Smarden Crime Rate

Smarden is a secure and peaceful urban settlement in Ashford, offering a high standard of safety for its residents. The area has an overall crime rate of 54.0 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.6. This performance earns Smarden an excellent safety score of 85/100, far exceeding the UK average of 79. Recent data shows that the crime trend in Smarden is remarkably stable, with a minor 1.3% increase year-over-year. With a property crime rate of 17.8 per 1,000—well below the national average of 32.2—the village remains a very safe environment, though the fact that burglary is the second most common crime type highlights the importance of robust home security.

Crime Breakdown in Smarden

Smarden's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 49.4% of all reported incidents, equating to a rate of 26.6 per 1,000 residents. Burglary is the second most common crime at 12.7%, while anti-social behaviour represents 10.1% of the total. These three categories form the core of local police activity within the settlement.

When looking at property-related crime, Smarden has a rate of 17.8 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 significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.2, the fact that burglary is the second most common crime type is a key consideration for homeowners. Burglary accounts for 12.7% of total crime, with vehicle crime sitting at 6.3% and criminal damage at 7.6%. For residents, this means that while Smarden is statistically a very safe area, the prevalence of property-focused crimes like burglary and criminal damage suggests that maintaining robust home and vehicle security is an essential part of local life. Protective measures that deter opportunistic offenders are particularly effective in this residential context.

Crime Trends in Smarden

The crime trend in Smarden is remarkably stable, with a minor 1.3% increase in total crime compared to the previous year. This indicates that the village remains a consistently safe environment. Looking at the monthly data for 2025, we can see a fluctuating but generally low-volume pattern of activity. The year began with a rate of 8.2 in January, which dropped to 4.1 for the following three months.

Rates remained low throughout the summer, ranging from 2.1 to 4.8. A notable increase occurred in September, recording a rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents, before settling back to 2.1 in October and 2.7 in November. The year ended with another peak of 8.2 in December. These fluctuations are typical for residential settlements and do not suggest a long-term decline in safety. However, the peaks in January and December serve as a reminder to maintain good security habits during the winter months, when crime levels appear to be at their highest.

How To Keep Safe in Smarden

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Smarden, making up 49.4% of all reports. While the village is statistically very safe, the fact that burglary is the second most common crime (12.7%) means that residents should take proactive steps to maintain their property security.

To stay safe in Smarden:

• 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 burglars.
• Stay aware of your surroundings when walking through the village, particularly in less populated or poorly lit areas during the evening hours.
• Given that vehicle crime accounts for 6.3% of total incidents and peaks at night, always ensure your car is locked and that no valuables are left in plain sight.
• Maintain good boundary security, such as secure gates and fences, to deter opportunistic entry and keep your property safe.
• Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local Ashford police; your reports help the police understand and address local safety issues effectively.

Smarden'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 36% of morning crimes and 36% of afternoon crimes. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most likely to occur when the village is active or when properties are left unattended.

As night falls, the risk profile changes significantly. During the night (12am to 6am), burglary and vehicle crime become the primary concerns, accounting for 41% and 32% of all reported incidents in that period, respectively. Burglary also peaks in the afternoon (41%), likely targeting homes while residents are away at work. Evening hours (6pm to 12am) are dominated by 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which account for 34% of reports. For Smarden residents, this means that while personal property should be guarded during the day, home security should be a constant priority, with vehicle security being particularly important during the overnight hours. Understanding these patterns allows for more effective and targeted safety habits.

When compared to other settlements in the Ashford and wider Kent region, Smarden holds a very strong safety position. Its crime rate of 54.0 per 1,000 is significantly lower than that of Headcorn (85.0), Biddenden (65.3), and High Halden (57.5). While the very small nearby community of Pluckley Thorne reported no crime during the same period, Smarden remains one of the safest urban settlements of its size in the area. For those looking at the region, Smarden offers an exceptionally safe residential environment, providing a much quieter and more secure alternative to larger regional towns. Its stable crime trend further reinforces its appeal as a reliable and secure place to live.

In Smarden, where burglary is the second most common crime type and property crime overall sits at 17.8 per 1,000, effective home security is about proactive prevention. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, providing footage only after a break-in has occurred. In a peaceful residential village like this, the goal should be to stop an intruder before they ever reach 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 burglars who may target quiet 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 Smarden's high safety standards.