maintain that security. scOS monitors your property boundaries and can distinguish between a delivery and a potential intruder. If someone enters your property unauthorized, scOS can autonomously trigger lights or audio alerts. This immediate, proactive intervention destroys the element of surprise, deterring the individual before they can act. By focusing on prevention rather than just recording, Hamstreet homeowners can enjoy peace of mind, knowing their security system is actively working to keep their property safe.