Old Wives Lees Crime Rate

Old Wives Lees stands out for its 44% lower crime rate than the UK average, yet it faces a sharp rise in Other crime—44% above the UK average. This paradox highlights the area's overall safety despite localized challenges. With a safety score of 86/100 and a 10.4% YoY increase in crime, the area's profile is shaped by both its low population density and rising anti-social behaviour, which has surged by 100% in the past year.

Old Wives Lees is a small built-up area within Ashford, characterised by its compact residential layout and proximity to local amenities. Its low population density and limited commercial activity likely contribute to its overall safety. However, the area’s proximity to Chartham and its role as a commuter hub may influence patterns in anti-social behaviour and other crimes, particularly during peak travel times.

The most striking finding in Old Wives Lees is the 44% increase in Other crime compared to the UK average, with a rate of 2.9 per 1,000 residents. This could reflect unmonitored spaces or transient populations in the area. Criminal damage and arson, though only 2% above the UK average at 6.7 per 1,000, may be linked to the area’s limited public surveillance and the presence of older housing stock. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour, though still below the UK average, has surged by 100% YoY, tied to seasonal events or localised community tensions. The relatively low rates of burglary and vehicle crime—71% and 79% below the UK average, respectively—suggest that the area’s residential character and low foot traffic reduce opportunities for such crimes.

Crime in Old Wives Lees has increased by 10.4% YoY, with anti-social behaviour surging by 100%—a stark contrast to the UK average of 14.7 per 1,000. The monthly trend shows a sharp peak in June 2025 (10.5 per 1,000/month), followed by a steep decline in July. This seasonal fluctuation may be linked to summer events or increased outdoor activity. While property crime remains 55% below the UK average, the rise in Other crime and anti-social behaviour suggests localized challenges that require targeted interventions.

How To Keep Safe in Old Wives Lees

Residents should focus on securing properties against Other crime, which is 44% above the UK average. Install motion-sensor lighting near entry points and avoid leaving valuables in vehicles overnight, as vehicle crime, though low, may still occur. For anti-social behaviour, report incidents promptly to maintain community vigilance. Given the 100% YoY increase in this category, local groups should collaborate on community initiatives to address root causes. For property crime, ensure windows and doors are locked during the day, especially in the afternoon when theft peaks.

Crime in Old Wives Lees follows distinct temporal patterns. Theft peaks in the afternoon (61% of afternoon crimes), likely tied to retail activity and short-term visitors. Evening hours see a rise in Other crime (61% of evening crimes), which may correlate with reduced visibility and informal gatherings. Nighttime activity is dominated by Other crime (55%) and vehicle crime (18%), possibly linked to late-night travel or unsecured vehicles. The morning sees relatively low crime, with theft accounting for 56% of incidents, suggesting opportunistic theft during early commuter hours.

Chartham, the nearest comparable area, has a crime rate 13% higher than Old Wives Lees (57.5 vs 50.8 per 1,000). This difference may reflect Chartham’s slightly larger population and more commercial activity, which can correlate with higher public order and anti-social behaviour rates. Old Wives Lees’s lower crime rate likely benefits from its smaller scale and more cohesive community structure.

For areas like Old Wives Lees, where Other crime is 44% above the UK average, proactive security measures are key, scOS’s AI-powered boundary monitoring detects threats at the property perimeter, reducing the window of opportunity for offenders. Its simultaneous camera coverage and DVLA vehicle verification can deter vehicle crime, which is 79% below the UK average but still a concern in certain contexts. The system’s ability to distinguish between regular activity and potential threats ensures fewer false alarms, making it a targeted solution for local crime patterns.