Hothfield Crime Rate

Hothfield is an urban settlement in Ashford with an overall crime rate of 103.7 per 1,000 residents. This figure is notably higher than the UK national average of 91.6, reflecting a more active local security environment. Despite this, Hothfield maintains a safety score of 77/100, which is close to the UK average of 79. Recent data indicates a year-over-year trend increase of 15.7% in reported crime, a shift that warrants increased awareness among the community. With a property crime rate of 27.3 per 1,000—lower than the national average of 32.2—Hothfield remains a manageable residential area, though the combination of high anti-social behaviour and an increasing trend highlights the importance of proactive security and community vigilance.

Crime Breakdown in Hothfield

Hothfield's crime statistics are primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 31.6% of all reported incidents, equating to a rate of 32.8 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common crime at 27.8%, followed by criminal damage and arson, which represents 12.0% of the total. These three categories form the core of local police activity within the settlement.

When looking at property-related crime, Hothfield has a rate of 27.3 per 1,000 people. This total includes burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft. While this is lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.2, it is notably higher than many other settlements in the Ashford area. Criminal damage and arson (12.0%) and other theft (9.0%) are significant components of this figure. Burglary is remarkably rare, accounting for only 0.8% of total crime, which is a very positive sign for homeowners. However, vehicle crime accounts for 4.5% of total crime. For residents, this means that while Hothfield has an overall crime rate that is higher than the UK average, the risk of home break-ins is statistically very low. The primary concerns for property owners are criminal damage and vehicle-related offences, suggesting that proactive protection of the home's exterior and parked cars is a key priority.

Crime Trends in Hothfield

The crime trend in Hothfield shows a significant 15.7% increase in total crime compared to the previous year. This upward trend, combined with an overall crime rate that is already above the national average, suggests a period of increased activity in the settlement. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals a highly fluctuating pattern. The year began with a rate of 6.2 in January, which dropped significantly to a yearly low of 1.6 in February.

Rates then increased sharply in the spring, with March recording 12.5 and April 10.1. The summer months remained active, with June recording 10.9 and August 10.1. A significant peak was recorded in September 2025, where the crime rate reached its highest point of 16.4 per 1,000 residents. The year ended with a rate of 9.4 in December. This pattern suggests that Hothfield has experienced sustained periods of high activity throughout the year. While the Return to lower levels in October and November is encouraging, the overall annual increase highlights the need for continued monitoring and proactive community safety efforts.

How To Keep Safe in Hothfield

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Hothfield, accounting for 31.6% of all reports. While the area maintains a respectable safety score, the fact that anti-social behaviour is the second most common crime (27.8%) and the overall crime trend is increasing suggests that residents should take proactive steps to maintain their personal and property security.

To stay safe in Hothfield:

• Stay aware of your surroundings when walking through the area, particularly in less populated or poorly lit sections during the evening hours.
• Given that criminal damage and arson is the third most common crime (12.0%), ensure that your property's exterior is well-maintained and that any combustible materials are stored securely.
• Always lock your vehicle and remove any valuables, as vehicle crime accounts for 4.5% of total incidents and is more common at night (36% of night-time reports).
• Ensure that your home is secure, with high-quality locks on all doors and windows, and consider installing motion-activated lighting around the perimeter.
• Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local Ashford police; your reports help the police understand and address emerging patterns effectively in this active community.

Hothfield's crime data shows clear shifts in activity across the 24-hour cycle. Theft-related offences are most prevalent during the daylight hours, accounting for 49% of morning crimes and a substantial 58% of afternoon crimes. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most likely to occur when the area is active or when properties are left unattended during the working day.

As night falls, the risk profile changes significantly. During the night (12am to 6am), vehicle crime becomes a more significant concern, making up 36% of all reported incidents in that period, while burglary remains very low at 5%. Evening hours (6pm to 12am) are heavily dominated by 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which account for a substantial 62% of reports. For Hothfield residents, this means that while personal property should be guarded during the day, vehicle security and awareness of anti-social behaviour should be the primary focus during the evening and overnight hours. Understanding these patterns allows for more effective and targeted safety habits in this active community.

In the local Ashford context, Hothfield has a higher crime rate (103.7 per 1,000) than many of its immediate neighbours. It is significantly more active than Pluckley (55.8) and Charing (68.1). While very small nearby settlements like Great Chart and Chilmington Green reported no crime in the current period, Hothfield stands out as a more urbanised and active location. For residents and prospective movers, Hothfield offers a residential environment that is more active than the regional average, but still maintains a respectable safety score. The recent 15.7% increase in crime is a notable trend that distinguishes it from some of its more stable neighbours, emphasizing the need for a well-rounded approach to local safety.

In Hothfield, where the overall crime rate is above the national average and property crime sits at 27.3 per 1,000, effective security is about staying ahead of potential issues. Traditional CCTV systems are reactive—they provide footage after a crime has been committed. In an area with an increasing crime trend, the goal should be to prevent crime before it happens.

scOS provides this proactive protection by using AI-powered intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries 24/7. It doesn't just record; it understands, distinguishing between residents, visitors, and potential threats. If an unauthorised person is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lighting or audio warnings, to disrupt their plan. In an area where vehicle crime and criminal damage are notable concerns, scOS's ability to monitor property lines and verify vehicles in real-time is invaluable. By making your property a difficult and high-risk target, scOS ensures that potential offenders move on, keeping your home and family safe and maintaining Hothfield's safety standards in a more active environment.