Tenterden Crime Rate

Tenterden's crime statistics show an area that is safer than the national average, with an overall crime rate of 73.5 per 1,000 residents compared to the UK average of 91.6. This is reflected in a high safety score of 83/100, which is well above the national average of 79. Most encouragingly, the recent trend direction shows a 9.7% decrease in crime over the past year, indicating a positive shift in the town's safety profile. Property crime in Tenterden is also notably low, with a rate of 24.5 per 1,000, which is below the UK average. This report provides a detailed breakdown of the types of crime most prevalent in Tenterden and offers practical advice for residents to maintain their safety and protect their property.

In Tenterden, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, representing 37.9% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 18.3%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 13.0%. Property-related crime—including burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—occurs at a rate of 24.5 per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.2. Shoplifting also makes up a significant portion of local crime at 8.3%. For residents and homeowners, this indicates that while personal safety is a primary concern, the risk to property is relatively low. Burglary specifically accounts for 2.1% of total crime, suggesting that Tenterden is a very secure area for property owners.

The crime trend in Tenterden is currently decreasing, with a 9.7% reduction over the last year. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate fluctuated, starting at 5.4 per 1,000 in January and reaching a peak of 8.0 in July. There was a notable drop in April (3.9), followed by a slight increase toward the end of the year, reaching 7.9 in November. This downward trajectory overall suggests that the town is becoming safer. For residents, this means that local safety initiatives and policing are having a positive impact, providing a more secure environment for the community.

How To Keep Safe in Tenterden

The most common crime in Tenterden is violence and sexual offences, often occurring in residential areas. To stay safe, consider these localized suggestions:

• Be Mindful in the Town Centre: When shopping or socialising in Tenterden town centre, especially in the evenings, stay in well-lit, busy areas and travel with friends where possible.
• Secure Your Property Overnight: With burglary and vehicle crime occurring at night, ensure your home and cars are fully secured before dark. Use external lighting and consider proactive AI security.
• Report Anti-Social Behaviour: Reporting ASB helps local authorities identify and manage hotspots, preventing more serious crimes from occurring in your neighbourhood.
• Stay Alert During Peak Hours: During the afternoon when theft peaks, keep your personal belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings in busy shopping areas.
• Vehicle Vigilance: Don't leave valuables on display in your car. Even in safe areas, opportunistic theft can occur if items like bags or electronics are visible.

In Tenterden, crime patterns show distinct variations throughout the day. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) is a peak time for theft, which accounts for 51% of these offences. This period also sees 10% of the day's burglaries. As evening falls (6pm-12am), the focus shifts toward other crimes, which make up 68% of incidents during this time. Night-time (12am-6am) is particularly high for burglary, which accounts for 14% of all reported incidents in the early hours, and vehicle crime is also at 13%. This data suggests that while daytime crimes are more focused on theft, night-time activity is more targeted at property. Residents should be particularly vigilant about home security overnight.

In the local regional context, Tenterden's crime rate of 73.5 per 1,000 is higher than that of nearby High Halden (57.5) and Rolvenden (39.3). Other nearby areas such as London Beach and Woolpack Corner report exceptionally low crime rates in this dataset. This comparison shows that Tenterden acts as a central town with more concentrated criminal activity than its smaller neighbours. For those living in the area, this highlights the importance of being safety-conscious while still enjoying the benefits of a secure environment.

With a property crime rate of 24.5 per 1,000, Tenterden residents enjoy a relatively secure environment. However, traditional security measures are often reactive, providing evidence only after a crime has occurred. For those seeking true peace of mind, a proactive approach is superior. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to prevent crime by detecting threats at the property boundary. By using multi-camera intelligence and autonomous responses—such as activating lights or audio alerts—scOS can deter potential intruders before they even attempt a break-in. This shift from reactive recording to proactive prevention is essential for maintaining a safe and secure home in Tenterden, ensuring your property remains a deterrent rather than a target.