Hothfield Crime Rate

Hothfield is a residential village with an overall crime rate of 98.3 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly above the UK national average of 91.7. Despite this, the area maintains a safety score of 79/100, aligning it exactly with the UK average. The data shows an 8.6% increase in crime year-over-year, suggesting a moderate upward trend. Property crime in Hothfield is recorded at 25.7 per 1,000 people, which is notably lower than the national average of 32.3. The most common reports involve violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour. While the overall rate is higher than some neighbouring rural areas, the risk of serious property crime like burglary is exceptionally low. Hothfield offers a typical UK safety profile within a village setting.

Crime Breakdown in Hothfield

In Hothfield, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 31.8% of all reports. This is followed closely by anti-social behaviour at 27.0% and criminal damage and arson at 11.9%. Property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 25.7 per 1,000 residents. 'Other theft' is a significant factor, representing 9.5% of total incidents. While Hothfield has a higher overall crime rate than some neighbouring villages, burglary remains very low, accounting for only 0.8% of total crime (0.8 per 1,000 residents). This suggests that while residents may experience more anti-social behaviour and opportunistic theft, the risk of a residential break-in is exceptionally low. Vehicle crime accounts for 4.0% of reports, indicating that property security should focus on preventing exterior theft and damage.

Crime Trends in Hothfield

Hothfield has experienced an 8.6% increase in its crime rate year-over-year. The monthly data for 2025 reveals a fluctuating pattern, with a notable peak in September reaching 16.4 crimes per 1,000. Other significant spikes were observed in March (12.5) and May (11.7). The year began and ended with much lower rates, such as 3.9 in December 2024 and 4.7 in November 2025. This variability suggests that crime in Hothfield may be influenced by specific seasonal events or local factors rather than a steady, continuous rise. For residents, this highlights the importance of staying informed about local safety trends and being prepared for periods of increased activity.

How To Keep Safe in Hothfield

The most common crimes in Hothfield are violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour. While violence is often domestic or interpersonal, the high rate of anti-social behaviour (27.0%) and the spike in vehicle crime at night (37% of night-time reports) are the most practical safety concerns for the general public.

To keep safe, ensure that your home's exterior is well-lit and that any side gates or fences are securely locked to deter anti-social behaviour near your property. For vehicle safety, park in a well-lit area or a locked garage, especially during the night hours when the risk is highest. We also recommend being an active member of the local community and reporting any persistent anti-social behaviour to the local authorities. Since theft accounts for over 50% of daytime crime, always keep windows and doors locked and valuables out of sight, even when you are at home. By taking these proactive steps, you can help maintain Hothfield's safety and reduce your risk of becoming a victim of opportunistic crime.

Crime Timing in Hothfield

Crime in Hothfield shows clear temporal trends, with different types of offences peaking at different times. The morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm) are dominated by theft, which accounts for 51% and 59% of incidents respectively. This suggests that opportunistic crime is most common during daylight hours. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, become the most prevalent at 60%. The night-time (12am-6am) presents a different risk; while overall crime is lower, vehicle crime peaks at 37% of all incidents reported during these hours. Burglary remains exceptionally low across all time periods, never exceeding 5% of total reports. These patterns highlight the importance of maintaining robust security around the clock, with a particular focus on vehicle protection overnight and general theft prevention during the day.

Hothfield has a more active crime profile than many of its immediate neighbours. Its rate of 98.3 is higher than nearby Pluckley (55.8) and Charing (65.2). While the tiny settlements of Great Chart and Chilmington Green report 0.0 crimes, Hothfield serves as a more established residential hub. For those considering the area, it offers a safety profile that is consistent with the UK average, though it is more active than the most isolated rural hamlets in the Ashford borough.

Home Security in Hothfield

With a property crime rate of 25.7 per 1,000 and an 8.6% increase in overall crime, Hothfield residents should consider the benefits of modern security. While burglary is exceptionally rare (0.8%), other forms of property crime like 'other theft' (9.5%) and criminal damage (11.9%) are more common. Traditional security systems that only record footage are often reactive; they provide evidence after the damage has already been done.

scOS offers a proactive, AI-powered security solution that is well-suited for Hothfield’s homes. By monitoring your property's perimeter 24/7, scOS can identify suspicious activity before a crime occurs. With vehicle crime peaking at night (37% of night-time incidents), scOS’s ability to autonomously activate deterrents like lighting and speakers is a significant advantage. The system also uses DVLA vehicle verification to spot unknown cars loitering near your property. By choosing scOS, you are investing in an autonomous system that works to prevent crime from ever touching your home, providing a level of protection that traditional DIY systems simply cannot match. This proactive approach is the best way to ensure your property remains secure in an area with a typical UK safety profile.