Littlebourne Crime Rate

Littlebourne is a highly secure residential area, with an excellent safety score of 87/100. Its overall crime rate is 40.7 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6. The crime trend in Littlebourne has seen a 12.5% increase year-over-year, indicating a slight rise in local activity for the population of 1,325. Despite this minor upward shift, the area remains exceptionally safe, particularly regarding property crime, which is less than a fifth of the national average. Understanding the local distribution of crime types and their timing can help residents maintain this high standard of security. This report provides a detailed analysis of crime categories, monthly trends, and time-based patterns to keep the community informed and secure.

In Littlebourne, violence and sexual offences are the most significant crime category, accounting for a high 64.8% of all reports, at a rate of 26.4 per 1,000 residents. Criminal damage and arson and anti-social behaviour both follow as the second most common concerns, each making up 9.3% of total crime.

Property-related crime—encompassing burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—occurs at a combined rate of 6.0 per 1,000 people. This is exceptionally low, representing less than a fifth of the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, criminal damage and arson is the main contributor, while vehicle crime accounts for 3.7% of total crime. Burglary is very rare, at just 1.9% of reports. For residents and homeowners, this data indicates that while interpersonal offences are the most frequent issue, the risk of serious property crime is minimal. The extremely low burglary rate is a very positive indicator for residential security. However, the high percentage of violence suggests that personal safety is the primary community concern, while property crime has a very low impact on the village.

The crime trend in Littlebourne has seen a 12.5% increase in total offences year-over-year. Monthly data from 2025 shows a relatively consistent level of activity throughout the year, with notable peaks in January (5.3), April (5.3), and June (5.3).

Other active months included November (4.5), March (3.8), May (3.8), and July (3.8). The year began with a rate of 5.3 in January and ended with a rate of 4.5 in November (data for December is not included). The quietest months were February and October, both recording a rate of only 1.5. This overall upward trend, while starting from a low base, suggests that the village is seeing slightly more frequent criminal activity than in previous years. For residents, this means that while the area remains very safe compared to national averages, there is a need for continued vigilance. The consistent monthly figures indicate that crime in Littlebourne occurs at a steady rate throughout the year.

How To Keep Safe in Littlebourne

The most common crime in Littlebourne is violence and sexual offences, followed by criminal damage and anti-social behaviour. Maintaining safety in the village involves a mix of personal awareness and proactive property security.

1. Focus on Night-time Vehicle Security: Vehicle crime accounts for 41% of night-time incidents. Always park in well-lit, secure areas and ensure your vehicle is fully locked with no valuables inside.
2. Deter Criminal Damage: With criminal damage being a top concern, ensuring your property has clear boundaries and motion-activated lighting can discourage opportunistic damage.
3. Be Aware in the Afternoon: Burglary is most likely during the afternoon hours. Ensure all doors and windows are secure even if you are only stepping out for a short time.
4. Utilise Community Watch: Engaging with local neighbourhood watch groups is effective for identifying and reporting suspicious activity or repeat anti-social behaviour offenders.
5. Install Boundary Security: Use AI-powered cameras to create a secure perimeter around your home, deterring the criminal damage and opportunistic incidents that occur locally.

Littlebourne exhibits clear crime timings. During the morning (6am to 12pm) and afternoon (12pm to 6pm), 'other' crime types, including anti-social behaviour and violence, are the main concerns, accounting for 64% and 66% of incidents respectively. This suggests that the area is most active during the day when residents are going about their daily routines.

As the day moves into the evening (6pm to 12am), 'other' crime types remain prominent, accounting for 70% of reports. Night-time (12am to 6am) sees a significant shift in the type of risk, with vehicle crime peaking at a substantial 41% of all incidents. Burglary also remains very low but shows a small increase during the afternoon and night (23% and 13% respectively). Notably, there were no reported theft offences during any time period. These patterns indicate that while daytime risk is focused on social and interpersonal issues, the late-night hours present the greatest risk for vehicle security. Residents should tailor their security habits to these cycles, focusing on vehicle security at night.

In the local regional context, Littlebourne offers a peaceful and secure environment, comparing very favourably to its neighbours. When compared to Sturry, which has a higher crime rate of 56.6 per 1,000, and Hersden (80.3), Littlebourne is significantly safer. It is similar in safety profile to nearby Wingham (38.5). Other nearby areas like Wickhambreaux report zero crimes, highlighting the difference between the more populated urban settlements and their very quiet rural surroundings. For those looking for a safe, residential environment within the Canterbury district, Littlebourne provides a safety profile that is among the best in the region, offering a quiet and secure character.

With an exceptionally low property crime rate of 6.0 per 1,000 residents, Littlebourne is one of the safest places to own a home. However, the high percentage of violence (64.8%) and the presence of criminal damage (9.3%) suggest that properties can still be targets for opportunistic incidents. Traditional security systems like Ring or Nest are reactive; they notify you while a crime is happening or provide footage after the event. In a quiet residential setting, proactive prevention is a more effective strategy. scOS (Security Operating System) uses advanced AI to monitor all your cameras simultaneously, identifying threats at the property boundary. In Littlebourne, where vehicle crime peaks at 41% during the night, scOS's ability to trigger autonomous responses—such as activating high-intensity lights or audible warnings—can stop a criminal in their tracks. By choosing a system that prioritises prevention over mere recording, homeowners can significantly reduce their risk of becoming a statistic in the area's property crime figures.