Canterbury Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Canterbury

Canterbury, a historic city in Kent, records an overall crime rate of 104.9 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure places Canterbury slightly above the national average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. The area's safety score is 76 out of 100, which is marginally below the UK average of 78, suggesting a slightly higher propensity for crime compared to the national benchmark. In terms of recent trends, the crime rate in Canterbury has remained stable, showing a 4.4% increase year-over-year. This introduction provides a snapshot of Canterbury's crime landscape, setting the stage for a more detailed analysis of specific crime types, trends, and comparisons with nearby areas.

Factors Influencing Crime in Canterbury

Canterbury's crime statistics are shaped by a unique blend of urban characteristics, historical significance, and demographic factors. As a prominent cathedral city, Canterbury is a major tourist destination, drawing a large transient population. This influx of visitors, alongside its role as a university city with a substantial student body, contributes to a dynamic and often densely populated city centre. Such environments can unfortunately present increased opportunities for certain types of crime, including theft and anti-social behaviour, particularly in commercial and nightlife areas.

The city's status as a transport hub also means a constant flow of people through its various districts. While much of Canterbury is residential, the bustling high street and cultural attractions create focal points for activity. These combined characteristics, including population density and diverse activities, contribute to the observed crime rate and influence the area's safety score, providing context for the detailed crime data presented.

Crime Type Analysis in Canterbury

An examination of crime types in Canterbury reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 35.2% of all recorded crimes, or 36.9 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting is the second most prevalent crime, making up 15.3% of the total with a rate of 16.0 per 1,000. Following closely is Anti-social behaviour, which represents 15.0% of crimes at 15.7 per 1,000 residents.

Property-related crime in Canterbury, encompassing burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, other theft, and robbery, collectively stands at 40.4 per 1,000 residents. This is notably higher than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. This elevated rate suggests that residents and homeowners in Canterbury should remain vigilant regarding the security of their personal belongings and properties. Proactive measures against theft and property damage are particularly pertinent given these statistics.

Crime Trends in Canterbury

Canterbury's crime rate has shown a stable trend over the last year, with a 4.4% increase compared to the previous 12-month period. Analysing the monthly trend data reveals fluctuations throughout the year. The crime rate per 1,000 residents was 8.4 in October 2024, gradually decreasing to 7.3 in December 2024. A noticeable rise occurred in early 2025, peaking at 11.0 in July, before declining to 8.0 in September 2025. This pattern suggests a seasonal increase in crime during the summer months, potentially linked to increased outdoor activity or tourism. For residents, this trend indicates that while the overall change is stable, there are periods where vigilance might be particularly important.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When considering the broader regional context, Canterbury's crime rate of 104.9 per 1,000 residents offers an interesting comparison to its neighbouring local authority districts. Areas such as Dover and Thanet often experience higher crime rates, placing Canterbury in a comparatively more favourable position, though still above the national average. Swale, Folkestone and Hythe, Ashford, and Maidstone generally exhibit varying crime profiles, some with lower overall rates than Canterbury. For residents and those considering moving to the region, Canterbury's crime statistics provide a mid-range perspective within Kent, indicating a need for continued awareness while not being among the highest crime areas in the county.

Protecting Your Property in Canterbury

Given Canterbury's property crime rate of 40.4 per 1,000 residents, which is above the UK average, ensuring robust home security is a critical consideration for homeowners. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV, often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred. However, genuine protection lies in preventing crime before it happens.

Consider adopting proactive security solutions that deter criminals at your property boundary. Advanced AI-powered home security operating systems, like scOS, offer a significant advantage by detecting threats in real-time, often before an intruder can even attempt a break-in. These systems utilise multi-camera intelligence to monitor your entire property simultaneously, learning routines to distinguish genuine threats from everyday occurrences. The visible presence of professional-grade security, coupled with features like autonomous response (activating lights and speakers), can destroy an intruder's element of surprise and make them move on within the crucial 60-second decision window. Prioritising prevention over mere recording can significantly enhance your property's safety.