Shadoxhurst Crime Rate

Shadoxhurst is an exceptionally safe urban settlement in Ashford, boasting an overall crime rate of just 42.1 per 1,000 residents. This remarkably low figure is less than half the UK national average of 91.6, earning the area a superior safety score of 90/100. Compared to the UK average safety score of 79, Shadoxhurst stands out as one of the most secure locations for residents. While the area has seen a 7.8% year-over-year increase in crime, the total volume remains very low. With a property crime rate of 15.2 per 1,000—well below the national average of 32.2—Shadoxhurst offers a peaceful and highly secure environment, though its diverse crime profile requires a well-rounded approach to personal and property safety.

Crime Breakdown in Shadoxhurst

Shadoxhurst's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 27.5% of total reports, equating to a rate of 11.6 per 1,000 residents. Uniquely for the region, drug-related offences are the second most common crime type at 14.5%, while burglary, other theft, vehicle crime, and 'other' crimes all share the third position at 8.7% each. This diverse spread of crime types is characteristic of the area.

In terms of property-related crime, Shadoxhurst has a rate of 15.2 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. However, the fact that burglary, vehicle crime, and other theft are all among the top categories indicates that property security remains a key priority for residents. With burglary and vehicle crime each occurring at a rate of 3.7 per 1,000, homeowners and car owners should remain vigilant. The presence of robbery and bicycle theft, though low in volume, also contributes to the property crime landscape, suggesting that proactive protection of both home and personal assets is beneficial in this Ashford settlement.

Crime Trends in Shadoxhurst

The crime trend in Shadoxhurst shows a 7.8% increase in total crime compared to the previous year. While any increase requires attention, it is important to note that this rise is from a very low base, and the village remains exceptionally safe. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals a fluctuating pattern. The year began with a rate of 3.7 in January, which rose slightly to 4.3 in February before dipping to 3.1 in March.

The summer months were particularly quiet, with both June and July recording a yearly low of 1.8 per 1,000 residents. However, a significant spike occurred in October 2025, where the crime rate reached its highest point of 6.1 per 1,000. The rate then settled back to 2.4 in November before rising again to 4.9 in December. These fluctuations are typical for small residential settlements and do not suggest a long-term decline in safety, though the October peak and December rise serve as a reminder to maintain good security habits during the autumn and winter months.

How To Keep Safe in Shadoxhurst

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Shadoxhurst, accounting for 27.5% of total reports. While the area is exceptionally safe, taking practical steps to maintain personal and property security is always recommended for residents.

To stay safe in Shadoxhurst:

• Stay aware of your surroundings when walking through the village, particularly in less populated or poorly lit areas during the evening hours.
• Given the prevalence of vehicle crime (8.7% of total crime, peaking at night), always ensure your car is locked and that no valuables are left in plain sight.
• Be aware of the higher incidence of drug-related offences (14.5%) and report any suspicious activity or unusual gatherings to the local Ashford police.
• Ensure that your home is secure, with high-quality locks on all doors and windows, and consider installing motion-activated lighting around the perimeter.
• Maintain good boundary security, such as secure gates and fences, to deter opportunistic entry and keep your property safe from the burglary risk (8.7% of total crime).

Shadoxhurst's crime data shows clear shifts in activity across the 24-hour cycle. Theft-related offences are most prevalent during the daylight hours, accounting for 41% of morning crimes and 40% 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 the most significant concern, making up a substantial 45% of all reported incidents in that period, while burglary reaches its highest percentage at 29%. Evening hours (6pm to 12am) are dominated by 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which account for 36% of reports. For Shadoxhurst residents, this means that while personal property should be guarded during the day, vehicle and home security should be the absolute priority during the overnight hours. Understanding these patterns allows for more effective and targeted safety habits.

In the local Ashford context, Shadoxhurst is one of the safest urban settlements available. Its crime rate of 42.1 per 1,000 is lower than Woodchurch (50.4), Bethersden (53.5), and Pluckley (55.8). While smaller areas like Bromley Green, Kingsnorth, Chilmington Green, and Great Chart reported no crime during the current period, Shadoxhurst remains a standout performer for a settlement of its size. For residents and prospective movers, it offers a level of security that is far superior to the regional average, maintaining a quiet, village-like atmosphere with a safety profile that is among the best in Kent. Its slight increase in crime over the last year is from a very low base, and it remains a highly desirable and secure location.

In Shadoxhurst, where property crime sits at 15.2 per 1,000 and vehicle crime is a top-three concern, effective security is about proactive deterrence. Traditional CCTV systems are reactive—they provide footage after a crime has been committed. In an area as safe as Shadoxhurst, the goal should be to maintain that status by stopping 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, distinguishing between residents, visitors, and potential threats. If an unauthorised person is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lighting or audio warnings, to disrupt their plan. In an area like Shadoxhurst, where vehicle crime peaks at 45% during the night, scOS's ability to monitor property lines and verify vehicles in real-time is invaluable. By making your property a difficult and high-risk target, scOS ensures that potential offenders move on, keeping your home and vehicles secure and maintaining Shadoxhurst's exceptional safety standards.