Herne Crime Rate

Herne is a highly secure urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 55.2 per 1,000 residents, which is substantially lower than the UK average of 91.7. This low frequency of incidents earns the area an excellent safety score of 86/100, well above the UK average safety score of 79/100. The current crime trend in Herne is stable, showing a modest 4.7% change year-over-year, indicating a consistent and predictable safety environment for its 13,773 residents. With a property crime rate of only 14.4 per 1,000, compared to a national average of 32.3, Herne stands out as a particularly safe choice for homeowners and families seeking a peaceful neighbourhood with minimal criminal activity.

Crime in Herne is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which make up nearly half of all reports at 48.4%. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (14.2%) and criminal damage and arson (9.7%). These three categories represent the primary concerns for local law enforcement. When examining property-related crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and arson—the rate is 14.4 per 1,000 people. This is remarkably low compared to the UK average of 32.3, suggesting that Herne is a particularly secure area for homeowners. Other theft (6.8%) and drugs (4.7%) also feature in the local statistics but at much lower frequencies. For residents, the data indicates that while personal safety and community conduct are the main areas of focus, the risk of having property stolen or damaged is significantly lower than in many other parts of the country. This makes Herne an attractive location for those prioritising property security.

The crime trend in Herne is currently stable, with a year-over-year change of 4.7%. Monthly data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 shows that the crime rate remained fairly low throughout the year, typically staying between 3.1 and 5.5 per 1,000 residents. There was a noticeable period of slightly higher activity during the summer months, specifically from April to October, where the rate consistently stayed near or above 5.0. This seasonal increase is common in many UK settlements as better weather leads to more outdoor activity. However, the rate dropped back down to 3.9 in November 2025, suggesting that the increase was temporary. For residents, this stable trend is reassuring, as it indicates that the area is not experiencing a major shift in safety. The consistency of the data allows local authorities and residents to plan security measures effectively, knowing that crime levels are unlikely to fluctuate wildly outside of typical seasonal patterns.

How To Keep Safe in Herne

The most common crime type in Herne is violence and sexual offences, making up 48.4% of total reports. While the overall volume is low, personal safety is always a priority. When walking late at night, try to stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings. Sharing your live location with a family member via a smartphone app can provide an extra layer of reassurance. Additionally, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are the next most frequent issues. To mitigate these, ensure your property's exterior is well-maintained and well-lit, as "defensible space" often discourages nuisance activity. For vehicle owners, although the vehicle crime rate is low (1.9 per 1,000), most incidents occur at night. Always double-check that your car is locked and that no bags or electronics are visible through the windows. Finally, consider joining a local community group or Neighbourhood Watch. In a close-knit area like Herne, residents looking out for one another is one of the most effective ways to maintain the area's excellent safety record and deter opportunistic crime.

Crime timing in Herne follows a predictable cycle influenced by daily routines. During the morning and afternoon, theft-related offences are most common, peaking at 50% in the afternoon. This aligns with times when people are away from their homes and local shops are most active. As the day transitions into evening, there is a shift toward anti-social behaviour and public order issues. The night-time period (12am - 6am) sees a significant rise in the proportion of vehicle crime, which accounts for 33% of incidents during these hours. Burglary also shows a slight peak at night (17%), as offenders take advantage of the darkness and reduced foot traffic. These patterns suggest that while daytime hours require alertness against opportunistic theft, the late-night hours are the most critical time for ensuring that vehicles and home perimeters are fully secured. Residents should be particularly mindful of vehicle security after 11pm.

In the local regional context, Herne is one of the safest options available. Its crime rate of 55.2 per 1,000 is significantly lower than the neighbouring coastal town of Herne Bay, which experiences a much higher rate of 102.1. It is also safer than Hersden (82.1) and shares a similar safety profile with Sturry (53.1). While it cannot match the near-zero crime levels of the very small hamlet of Broad Oak, Herne provides a much more secure environment than the larger urban centres nearby. This makes it a premier choice for those who want to live within the Canterbury local authority while enjoying the benefits of a low-crime, stable community.

With a property crime rate of just 14.4 per 1,000, Herne is statistically very safe, but the impact of a single break-in can still be devastating. In areas with low crime rates, residents can sometimes become complacent, making their homes attractive targets for opportunistic thieves who travel from higher-crime areas. Traditional security, like basic cameras that merely record footage, often fails to prevent a crime; it only helps you watch it after the fact. For true peace of mind in Herne, proactive protection is the key. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to stop crime before it happens. By using advanced multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats and intervening autonomously. Whether it's activating deterrent lighting or engaging speakers to alert an intruder they've been spotted, scOS destroys the element of surprise. This proactive approach ensures that your home remains a "hard target," encouraging potential offenders to move on before any damage is done, thus maintaining the high safety standards Herne residents expect.