Pluckley Crime Rate

Pluckley is a secure and well-regarded urban settlement in Ashford, maintaining an overall crime rate of 55.8 per 1,000 residents. This figure is notably lower than the UK national average of 91.6, contributing to an impressive safety score of 86/100. When compared to the UK average safety score of 79, Pluckley offers a high level of peace of mind for its community. The area's crime trend is currently stable, with a marginal 3.0% increase year-over-year, indicating a consistent security environment. With a property crime rate of 19.7 per 1,000, Pluckley is significantly safer than many other parts of the country, though specific patterns in vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour warrant local awareness.

Crime Breakdown in Pluckley

Pluckley's crime statistics are primarily shaped by violence and sexual offences, which account for 43.1% of all reports, with a rate of 24.1 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 15.7%, followed by vehicle crime, which represents 10.8% of the total. These three categories together constitute the majority of police-recorded incidents in the area.

Regarding property-related crime, Pluckley has a rate of 19.7 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 well below the UK average property crime rate of 32.2, the fact that vehicle crime and 'other theft' feature prominently in the top four categories indicates that property security is a relevant concern for local residents. Burglary, while less frequent at 5.9% of total crime, still occurs at a rate of 3.3 per 1,000. For homeowners, this means that while the area is statistically safe, the presence of opportunistic theft and vehicle-related offences necessitates a proactive approach to securing domestic premises and parked cars.

Crime Trends in Pluckley

Crime levels in Pluckley have remained remarkably stable over the past year, with a minor increase of just 3.0%. This suggests a consistent security environment for the village. However, monthly data for 2025 shows some notable fluctuations that residents should be aware of. The year began with a moderate rate of 4.9 in January, which dipped to 3.3 in February.

A significant spike was recorded in March 2025, where the crime rate jumped to 9.3 per 1,000 residents, the highest point of the year. Following this, the rate settled back into a more typical range of 3.3 to 4.9 for much of the spring and summer. Another smaller increase occurred in September, reaching 6.6, before returning to lower levels for the final quarter of the year. This pattern indicates that while the overall annual trend is stable, certain months may see temporary increases in activity, possibly linked to local events or seasonal changes. Consistent vigilance remains the best approach for long-term safety.

How To Keep Safe in Pluckley

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Pluckley, accounting for 43.1% of all reports. While the area is statistically safe, taking practical steps to maintain personal and property security is always recommended.

To stay safe in Pluckley:

• Be aware of your surroundings when out in the village, particularly during the evening hours. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid isolated paths after dark.
• Given the prevalence of vehicle crime (10.8% of total crime), always double-check that your car is locked and that no valuables or bags are left in plain sight.
• Ensure your home's perimeter is well-maintained, with secure gates and fences to deter opportunistic entry.
• Consider joining or supporting a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about any recent incidents and share safety tips with neighbours.
• Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the local authorities, as this helps the police understand where to focus their patrols and resources in the village.

Analysis of Pluckley's crime timing reveals significant shifts in the type of activity occurring throughout the day. The afternoon period (12pm to 6pm) is the busiest for theft-related offences, which make up 55% of all crimes during these hours. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most common when people are active and moving around the village.

As the day progresses into night, the nature of crime changes dramatically. Between 12am and 6am, vehicle crime becomes the dominant issue, accounting for a staggering 57% of all reported incidents. This highlights a clear risk to vehicles parked overnight. Morning hours (6am to 12pm) also see a high percentage of theft (46%) and vehicle crime (25%). Evening hours (6pm to 12am) show a more diverse spread, with 'other' crimes—often including anti-social behaviour—rising to 35%. For residents, these patterns suggest that while personal belongings should be guarded during the day, vehicle security is the absolute priority during the overnight hours.

Pluckley occupies a favourable position when compared to its immediate neighbours in Ashford. Its crime rate of 55.8 per 1,000 is significantly better than Hothfield, which sees a much higher rate of 103.7, and is also lower than Charing at 68.1. While the very small nearby settlements of Pluckley Thorne and Egerton reported no crime at all, Pluckley remains one of the safer urban settlements of its size in the region. For those considering the area, Pluckley offers a balance of historic charm and a safety profile that is substantially more secure than the larger regional hubs, making it a popular choice for residents seeking a quiet but safe environment.

In Pluckley, where property crime sits at 19.7 per 1,000 and vehicle crime is a top-three concern, home security should be more than just a recording device. Traditional CCTV systems are reactive—they provide evidence after a crime has been committed. For effective protection, a proactive approach is required to stop threats before they escalate.

scOS provides this by using AI-powered intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries 24/7. It doesn't just record; it understands. By identifying human presence and verifying vehicles through DVLA data, it can distinguish between a delivery and a genuine threat. If a potential intruder is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lighting or audio warnings, to disrupt their plan. In an area like Pluckley, where burglars and vehicle thieves often rely on the quiet nature of the village, a visible scOS system acts as a powerful deterrent, forcing them to move on and ensuring your home and vehicles remain secure.