Littlebourne Crime Rate

Littlebourne is an exceptionally safe and peaceful village, offering a high standard of security for its 1,325 residents. With a safety score of 87/100, it sits well above the UK average of 79. The overall crime rate is just 44.5 per 1,000 people, which is less than half the national average of 91.7. While the area has seen a 28.3% increase in crime over the last year, this rise is from a very low baseline and involves a small number of total incidents. The property crime rate is particularly low at 7.5 per 1,000, compared to the UK average of 32.3. For those living in or considering Littlebourne, the data confirms its reputation as one of the more secure residential locations in Kent.

In Littlebourne, the crime profile is heavily weighted toward violence and sexual offences, which account for a significant 62.7% of all reported incidents. This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 10.2% and anti-social behaviour at 8.5%. These three categories represent the vast majority of police activity in the village, highlighting that social and interpersonal issues are more prevalent than property-related crimes.

The overall property crime rate in Littlebourne is remarkably low at 7.5 per 1,000 residents. This figure includes vehicle crime (3.4%), burglary (1.7%), and other theft (1.7%). For context, this is more than four times lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. While property crime is not a dominant factor in Littlebourne, the 28.3% year-over-year increase in total crime suggests that residents should not become complacent. Although burglary and theft are statistically rare, the shift in overall trends indicates that maintaining basic security and community vigilance is essential to preserving the area's high safety standards.

Littlebourne has seen a 28.3% increase in crime over the last year, a trend that reflects a shift in the local safety landscape. Monthly data shows that while the crime rate remains low, it reached a peak of 5.3 per 1,000 residents in multiple months, including January, April, June, and November 2025. Conversely, the rate dropped to its lowest point of 1.5 in February and October.

This pattern of fluctuation suggests that crime in the village may be driven by specific, intermittent incidents rather than a constant, high-level presence. The overall increase, while significant in percentage terms, still leaves Littlebourne as a very safe area compared to national figures. However, the recurring peaks throughout the year indicate that residents should remain consistently aware of their security, as the quiet nature of the village can occasionally be disrupted by periods of increased criminal activity.

How To Keep Safe in Littlebourne

Violence and sexual offences are the most commonly reported crimes in Littlebourne, accounting for over 62% of the village's total. However, it is important to understand that in a low-population area, these figures often represent a very small number of individual incidents.

To stay safe in Littlebourne, we recommend the following:

• Secure Vehicles Overnight: Vehicle crime is the most frequent property-related issue, accounting for 41% of incidents between midnight and 6am. Always ensure your car is locked and parked in a well-lit area or garage if available.
• Afternoon Home Security: Burglary in Littlebourne peaks between 12pm and 6pm. Ensure all windows and doors are locked if you are out for the afternoon, and consider using timer switches for lights to give the appearance of someone being home.
• Community Vigilance: In a small village, noticing something out of the ordinary is easier. Joining a local social media group or Neighbourhood Watch can help you stay informed about any suspicious activity in the area.
• Install Motion Lighting: Even though crime is low, well-placed motion-sensor lights around your property can deter opportunistic offenders, particularly at night.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Reporting even minor concerns to the local police helps them build a better picture of activity in the village and can prevent more serious crimes.

Crime in Littlebourne follows specific temporal trends that differ from many urban areas. The morning (6am - 12pm) is dominated by 'Other' crimes, which account for 64% of activity, while vehicle crime makes up 25%. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), burglary reaches its daily peak, representing 23% of all incidents. This suggests that properties may be more vulnerable when residents are out during the day.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), the proportion of 'Other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, increases to 70%. Night-time (12am - 6am) sees a significant shift toward vehicle-related offences, which spike to 41% of all local activity. Interestingly, violence is not recorded as a primary factor in these time-based breakdowns, with the focus remaining on property and general public order. Understanding these patterns allows residents to be more targeted with their security, such as being particularly careful with vehicle security overnight and home security during the afternoon.

Littlebourne compares very favourably with its surrounding areas in the Canterbury district. It is notably safer than Hersden (82.1 per 1,000) and Sturry (53.1). It is also slightly safer than nearby Wingham (39.0). Only the very small village of Wickhambreaux, which recorded 0.0 crimes, offers a lower rate. This makes Littlebourne one of the most secure options for residents looking for a rural or semi-rural lifestyle in the region. Its high safety score and low property crime rate distinguish it as a particularly low-risk environment compared to both its immediate neighbours and the wider UK.

In Littlebourne, where the property crime rate is an incredibly low 7.5 per 1,000, the focus for residents should be on maintaining this high level of security. While traditional security systems like basic alarms or doorbell cameras provide a reactive response, they often only notify you after a crime has been committed. For a village like Littlebourne, where prevention is key to preserving the local peace, a more advanced approach is recommended.

The scOS AI-powered operating system offers proactive protection by monitoring your property's perimeter. Rather than just recording footage, scOS uses intelligent detection to identify potential threats before they reach your home. In Littlebourne, where burglary peaks in the afternoon and vehicle crime at night, scOS provides 24/7 vigilance. If the system detects suspicious activity, it can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting and audio alerts, effectively stopping a crime before it starts. This proactive stance ensures that your home remains a hard target, helping to keep Littlebourne's crime statistics among the lowest in the country.