Darenth Crime Rate

Darenth is an urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 138.9 per 1,000 people, which is considerably higher than the UK national average of 93.1. The area holds a safety score of 71/100, which is slightly below the UK average of 78, indicating a more active crime environment than many of its neighbours. Most concerning is the current trend direction, with crime in Darenth increasing by 36.7% year-over-year. This significant rise in reported incidents suggests that the local safety landscape is changing rapidly. This report provides a detailed breakdown of crime statistics and timing to help residents and businesses navigate the security challenges in Darenth.

Crime Breakdown in Darenth

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime in Darenth, accounting for 109 incidents or 28.4% of total crime. Shoplifting is the second most common at 22.1%, while anti-social behaviour makes up 14.6%. These figures suggest that interpersonal offences and retail-related theft are the primary drivers of crime in the area.

Property crime is a significant issue in Darenth, with a rate of 68.8 per 1,000 people—more than double the UK average of 32.9. This includes 46 incidents of criminal damage and arson (12.0%), 32 vehicle crimes (8.3%), and 11 burglaries (2.9%). The high rate of shoplifting (30.8 per 1,000) heavily skews the property crime statistics, likely due to a major local retail presence. However, for residents, the rates of criminal damage and vehicle crime represent a persistent risk to personal property. Homeowners should prioritize perimeter security and vehicle protection to mitigate these localized threats.

Crime Trends in Darenth

Darenth is currently experiencing a significant and concerning upward trend in crime, with a 36.7% increase year-over-year. This is one of the highest growth rates in the region. Monthly data shows a consistently high rate of activity, starting the period at 14.8 in November 2024. While there was a slight dip in June 2025 to 6.2, the rate quickly rebounded.

The year ended with a sharp peak in October 2025 at 17.4 per 1,000 residents, the highest recorded in the 12-month period. The 36.7% increase suggests that the local safety environment is under pressure. Residents should be aware that the frequency of reported incidents is rising and should consider taking additional steps to secure their homes and vehicles to protect against this growing trend.

How To Keep Safe in Darenth

Violence and sexual offences are the highest crime type in Darenth, making up 28.4% of all reports. With a 36.7% increase in local crime, staying alert and taking proactive safety measures is essential for all residents.

To enhance your safety in Darenth, follow these tips:

• Be extra vigilant in local retail and commercial areas, as theft and shoplifting are very common, particularly during the afternoon (12 pm to 6 pm).
• Given that 54% of night-time crime is vehicle-related, always park in a well-lit area or a locked garage, and consider using a high-quality steering lock.
• Ensure your home is secured during the day; 16% of afternoon crimes are burglaries, suggesting that opportunistic thieves target homes while residents are out.
• Keep your property’s perimeter well-lit with motion sensors to deter the anti-social behaviour that accounts for 14.6% of local crime.
• Stay informed by joining local community safety groups to track the rising crime trend and share information with neighbours about suspicious activity.

Crime Timing in Darenth

Crime in Darenth follows a clear temporal cycle. During the morning and afternoon, theft and shoplifting are the most significant issues, accounting for 27% and 35% of reports respectively. This is also the peak time for burglary, which makes up 16% of afternoon incidents. These figures point to a high level of opportunistic crime during daylight hours when commercial activity is highest.

As evening falls (6 pm to 12 am), the focus shifts toward anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which fall under the 'other' category and make up 53% of reports. Night-time (12 am to 6 am) presents the most specific risk, with vehicle crime surging to 54% of all reported incidents. This indicates that criminals are highly active in targeting unattended vehicles overnight. Burglary remains a consistent threat throughout the late hours, staying at 11% for both evening and night periods. Residents should prioritize daytime home security and overnight vehicle protection to address these specific windows of risk.

Darenth is the most active area for crime among its immediate neighbours. Its rate of 138.9 is more than double that of Stone (60.2), Hawley (60.0), and the combined area of South Darenth and Sutton at Hone (59.4). It is also significantly higher than Bean at 78.5. This high rate is largely influenced by concentrated retail activity which drives up shoplifting and theft figures. For residents, this means that while Darenth offers local amenities, it also carries a higher risk profile than the more tranquil residential settlements nearby. Improved home and personal security are more critical here than in the surrounding villages.

Protecting Your Property in Darenth

Darenth faces a high property crime rate of 68.8 per 1,000 people, driven by significant levels of shoplifting, criminal damage, and vehicle crime. In an area where crime has increased by 36.7% in a single year, traditional security measures like standard CCTV or basic alarms are often inadequate. These systems are reactive, meaning they only alert you or record footage after a crime has already taken place. By the time you see a notification on your phone, the damage is often done.

For residents in Darenth, proactive protection is a necessity. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that identifies potential threats at your property boundary before they can escalate. If a suspicious vehicle or individual enters your driveway—especially during the night when 54% of crime is vehicle-related—scOS can autonomously respond with lights and audio warnings to deter the intruder. Because scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to learn your family’s routines, it provides professional-level security with minimal false alarms. In a high-activity area like Darenth, preventing a crime is far more valuable than simply recording it, and scOS is designed to do exactly that.