Rough Common Crime Rate

Rough Common is a highly secure residential area, with an excellent safety score of 87/100. Its overall crime rate is 52.6 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6. The crime trend in Rough Common has seen a 49.1% increase year-over-year, indicating a rise in local activity from a previously very low base for the population of 1,617. While the area remains exceptionally safe, particularly compared to urban centres, understanding the local patterns of violence and property crime 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. Understanding these figures is key for homeowners in the area.

In Rough Common, violence and sexual offences are the most significant crime category, accounting for 42.4% of all reports, at a rate of 22.3 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common concern at 16.5%, followed by 'other theft' at 12.9%.

Property-related crime—encompassing burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—occurs at a combined rate of 18.6 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, 'other theft' is the most prominent, while vehicle crime accounts for 7.1% of total crime. Burglary and criminal damage represent 5.9% and 4.7% respectively. For residents and homeowners, this data indicates that while interpersonal offences and social disturbances are the most frequent issues, the risk of property crime is substantial for a village. The relatively high percentage of theft and the presence of vehicle crime suggest that opportunistic offences targeting property and cars are a key concern for the community. Protective measures should focus on deterring these incidents.

The crime trend in Rough Common has seen a significant 49.1% increase in total offences year-over-year. Monthly data from 2025 shows a fluctuating level of activity throughout the year, with a notable peak in November reaching a rate of 8.7 per 1,000 residents.

Other active months included June (6.8), January (5.6), and February (5.0). The year began with a rate of 5.6 in January and ended with a rate of 4.3 in December. This overall upward trend, while starting from a low base, suggests that the village is seeing 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 increased vigilance. The fluctuating monthly figures indicate that crime in Rough Common occurs in clusters rather than at a constant rate throughout the year. For example, March was exceptionally quiet with a rate of only 1.2.

How To Keep Safe in Rough Common

The most common crime in Rough Common is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour and 'other theft'. Maintaining safety in the village involves a mix of personal awareness and proactive property security.

1. Focus on Night-time Security: Vehicle crime accounts for 38% of night-time incidents and burglary peaks at 24%. Ensure your vehicle and home are fully locked before the late-night hours.
2. Daytime Vigilance: Theft is most common during the morning and afternoon. Ensure that outbuildings, sheds, and vehicles are locked even when you are at home during the day.
3. Deter Anti-Social Behaviour: With ASB being a top concern, ensuring your property has clear boundaries and motion-activated lighting can discourage loitering and opportunistic damage.
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 'other theft' incidents that occur locally.

Rough Common exhibits clear crime timings. During the morning (6am to 12pm) and afternoon (12pm to 6pm), theft is the dominant concern, accounting for 57% of all reported incidents. This suggests that the area is particularly vulnerable to opportunistic theft during standard business hours when residents may be away or active on their properties.

As the day moves into the evening (6pm to 12am), 'other' crime types, including anti-social behaviour and violence, become the most prominent, accounting for 32% of reports. Night-time (12am to 6am) sees a significant shift in the type of risk, with vehicle crime peaking at a substantial 38% of all incidents. Burglary also remains a consistent threat during the night and evening (24% and 21% respectively). These patterns indicate that while daytime risk is focused on theft, the late-night hours present the greatest risk for vehicle security and residential property breaches. Residents should tailor their security habits to these cycles, focusing on theft during the day and vehicle security at night.

In the local regional context, Rough Common offers a peaceful and secure alternative to the busier urban centres nearby. When compared to urban Canterbury, which has a much higher crime rate of 157.1 per 1,000, Rough Common is significantly safer. It also compares favourably to nearby Upper Harbledown (40.5) but is more active than Blean (17.9). Other nearby areas like Tyler Hill 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, Rough Common provides a safety profile that is among the best in the region.

With a property crime rate of 18.6 per 1,000 residents and a significant increasing trend of 49.1%, property security in Rough Common is an important consideration. 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 Rough Common, where vehicle crime peaks at 38% 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 rising property crime figures.