Wittersham Crime Rate

Wittersham is an exceptionally safe urban settlement in Ashford, offering a superior standard of safety for its residents. The area has an overall crime rate of just 39.0 per 1,000 people, which is remarkably lower than the UK national average of 91.6. This performance earns Wittersham an outstanding safety score of 89/100, far exceeding the UK average of 79. Recent data shows that the crime trend in Wittersham is significantly downward, with a 17.5% decrease year-over-year. With a property crime rate of 13.3 per 1,000—well below the national average of 32.2—the village remains one of the most peaceful and secure environments in the region, making it an ideal location for those prioritizing safety and community stability.

Crime Breakdown in Wittersham

Wittersham's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 48.9% of all reported incidents, equating to a rate of 19.1 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common crime at 12.8%, followed by criminal damage and arson, which represents 10.6% of the total. These three categories form the core of local police activity within the settlement.

When looking at property-related crime, Wittersham has a rate of 13.3 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, making Wittersham a very secure area for physical assets. Burglary and vehicle crime each account for 8.5% of total crime, with a rate of 3.3 per 1,000 residents. For residents, this means that while Wittersham is statistically an exceptionally safe area, the prevalence of burglary and vehicle crime, alongside 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 peaceful residential context.

Crime Trends in Wittersham

The crime trend in Wittersham is exceptionally positive, with a significant 17.5% decrease in total crime compared to the previous year. This substantial reduction indicates that the village is becoming even safer. Looking at the monthly data for 2025, we can see a generally low-volume pattern of activity. The year began with a rate of 3.3 in January, which dropped to 1.7 in February and March.

Rates remained very low throughout the spring, with April recording a yearly low of just 0.8. A notable increase occurred in the summer, with July recording a peak of 5.8 per 1,000 residents. The year ended with rates fluctuating between 3.3 and 5.0 in the autumn months. These fluctuations are typical for small residential settlements and do not detract from the overall downward trend. The significant annual decrease is a testament to the village's enduring safety and serves as a reassuring sign for all residents. Continued monitoring and proactive security will be important for maintaining this positive trend.

How To Keep Safe in Wittersham

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Wittersham, making up 48.9% of all reports. While the village is exceptionally safe, the fact that anti-social behaviour is the second most common crime (12.8%) and burglary and vehicle crime are both notable (8.5% each) means that residents should take proactive steps to maintain their security.

To stay safe in Wittersham:

• 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 8.5% of total incidents and peaks significantly at night (40% of night-time reports), always ensure your car is locked and that no valuables are left in plain sight.
• 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 (8.5% of total crime).
• Maintain good boundary security at your home, 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 maintain an accurate picture of local safety and support the village's downward crime trend.

Wittersham'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 35% of morning crimes and 38% 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 and burglary become the primary concerns, making up 40% and 25% of all reported incidents in that period, respectively. Burglary also peaks in the afternoon (28%), 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 a substantial 46% of reports. For Wittersham residents, this means that while personal property should be guarded during the day, home and vehicle security should be the primary focus during the afternoon and overnight hours. Understanding these patterns allows for more effective and targeted safety habits in this exceptionally safe community.

When compared to other settlements in the Ashford and Kent region, Wittersham holds an exceptionally strong safety position. Its crime rate of 39.0 per 1,000 is among the lowest in the area, significantly lower than nearby Peasmarsh (50.9). While the very small nearby communities of Iden, Rolvenden Layne, and Playden reported no crime during the same period, Wittersham remains one of the safest urban settlements of its size. For those looking at the region, Wittersham offers an outstandingly safe residential environment, providing a much quieter and more secure alternative to larger regional towns. Its significant downward crime trend further reinforces its status as a premier choice for a safe and secure place to live.

In Wittersham, where total crime is exceptionally low at 39.0 per 1,000 and the area is experiencing a significant downward trend, effective home security is about maintaining this high standard of safety. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, providing footage only after a crime has occurred. In an exceptionally peaceful village like this, the goal should be proactive deterrence.

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, visitors, 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 opportunistic thieves who may target 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 Wittersham's exceptional safety standards. In an area where vehicle crime and burglary are the primary property-related concerns, scOS's intelligent monitoring offers a superior level of protection.