Old Wives Lees Crime Rate

Old Wives Lees is a secure and tranquil village with an overall crime rate of 56.5 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7, earning the area a high safety score of 86/100. While the data indicates an 18.0% increase in crime year-over-year, the absolute number of incidents remains small. Property crime in Old Wives Lees is recorded at 15.3 per 1,000 people, which is less than half the national average of 32.3. Remarkably, there were zero reported burglaries in the latest data period. The most prevalent issue is violence and sexual offences, followed by criminal damage and 'other theft'. For residents and families, Old Wives Lees offers a high-safety environment with a very low risk of property-related offences.

Crime Breakdown in Old Wives Lees

In Old Wives Lees, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 50.9% of all reports. This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 13.6% and 'other theft' at 10.2%. Property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 15.3 per 1,000 residents. Public order offences also account for 8.5% of total crime. Notably, there were zero reported burglaries in Old Wives Lees during this period, making it an exceptionally safe area for home security. Vehicle crime accounts for 3.4% of reports, which is very low. The high proportion of violent crime, common in small rural BUAs, often involves domestic or interpersonal incidents rather than threats to the general public. Overall, Old Wives Lees remains a very safe and secure village with a property crime rate far below the national average.

Crime Trends in Old Wives Lees

Old Wives Lees has experienced an 18.0% increase in its crime rate year-over-year. The monthly data for 2025 reveals a fluctuating pattern, with a notable peak in June reaching 10.5 crimes per 1,000. Other significant spikes were observed in April (9.6) and May (7.7). The year began and ended with much lower rates, such as 1.0 in December 2024 and 1.0 in November 2025. This variability suggests that crime in Old Wives Lees 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 Old Wives Lees

The most common crime in Old Wives Lees is violence and sexual offences, though these are typically isolated or domestic incidents. However, the 18.0% rise in crime and the prevalence of 'other theft' (10.2%) and criminal damage (13.6%) suggest that property safety should be a key focus for residents.

To stay safe, ensure that your home's exterior is well-lit and that any side gates or fences are securely locked to deter opportunistic theft and damage. For vehicle safety, park in a well-lit area or a locked garage, especially during the night hours when the risk is highest (31%). We also recommend being an active member of the local community and reporting any suspicious activity 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 Old Wives Lees's safety and reduce your risk of becoming a victim of opportunistic crime. Although burglary is currently at 0%, maintaining these habits is essential for long-term security.

Crime Timing in Old Wives Lees

Crime in Old Wives Lees 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 53% and 62% 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 66%. The night-time (12am-6am) presents a different risk; while overall crime is lower, vehicle crime peaks at 31% of all incidents reported during these hours. Burglary remains non-existent across all time periods. 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.

Old Wives Lees compares favourably to its local neighbours. It is safer than nearby Chartham, which has a crime rate of 52.6 per 1,000. While smaller settlements like Chilham, Oversland, and Dunkirk report 0.0 crimes, Old Wives Lees is among the safest active villages in the Ashford borough. Its combination of a high safety score and zero reported burglaries makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a secure rural community while maintaining proximity to the amenities of Ashford and Canterbury.

Home Security in Old Wives Lees

With a property crime rate of 15.3 per 1,000 and an 18.0% increase in overall crime, Old Wives Lees residents should consider the benefits of modern security. While burglary is currently non-existent (0%), other forms of property crime like 'other theft' (10.2%) and criminal damage (13.6%) are notable factors. 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 Old Wives Lees’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 (31% of night-time incidents), scOS’s ability to autonomously activate deterrents like lighting and audio warnings 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 a high-safety village.