Darenth Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Darenth, covering the period of January 2025 to December 2025, paint a picture of an area experiencing elevated levels of criminal activity. With a crime rate of 143.3 per 1,000 residents annually, Darenth’s safety score of 70/100 sits below the UK average of 79/100. Furthermore, the area has witnessed a significant increase in crime, rising by 29.0% year-on-year, signalling a concerning trend. Violence and sexual offences, shoplifting, and anti-social behaviour are the most frequently reported crime types. Understanding these figures and the factors contributing to them is crucial for fostering a safer environment for all residents.

Crime statistics for Darenth reveal a concerning pattern of offences. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 29.6% of recorded crimes, with 117 incidents reported. Shoplifting follows closely behind, representing 25.2% of crimes, and reflecting potential challenges within local businesses. Anti-social behaviour contributes 14.9% to the overall crime profile, indicating potential issues with community disruption. Property crime, a broad category encompassing various offences, stands at 71.0 per 1,000 residents. This figure is above the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, highlighting a need for focused preventative measures. The relative lower incidence of burglary (2.8 per 1,000) is a positive note, but the overall property crime rate necessitates attention.

Crime rates in Darenth have been steadily increasing throughout the data period (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025). The 29.0% year-on-year increase indicates a worsening trend that demands immediate attention. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a peak in October and November 2025 (17.4 per 1,000/month) followed by a slight decrease in December 2025 (11.9 per 1,000/month). However, even the lower months remain above the initial figures from January 2025 (11.9 per 1,000/month). This escalating trend underscores the urgency of proactive preventative measures and community engagement to address the root causes of crime.

How To Keep Safe in Darenth

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Consider travelling in groups or utilising well-lit routes. Due to the high incidence of shoplifting, local businesses are encouraged to increase vigilance and security measures. For residents, ensuring your home is well-lit and secure, with robust locks and an alarm system, is vital. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the police promptly, contributing to a safer community for everyone.

Across Darenth, crime patterns exhibit distinct temporal characteristics. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), burglary is relatively less frequent, while theft and vehicle crime are more prominent. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees an increase in theft, often correlating with commercial activity. The evening period (6pm-12am) reveals a shift, with a slight rise in burglary and a notable increase in vehicle crime. Finally, the night hours (12am-6am) are marked by a higher incidence of burglary and a significant surge in vehicle crime, suggesting opportunistic behaviour during periods of reduced activity and visibility.

When compared to similar areas, Darenth's crime rate is notably higher. South Darenth and Sutton at Hone have a rate of 58.5 per 1,000, Bean registers 73.1, Hawley (Dartford) stands at 57.2, and Stone (Dartford) reports 64.3. These comparisons highlight that Darenth is experiencing a disproportionately high level of crime when viewed alongside its immediate neighbours, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and community-led initiatives.

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