Woodchurch Crime Rate

Woodchurch is a highly secure urban settlement with a crime rate that is approximately half the national average. At 48.0 crimes per 1,000 people, it sits well below the UK average of 91.7, earning an excellent safety score of 87/100. Although the area has seen a slight increase in crime of 6.5% over the past year, the overall volume of incidents remains very low. This minor upward trend is from a very low baseline, meaning the village continues to be a peaceful and safe environment for its residents. For those living in or moving to Woodchurch, the statistics reflect a community where safety is a defining characteristic, far outperforming broader UK safety benchmarks.

In Woodchurch, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 44.4% of all reported incidents, at a rate of 21.3 per 1,000 residents. Interestingly, the area sees equal rates for 'other' theft, burglary, and drugs, each accounting for 9.1% of the total crime (4.4 per 1,000). Criminal damage and arson follow closely at 8.1%.

Property-related crime overall in Woodchurch stands at 15.5 per 1,000 people. This is less than half the UK average of 32.3, marking the village as a low-risk area for theft and burglary. However, the fact that burglary and theft are among the top categories alongside violence suggests that when crime does occur, it is often property-focused. For homeowners, the relatively high percentage of burglary (9.1%) compared to other crime types in such a small population means that while incidents are few in number, residential security should not be overlooked. Maintaining visible deterrents is key to keeping these numbers low.

Woodchurch has experienced a 6.5% increase in crime over the last year. While any increase is worth noting, it is important to contextualise this within the village's overall low crime volume. The monthly data for 2025 shows a somewhat erratic pattern, with the crime rate peaking in August at 6.3 per 1,000 people and January at 5.8.

A notable low occurred in May 2025, when the crime rate dropped to just 0.5 per 1,000. For the final four months of the period (August to November), the rate remained incredibly stable at 3.9 per 1,000. This suggests that after some early-year fluctuations, the crime level has settled into a consistent and low pattern. The 6.5% year-over-year increase likely reflects a small number of additional incidents rather than a systemic safety issue, but it highlights the importance of maintaining the security measures that keep Woodchurch among the safer areas in Ashford.

How To Keep Safe in Woodchurch

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Woodchurch, and while the overall numbers are low, personal safety remains paramount. The village's quiet nature means that being aware of your surroundings is particularly important.

When walking through the village after dark, try to use main roads and stay in well-lit areas. Since burglary and 'other' theft are also significant categories, ensure that all outbuildings, sheds, and garages are secured with high-quality padlocks. For homeowners, the peak in burglary during the night (47% of night-time crime) suggests that securing the ground floor of your property before bed is essential. Consider installing motion-sensor lighting at the front and rear of your home to eliminate dark spots where intruders might hide. Additionally, keeping high-value items out of sight from windows can reduce the temptation for opportunistic theft. Engaging with the local community through Neighbourhood Watch can also help keep everyone informed about any unusual activity in the area.

Crime in Woodchurch shows clear peaks that residents should be aware of. The night-time period (12am - 6am) is particularly significant for property crime, with burglary accounting for a staggering 47% of all offences during these hours. Vehicle crime also reaches its daily peak at 16% during the night.

Daytime patterns are also evident, with the afternoon (12pm - 6pm) seeing a high percentage of both burglary (37%) and theft (40%). The morning hours (6am - 12pm) are the most active for theft-related crimes, which make up 43% of morning incidents. In the evening (6pm - 12am), burglary remains high at 36%, but 'other' crimes—often including anti-social behaviour—rise to 42%. This data indicates that while theft is primarily a daytime and evening concern, burglary is a persistent threat throughout the late afternoon and overnight, requiring consistent property security measures regardless of the time of day.

In the context of the local region, Woodchurch is one of the safer settlements. Its crime rate of 48.0 per 1,000 is lower than High Halden (59.3) and Bethersden (57.6), though slightly higher than Shadoxhurst (40.9). Very small areas like Appledore Heath report 0.0 crimes, but among established villages, Woodchurch maintains a very strong safety profile. For residents considering the Ashford area, Woodchurch offers a significantly more secure environment than the larger urban centres, providing a rural village feel with crime statistics that support its reputation as a safe and desirable place to live.

With a property crime rate of 15.5 per 1,000 in Woodchurch, residents are in a good position to maintain their security through smart choices. While the rate is low, burglary still accounts for over 9% of total crime, and the data shows it peaks significantly during the night.

Traditional security systems are often reactive, providing you with a video of a crime after it has already taken place. For a village like Woodchurch, a proactive approach is much more effective. An AI-powered system like scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, distinguishing between a delivery driver and a potential threat. If an intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously intervene by turning on lights or playing audio alerts. This immediate response destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on, often causing them to move on before any damage is done. By focusing on prevention rather than just recording, Woodchurch homeowners can ensure their properties remain part of the village's low-crime statistics.