High Halden Crime Rate

High Halden is a notably safe urban settlement, characterized by a crime rate that is significantly lower than the national average. With 59.3 crimes per 1,000 people, the area sits well below the UK figure of 91.7, earning it an impressive safety score of 86/100. The security of the area is further evidenced by a strong downward trend, with total crime decreasing by 11.2% over the past year. This improvement indicates a positive trajectory for the village, making it one of the more secure locations within the Ashford district. For residents, these figures represent a community where crime is relatively infrequent and safety is consistently high compared to broader UK standards.

In High Halden, the crime landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which make up 41.7% of all reported incidents, occurring at a rate of 24.8 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, accounting for 20.5% of reports, followed by criminal damage and arson at 17.3%. Together, these three categories represent the vast majority of local police activity.

Property crime in High Halden is relatively low compared to national figures, with a rate of 18.2 per 1,000 people. This includes 5 reported burglaries and 5 vehicle crimes over the year, each representing 3.9% of the total crime. While the overall volume is small, the presence of criminal damage (10.3 per 1,000) suggests that opportunistic vandalism is more common than professional theft. For residents, this means that while the risk of a major break-in is statistically low, protecting property from damage and ensuring vehicles are secured remains important for maintaining the village's high safety standards.

The crime trend in High Halden is very encouraging, with a notable 11.2% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. This significant reduction suggests that the village is becoming safer and that local community efforts are proving effective. Looking at the monthly data for 2025, the crime rate fluctuated, reaching its highest points in August at 7.9 per 1,000 people, and in December and May, which both saw rates of 7.0.

Conversely, April 2025 was the safest month of the year with a remarkably low crime rate of 1.9. The latter half of the year showed a period of relative stability, with the rate holding at 4.2 from October through November. While the spikes in May and August indicate seasonal variations, the overall year-on-year drop of over 11% is a strong indicator of an improving safety environment. For residents, this trend provides reassurance that the statistical risk of crime in High Halden is moving in the right direction.

How To Keep Safe in High Halden

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in High Halden, making personal awareness a key factor in staying safe. While the village is generally very peaceful, taking simple precautions can further reduce risk.

When walking through the village in the evening, stick to well-lit paths and avoid taking shortcuts through isolated areas. If you are a victim of or witness to anti-social behaviour—the second most common issue—reporting it promptly to the local police helps them allocate resources effectively. For homeowners, the rate of criminal damage suggests that keeping your property's frontage tidy and well-illuminated can discourage opportunistic vandalism. Installing motion-activated lighting around the perimeter of your home and ensuring that vehicles are parked in garages or well-lit driveways are practical steps that align with the village's current crime patterns. Staying connected with your neighbours through local social media groups or community alerts can also provide an extra layer of collective security.

Crime in High Halden follows distinct temporal patterns throughout the day. The afternoon period (12pm - 6pm) sees a high concentration of theft-related offences, accounting for 36% of crimes during these hours, alongside a 17% burglary rate. As the village transitions into the evening (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes—which often include anti-social behaviour—spike to 67% of total activity.

During the night (12am - 6am), the profile shifts significantly towards property-related offences. Vehicle crime reaches its peak during these early hours, making up 21% of reported incidents, while burglary remains a concern at 18%. The morning hours (6am - 12pm) are also active for theft (32%), likely coinciding with daily routines and commercial activity. For residents, this data suggests that while theft is a daytime risk, the security of vehicles and property boundaries is most critical during the overnight hours when opportunistic offenders are most active under the cover of darkness.

Compared to its immediate surroundings, High Halden holds a favourable position. Its crime rate of 59.3 per 1,000 is lower than both Tenterden (73.9) and Biddenden (68.2), making it a safer option for those looking at the western side of the Ashford borough. While very small nearby localities like London Beach and Woolpack Corner show 0.0 crimes per 1,000, these are much smaller settlements. High Halden balances its role as a functional village with a crime profile that remains much more secure than the larger nearby market towns, providing a middle ground for residents who value both amenities and peace of mind.

In a village like High Halden, where the property crime rate is 18.2 per 1,000, the focus for homeowners should be on maintaining that high level of safety through proactive measures. While the overall numbers are low, the presence of criminal damage and occasional burglary suggests that opportunistic crime still exists.

Traditional security systems often rely on recording a crime for later review, which does little to stop an offender in the moment. A proactive AI system like scOS changes this dynamic by watching your property boundaries 24/7. It is designed to recognize your routines and family members while identifying real threats instantly. If an unauthorized person enters your property, scOS can autonomously activate lights or speakers, destroying the element of surprise and deterring the individual before they can cause damage or attempt a break-in. For High Halden residents, this level of autonomous intervention offers a significant upgrade over standard DIY cameras, ensuring that security is active rather than just observational.