Chartham Crime Rate

Chartham, a village located within the Canterbury local authority, offers a very safe and secure environment for its residents. The area features an overall crime rate of 52.5 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. This high level of security is reflected in an impressive safety score of 86/100, far exceeding the national average of 79/100. While the area has seen a 10.3% increase in crime over the last year, this rise is from a low baseline and does not significantly impact its standing as a safe community. For residents, these statistics confirm Chartham as a peaceful location with very low levels of property-related crime.

In Chartham, the most frequently reported offences are violence and sexual offences, which account for 52.7% of all crime (27.7 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is also a major concern, making up 18.6% of the total, followed by 'other theft' at 7.0%. Property-related crime is relatively low in Chartham, with a combined rate of 9.8 per 1,000 people. This includes criminal damage and arson (6.2%), vehicle crime (4.7%), and burglary (0.8%). For a small community, these figures indicate that while property crime is rare, person-related offences and social disturbances are the primary areas of local concern.

Chartham has seen a 10.3% increase in total crime over the last year. However, it is crucial to note that this percentage is based on a very small number of total incidents. Monthly data shows that most months record only 2 to 4 crimes per 1,000 residents, with a minor peak in August 2025 at 6.5. The rate returned to 6.1 by November 2025. This volatility is typical for small populations and does not indicate a significant decline in safety; Chartham remains one of the most secure areas in the region.

How To Keep Safe in Chartham

As violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Chartham, residents should maintain a general awareness of personal safety, especially when walking in more isolated areas after dark. Although the actual number of incidents is low, reporting any suspicious activity to the local police helps maintain the village's high safety standards. To protect against property crime, ensure that all home entry points and outbuildings are securely locked, as 'other theft' is the third most common offence. Vehicle crime is a minor factor, particularly at night (51% of night incidents), so parking in well-lit areas and removing all valuables is recommended. Criminal damage and arson also account for a portion of local reports; keeping your property well-maintained and clear of debris can help deter such activity. Finally, consider a proactive security system for your home to provide an extra layer of intelligent protection.

Crime in Chartham is very infrequent and follows a pattern that peaks during the afternoon and evening. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are the most common (53%), with vehicle crime at 18%. In the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft offences reach their highest percentage (65%), while 'other' offences account for 28%. The evening (6pm-12am) is dominated by 'other' crime types (53%), with theft at 26% and vehicle crime at 21%. Overnight (12am-6am), vehicle crime peaks significantly at 51% of all night-time incidents, while 'other' offences account for 36%. This distribution suggests that property and vehicle security are most critical during the afternoon and late-night periods.

In the local context, Chartham is a very safe option. It compares favourably to nearby Old Wives Lees, which has a higher crime rate of 56.5 per 1,000. Other surrounding areas like Upper Harbledown (40.5), Chilham (0.0), and Lower Hardres and Street End (0.0) also show low or no recorded crime in this period, highlighting the overall secure nature of the region. Chartham's rate of 52.5 positions it as a highly desirable area for those prioritising security while remaining close to the amenities of the wider Canterbury area.

Chartham's exceptionally low property crime rate of 9.8 per 1,000 residents reflects its status as a secure and tranquil village. However, the prevalence of theft and criminal damage indicates that property security is still a worthwhile investment. Traditional security cameras are often reactive, providing only footage after an incident has occurred. For homeowners in Chartham who want to maintain their high standard of safety, a proactive system like scOS is the ideal choice. scOS uses AI to monitor your property's boundary in real-time, identifying potential threats before they can reach your home. It can distinguish between normal activities and a genuine intruder, triggering autonomous responses like activating security lights to deter criminals. This proactive approach ensures that your home is not just recording crime, but actively preventing it, preserving the peace and security that Chartham is known for.