Upper Harbledown Crime Rate

Upper Harbledown, a settlement located within the Canterbury local authority, offers a very safe and secure environment for its residents. The area features an overall crime rate of 40.5 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. This high level of security is reflected in an impressive safety score of 90/100, far exceeding the national average of 79/100. Furthermore, the crime trend is positive, showing a 10.9% decrease in offences over the last year. For residents, these statistics confirm Upper Harbledown as a peaceful community with very low levels of property-related crime, making it one of the most secure locations in the region.

In Upper Harbledown, the most frequently reported offences are violence and sexual offences, which account for 40.8% of all crime (16.5 per 1,000 residents). Other theft is the second most common concern, making up 12.2% of the total, followed by criminal damage and arson and vehicle crime, each at 10.2%. Property-related crime is a significant factor for the local community, with a combined rate of 18.2 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary at 8.2% and shoplifting at 4.1%. For a small settlement, these figures indicate that while property crime is relatively low compared to urban centres, the combined impact of theft and damage represents a substantial portion of local safety concerns.

Upper Harbledown is enjoying a positive safety trend, with total crime decreasing by 10.9% over the last year. Monthly data shows very low activity throughout the year, with most months recording rates below 5 per 1,000 residents. A minor peak was seen in March 2025 at 5.8, but this was followed by immediate decreases. The most recent data for November 2025 shows a low rate of 4.1, consistent with the overall downward trajectory. For residents, this confirms that Upper Harbledown remains a secure and increasingly safe place to live.

How To Keep Safe in Upper Harbledown

As violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Upper Harbledown, residents should maintain a general awareness of personal safety, especially when walking in more isolated areas after dark. Although the actual number of incidents is low, reporting any suspicious activity to the local police helps maintain the area's high safety standards. To protect against property crime, ensure that all home entry points and outbuildings are securely locked, as 'other theft' is the second most common offence. Vehicle crime is a notable factor, particularly at night (49% of night incidents), so parking in well-lit areas and removing all valuables is highly recommended. Criminal damage and arson also account for a portion of local reports; keeping your property well-maintained and clear of debris can help deter such activity. Finally, consider a proactive security system for your home to provide an extra layer of intelligent protection.

Crime in Upper Harbledown is very infrequent and follows a pattern that peaks during the afternoon and evening. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are the most common (47%), with vehicle crime at 21% and burglary at 15%. In the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft offences reach their highest percentage (52%), while burglary accounts for 25%. The evening (6pm-12am) sees a more varied profile, with theft at 22%, vehicle crime at 24%, and 'other' offences at 30%. Overnight (12am-6am), vehicle crime peaks significantly at 49% of all night-time incidents, while burglary also remains at 25%. This distribution suggests that property and vehicle security are most critical during the afternoon and late-night periods.

In the local context, Upper Harbledown is a very safe option. It compares favourably to nearby Rough Common, which has a higher crime rate of 51.3 per 1,000, and Chartham at 52.6. Other surrounding areas like Blean (19.6) and Dunkirk (0.0) also show low or no recorded crime in this period, highlighting the overall secure nature of the region. Upper Harbledown's rate of 40.5 positions it as a highly desirable area for those prioritising security while remaining close to the amenities of the wider Canterbury area.

Upper Harbledown's exceptionally low property crime rate of 18.2 per 1,000 residents reflects its status as a secure and tranquil settlement. However, the prevalence of theft and burglary indicates that property security is still a worthwhile investment. Traditional security cameras are often reactive, providing only footage after an incident has occurred. For homeowners in Upper Harbledown who want to maintain their high standard of safety, a proactive system like scOS is the ideal choice. scOS uses AI to monitor your property's boundary in real-time, identifying potential threats before they can reach your home. It can distinguish between normal activities and a genuine intruder, triggering autonomous responses like activating security lights to deter criminals. This proactive approach ensures that your home is not just recording crime, but actively preventing it, preserving the peace and security that Upper Harbledown is known for.