Ashford Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 140,936 residents, Ashford recorded 1,006 crimes in August 2024, translating to 7.1 crimes per 1,000 people — 13.4% below the UK average of 8.2. This figure positions the area as relatively safer compared to the national average, though the distribution of crime types reveals distinct patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 38% of all incidents, with 381 cases reported, while anti-social behaviour followed closely at 17.5% (176 cases). Shoplifting. (113 cases), saw a sharp increase of 37.8% compared to the previous month, possibly influenced by the peak holiday season and increased foot traffic in retail areas. The seasonal context of August, characterised by tourism and the potential for empty homes during the summer break, likely contributes to the mix of crime types observed. While violent crime remains the most prevalent category, the area’s performance in property-related offences — such as burglary, vehicle crime, and criminal damage — is lower than the UK average. For instance, burglary rates were 38% below the national benchmark, with only 32 incidents reported. This could reflect a combination of local factors, such as effective community policing or the nature of the area itself, which may be less prone to certain types of property crime compared to more densely populated urban centres. The overall stability in the crime rate, coupled with the specific trends in offence types, offers a nuanced picture of Ashford’s criminal landscape during the summer months.

August saw a significant 37.8% increase in shoplifting, rising from 82 to 113 incidents. This surge may be linked to the peak holiday season, with more visitors and potentially more unattended items in retail spaces. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 8.6%, from 162 to 176 cases, reflecting increased public gatherings during the summer months. Theft from the person fell by 33.3%, from 3 to 2 incidents, a decline that may be attributed to heightened awareness among residents and visitors during the busy tourist period. Meanwhile, burglary rates remained 38% below the UK average, with 32 incidents reported — a trend consistent with Ashford’s lower property crime rates compared to national benchmarks. The reduction in criminal damage and arson by 18.5% suggests a possible seasonal dip in such offences, due to warmer weather reducing the appeal of arson as a crime type.

In August 2024, Ashford's crime rate remained stable compared to July, with a 0.6% decrease to 7.1 per 1,000 residents from 7.2. This suggests a consistent level of criminal activity over the summer months, with no major fluctuations. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 32 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents within the local community. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 140 residents, a measure that highlights the relative frequency of crime in a population of 140,936. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, this equates to a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average, which is reflected in the 13.4% deficit in the overall crime rate. The stability in the crime rate aligns with the seasonal rhythm of the area, where August typically sees a mix of local activity and tourism, but without significant spikes in reported incidents.