Rolvenden Crime Rate

Rolvenden is one of the safest urban settlements in the Ashford district, with an impressive overall crime rate of 38.6 per 1,000 residents. This is well below the UK national average of 91.7 and is reflected in the area's high safety score of 91/100. Furthermore, the village has seen a significant downward trend in crime, with a -25.7% decrease year-over-year. Property crime is also notably low at 14.0 per 1,000 people. While violence and sexual offences remain the most reported category, the actual number of incidents is small, and burglary is exceptionally rare. For homeowners and families, Rolvenden offers a peaceful, low-risk environment that is consistently improving. The following sections provide a detailed look at the crime types and patterns that define this secure Kent village.

Crime Breakdown in Rolvenden

Rolvenden's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 41.8% of all reports. This is followed by 'other theft' at 16.4% and anti-social behaviour at 10.9%. Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 14.0 per 1,000 residents. Criminal damage and arson make up 9.1% of local incidents, while vehicle crime accounts for 5.5%. Notably, burglary is very low in Rolvenden, representing only 1.8% of total crime. This suggests that while theft from gardens or outbuildings ('other theft') is a more common concern for residents, the risk of a residential break-in is exceptionally low compared to national trends. Overall, the village maintains a very safe profile with most crime being opportunistic or interpersonal rather than serious property offences.

Crime Trends in Rolvenden

Rolvenden has experienced a significant and positive shift in its safety profile, with crime decreasing by 25.7% year-over-year. The monthly data for 2025 shows that crime remained very low for most of the year, with a notable low point in May (0.7 crimes per 1,000). There was a seasonal peak in July, reaching 7.0 per 1,000, which is common in rural areas during the summer months. However, the rate quickly subsided, returning to 2.1 in August and October. This sharp overall reduction in crime, combined with the village's already low baseline, suggests that Rolvenden is becoming an even safer place for its residents. This trend is a strong indicator of a stable and secure community environment.

How To Keep Safe in Rolvenden

The most common crime in Rolvenden is violence and sexual offences, though in this context, these are usually isolated or domestic incidents. However, the prevalence of 'other theft' (16.4%) and the spike in vehicle crime at night (41% of night-time reports) suggest that property and vehicle security should be your main practical focus.

To keep safe, always ensure that outbuildings, sheds, and garages are securely locked with high-quality padlocks, as 'other theft' often targets these areas. For vehicle safety, park in a well-lit area or a locked garage, especially during the night hours when the risk is highest. We also recommend marking expensive garden equipment and tools with a forensic marking fluid to deter thieves and help with recovery. Since Rolvenden is a close-knit community, staying active in local groups can help you stay informed about any suspicious activity. By taking these simple, proactive steps, you can help maintain the village's reputation as one of the safest places to live in Kent.

Crime Timing in Rolvenden

Crime in Rolvenden exhibits clear temporal trends, with different risks appearing at different times of the day. The morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm) are dominated by theft, which accounts for 65% and 72% of incidents respectively. This suggests that daytime is the primary period for opportunistic acquisitive crime. As we move into the evening (6pm-12am), theft remains high at 39%, but 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, rise to 40%. The night-time (12am-6am) presents a different profile; while overall crime is very low, vehicle crime becomes the most significant risk, accounting for 41% of incidents during these hours. Burglary remains consistently low across all time periods, never exceeding 9% of total reports, reinforcing Rolvenden’s status as a secure residential village.

Rolvenden is a safety leader in its local region. It is significantly safer than the national average and maintains a lower crime rate than nearby Benenden (28.2). While smaller settlements like Rolvenden Layne, East End, and Linkhill report 0.0 crimes, Rolvenden offers a similarly high level of security while supporting a larger population. For those looking for a safe rural community in Kent, Rolvenden stands out as a highly secure option with a strong, positive trend in crime reduction.

Home Security in Rolvenden

While Rolvenden is exceptionally safe with a property crime rate of only 14.0 per 1,000, the rural nature of the village means that homes can be isolated and property crimes like 'other theft' (16.4% of total crime) are a factor. In such a quiet area, the best security is proactive rather than reactive. Traditional CCTV often only captures footage of a crime that has already occurred, which is of limited use in preventing the act itself.

scOS offers a sophisticated, AI-driven approach to security that is ideal for Rolvenden’s residents. By monitoring your property's perimeter, scOS can detect unauthorised individuals or vehicles before they reach your home. With vehicle crime accounting for 41% of night-time incidents, the system’s ability to verify plates via the DVLA and trigger autonomous deterrents like lights and audio is a major advantage. Even in a low-crime area, the visible presence of a professional-grade AI system like scOS sends a clear message to opportunistic thieves to move on. It provides a level of autonomous protection that traditional DIY systems simply cannot match, ensuring your home remains as safe as the village itself.