Herne Bay Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2025, Herne Bay recorded 165 crimes, translating to 6.7 incidents per 1,000 residents—equivalent to one crime for every 149 residents over the course of the month. This rate, 5.6% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000, positions Herne Bay as a relatively safer area compared to the national profile. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33.9% of all reported incidents, followed by shoplifting (14.6%) and anti-social behaviour (12.1%). These figures align with the characteristics of a coastal built-up area, where community dynamics and local amenities may influence crime patterns. The post-holiday period in January, marked by shorter days and reduced retail footfall, likely contributed to the lower incidence of outdoor crimes and higher rates of shoplifting, which may reflect opportunistic activity in retail spaces. Meanwhile, the relative safety in violent crime, compared to the UK average, could be attributed to local policing strategies, community engagement, or the area’s demographic profile. However, the sharp rise in public order offences and the disproportionate increase in shoplifting highlight areas where further attention may be warranted. These trends, while not unexpected in a tourist-focused region, underscore the need for targeted interventions to address specific vulnerabilities.

January 2025 saw a dramatic 133.3% increase in public order offences, rising from six to 14 incidents—a sharp contrast to the previous month’s figures. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in robbery and possession of weapons, points to a notable shift in the nature of crime during the month. While violent crimes accounted for 33.9% of all reported incidents, their rate of 2.3 per 1,000 residents was 8% below the UK average, suggesting a lower prevalence of violent crime compared to other areas. Conversely, shoplifting stood out as a significant concern, with a rate 61% above the UK average. This anomaly may reflect the influence of local retail activity or seasonal factors, such as post-holiday shopping patterns. Meanwhile, other crime categories showed mixed trends, including a 50% drop in 'other crime' and a 26.7% reduction in criminal damage and arson, which could indicate successful interventions or changes in community behaviour.

Herne Bay’s crime rate in January 2025 rose by 6.4% compared to December 2024, increasing from 6.3 to 6.7 per 1,000 residents. This upward trend, though modest, suggests a shift in local crime dynamics during the month. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of five reported crimes each day—a figure that, while low, reflects the density of incidents relative to the population. Over the course of January, one crime was reported for every 149 residents, a monthly exposure that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the community. When viewed through the lens of population size, the 165 total crimes represent a manageable proportion of Herne Bay’s 24,652 residents, though the distribution across crime types reveals specific areas of concern. The rise in public order offences, for example, may reflect seasonal transitions or changes in local activity patterns as the post-holiday period unfolded.