Old Wives Lees Crime Rate

Old Wives Lees is an exceptionally safe urban settlement in Ashford, offering a high standard of safety for its residents. The area has an overall crime rate of 57.5 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.6. This performance earns Old Wives Lees a high safety score of 86/100, far exceeding the UK average of 79. Recent data shows that the crime trend in Old Wives Lees has increased by 20.0% year-over-year, a shift that warrants increased awareness among the community. With a property crime rate of 16.3 per 1,000—well below the national average of 32.2—the village remains a very safe and secure environment, though the upward trend highlights the importance of proactive security and community vigilance.

Crime Breakdown in Old Wives Lees

Old Wives Lees's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 48.3% of all reported incidents, equating to a rate of 27.8 per 1,000 residents. Criminal damage and arson is the second most common crime at 13.3%, while other theft represents 11.7% of the total. These three categories form the core of local police activity within the settlement.

When looking at property-related crime, Old Wives Lees has a rate of 16.3 per 1,000 people. This total includes burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.2, making Old Wives Lees a very secure area for physical assets. Burglary was not reported in the top crime types, which is a very positive sign for homeowners. However, criminal damage and arson (13.3%) and other theft (11.7%) are notable components of the property crime landscape. Vehicle crime accounts for 3.3% of total crime. For residents, this means that while Old Wives Lees is statistically an exceptionally safe area, the prevalence of criminal damage and theft suggests that maintaining robust home and property security is an essential part of local life. Protective measures that deter opportunistic offenders are particularly effective in this peaceful residential context.

Crime Trends in Old Wives Lees

The crime trend in Old Wives Lees shows a 20.0% increase in total crime compared to the previous year. While this rise is notable, the village remains exceptionally safe compared to the national average. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals a fluctuating pattern. The year began with a rate of 5.8 in January, which dropped to 1.9 in February before rising to 4.8 in March.

A significant peak was recorded in the late spring and summer, with April recording 9.6 and June reaching a yearly high of 10.5 per 1,000 residents. Rates then dropped significantly, with October and November recording a yearly low of just 1.0. The year ended with a rate of 1.9 in December. This pattern suggests that Old Wives Lees has experienced a period of increased activity during the middle of the year. While the overall annual increase is high, the return to very low levels at the end of the year is an encouraging sign. Continued monitoring and proactive security will be important for maintaining the village's high safety standards.

How To Keep Safe in Old Wives Lees

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Old Wives Lees, making up 48.3% of all reports. While the village is exceptionally safe, the fact that criminal damage and arson is the second most common crime (13.3%) and the overall crime trend is increasing suggests that residents should take proactive steps to maintain their security.

To stay safe in Old Wives Lees:

• Stay aware of your surroundings when walking through the village, particularly in less populated or poorly lit areas during the evening hours.
• Given that criminal damage and arson is the second most common crime (13.3%), 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 3.3% of total incidents and is more common at night.
• Ensure that your home is secure, with high-quality locks on all doors and windows, and consider installing motion-activated lighting around the perimeter to deter any potential offenders.
• 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 secure community.

Old Wives Lees's crime data shows clear shifts in activity across the 24-hour cycle. Theft-related offences are heavily concentrated during the daylight hours, accounting for 62% of morning crimes and a substantial 69% of afternoon crimes. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most likely to occur when the village 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 19% of all reported incidents in that period. Evening hours (6pm to 12am) are dominated by 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which account for a substantial 63% of reports. For Old Wives Lees residents, this means that while personal property should be carefully 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 exceptionally safe community.

When compared to other settlements in the Ashford and Kent region, Old Wives Lees holds a very strong safety position. Its crime rate of 57.5 per 1,000 is similar to that of nearby Chartham (53.0). While the very small nearby communities of Chilham, Oversland, and Dunkirk reported no crime during the same period, Old Wives Lees remains one of the more secure urban settlements of its size. For those looking at the region, Old Wives Lees offers an exceptionally safe residential environment, providing a much quieter and more secure alternative to larger regional towns. The recent 20.0% increase in crime is a notable trend, but it starts from a low base and the settlement remains a very safe place to live.

In Old Wives Lees, where property crime sits at 16.3 per 1,000 and the area is experiencing an upward trend in total crime, effective home security is about proactive prevention. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, providing footage only after a crime has occurred. In a peaceful residential village like this, the goal should be to stop a threat before it ever reaches your door.

scOS provides this proactive protection by using AI-powered intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time. It doesn't just record activity; it understands it, distinguishing between residents, deliveries, and potential threats. If an unauthorised person is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses—such as activating high-intensity lighting or audible warnings—to deter them immediately. This proactive approach is particularly effective against the opportunistic thieves who may target residential areas. 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 Old Wives Lees's high safety standards. In an area where criminal damage and theft are the primary concerns, scOS's intelligent monitoring offers a superior level of protection.