Tenterden Crime Rate

Tenterden is an urban settlement that maintains a strong safety profile. With an overall crime rate of 73.9 per 1,000 residents, it is considerably safer than the UK average of 91.7. This is further evidenced by its safety score of 83/100, which is four points higher than the national average. Crime in Tenterden is also on a downward trend, having decreased by 7.5% over the last year. This combination of low crime volume and a positive trend direction makes Tenterden one of the more secure places to live and work in the Ashford area. The following data provides a comprehensive look at the specific patterns of crime within the town.

Crime in Tenterden

In Tenterden, the most frequent reports involve violence and sexual offences, making up 38.6% of the total crime with 206 incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (17.4%) and criminal damage and arson (13.5%). These top three categories reflect common urban challenges, though the overall volumes remain relatively low for a settlement of this size.

Property crime is a significant consideration for Tenterden residents, occurring at a rate of 24.8 per 1,000 people. This total encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts, including shoplifting and other theft. Specifically, there were 9 burglaries and 10 vehicle crimes recorded. While these numbers are low, the combined impact of property-related offences means that homeowners should remain proactive about security. Criminal damage also accounts for a notable portion of local incidents, suggesting that visible deterrence is important for protecting both residential and commercial properties in the town.

Crime Trends in Tenterden

Tenterden is experiencing a positive trend in safety, with total crime decreasing by 7.5% year-over-year. A look at the monthly data for 2025 shows that after a quiet start to the year in February (4.8 per 1,000), there was a notable spike in March (7.2). This was followed by the lowest point of the year in April, where the rate dropped to 3.9.

The summer months saw a rise in activity, peaking in July at 8.0 per 1,000. This seasonal increase is typical for many UK towns. However, the year concluded with a relatively high rate of 7.9 in November. Despite these monthly fluctuations, the overall annual decrease indicates that Tenterden remains a safe and improving environment. The stable safety score of 83/100 further reinforces the town's reputation as a secure location within the Ashford district.

How To Keep Safe in Tenterden

The most common crime in Tenterden is violence and sexual offences, often occurring in public or social settings. To stay safe in the town, consider these practical tips:

1. When enjoying Tenterden's evening nightlife or high street, stay with friends and ensure you have a planned route home.
2. Be mindful in public spaces during the busier afternoon hours; keep personal belongings secure and stay aware of those around you.
3. Report any instances of anti-social behaviour or criminal damage to the local authorities, as this helps police allocate resources to the right areas.
4. Ensure your home and vehicles are locked even when you are nearby, as opportunistic thefts can occur in safe-feeling neighbourhoods.
5. If walking alone at night, stick to the main, well-lit pedestrian routes and avoid shortcuts through unlit parks or alleyways.

When Crime Occurs in Tenterden

Crime in Tenterden follows distinct temporal patterns. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) is the most active period for theft-related offences, including shoplifting, which accounts for 49% of crimes during these hours. As evening approaches, the focus shifts toward anti-social behaviour and other public order issues, which make up 69% of the evening (6pm-12am) crime profile.

The night-time hours (12am-6am) see a significant rise in vehicle crime, which reaches its peak at 20% of all incidents during this window. Burglary also remains a threat during the night and afternoon periods. These patterns suggest that while the town is busy and safe during the day, residential and vehicle security is most critical during the overnight hours when opportunistic criminals are more likely to operate under the cover of darkness.

Tenterden sits in a cluster of Kent villages and settlements with varying crime profiles. It is slightly more active than very small nearby areas like London Beach and Woolpack Corner, which reported no crimes in this period. However, when compared to other nearby built-up areas, Tenterden's rate of 73.9 is comparable to Biddenden (68.2) and somewhat higher than High Halden (59.3). Conversely, it is notably safer than larger urban hubs in the wider region. For those seeking a balance between town amenities and a secure environment, Tenterden offers a very favourable safety comparison within the local landscape.

Protecting Your Property in Tenterden

With a property crime rate of 24.8 per 1,000 people, residents of Tenterden enjoy a safer environment than the average UK town. However, the presence of burglary, vehicle crime, and criminal damage means that property security should not be overlooked. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or DIY doorbells, are often reactive—they record a crime as it happens but rarely stop it.

For Tenterden homeowners who want to ensure their property remains part of the town's low crime statistics, scOS offers a proactive alternative. By using AI to monitor all cameras simultaneously, scOS identifies threats at the property boundary. If an unidentified person lingers or approaches your vehicle at night, the system can autonomously intervene with lights and audio alerts. This proactive stance destroys the element of surprise and encourages intruders to move on before any damage is done. In a town like Tenterden, where prevention is better than reaction, scOS provides the professional-grade intelligence needed to stay secure.