Rough Common Crime Rate

Rough Common's crime profile reveals a striking contrast to national trends, particularly in bicycle theft, which is 132% above the UK average. Despite this, the area's overall crime rate of 46.4 per 1,000 is 49% below the UK average, making it one of the safer places in the UK. The sharp 400% YoY increase in burglary, however, highlights a worrying trend that requires attention.

Rough Common is a built-up area within Canterbury, characterised by a mix of residential properties and local amenities. Its proximity to Canterbury's urban core and its role as a commuter hub likely influence its crime profile. The area's relatively low population density and strong community ties may contribute to its safety score, which is 10 points above the UK average. However, the presence of cycling routes and limited secure parking facilities may explain the elevated rate of bicycle theft.

The most surprising finding in Rough Common's crime data is the 132% above-average rate of bicycle theft, which is more than double the UK average. This likely stems from the area's popularity with cyclists and the lack of secure bike storage facilities. While violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type (19.2 per 1,000), their rate is 40% below the UK average, possibly due to the area's lower population density and community engagement. Anti-social behaviour (7.4 per 1,000) and other theft (5.6 per 1,000) also remain below national averages, but both are rising slightly. Burglary, though still below the UK average, has surged by 400% YoY, likely driven by seasonal factors and increased property values attracting opportunistic offenders.

Crime in Rough Common has increased by 11.9% year-on-year, with burglary surging by 400% YoY. This sharp rise in burglary may be linked to seasonal factors, such as increased property vacancies during holidays or changes in local crime patterns. The overall crime rate remains 49% below the UK average, but the significant increase in burglary highlights a pressing concern. Monthly trends show a peak in November (8.7 per 1,000/month), likely influenced by seasonal factors like increased outdoor activity or holiday shopping. Vehicle crime has also risen by 67% YoY, possibly due to changes in commuter patterns or reduced police presence during certain months.

How To Keep Safe in Rough Common

To mitigate the risk of bicycle theft, always secure bikes in designated storage areas or use locking devices with GPS tracking. For vehicle crime, park in well-lit, monitored areas and use alarms. Given the 400% YoY increase in burglary, ensure homes have robust locks and consider scOS's real-time monitoring. During evenings and nights, when vehicle crime peaks, avoid leaving valuables in cars. Community vigilance and reporting suspicious activity can further enhance safety in this relatively secure area.

Crime in Rough Common shows distinct patterns by time of day. Vehicle crime peaks at night (12am-6am), likely due to unsecured vehicles in residential areas. Theft is most common in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), possibly linked to retail activity and commuter movements. Burglary, though relatively low, occurs most frequently in the evening (6pm-12am) and night, aligning with patterns typical of residential areas. The area's low crime rates during mornings (6am-12pm) suggest that daytime activity and visibility may deter criminal behaviour.

Compared to nearby areas, Rough Common's crime rate is 22% higher than Upper Harbledown (38.0 per 1,000) and 109% higher than Blean (22.2 per 1,000). Canterbury, in contrast, has a crime rate 240% higher than Rough Common (157.6 per 1,000), likely due to its larger population and greater commercial activity.

For Rough Common residents, the dominant concern of bicycle theft (132% above the UK average) demands targeted security measures, scOS's AI-powered boundary monitoring can detect and deter thieves in real-time, reducing the risk of theft. Its DVLA vehicle registration verification feature helps identify stolen or cloned vehicles, while automated lighting and audio warnings can disrupt potential offenders. These proactive measures align with the area's need to address rising burglary rates and elevated property crime.