Joyden's Wood Crime Rate

Joyden's Wood is one of the safest residential areas in the region, with an overall crime rate of just 32.1 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1, making it a standout location for security and peace of mind. The area boasts an impressive safety score of 93/100, far exceeding the UK average of 78. Furthermore, crime in Joyden's Wood is on a strong downward trend, having decreased by 18.5% year-over-year. This combination of a low baseline crime rate and a declining trend makes it an exceptionally secure environment for residents. The following sections provide a deeper look at the specific crime types and patterns within this quiet settlement.

Crime Breakdown in Joyden's Wood

In Joyden's Wood, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type, making up 26.2% of all incidents. This is followed by vehicle crime at 15.6% and anti-social behaviour at 14.9%. These figures suggest that while interpersonal and public order issues exist, they occur at a much lower frequency than in more urbanised areas.

Property crime in Joyden's Wood is notably low, with a rate of only 13.2 per 1,000 people. This includes 22 vehicle crimes (15.6%), 18 incidents of criminal damage and arson (12.8%), and just 7 burglaries (5.0%). With burglary representing only 1.6 per 1,000 residents, the risk to homeowners is minimal compared to the UK average of 32.9 for property crime. However, the relatively high proportion of vehicle crime suggests that residents should take extra care with cars parked on driveways or the street. Overall, the breakdown reflects a peaceful residential neighbourhood where serious property theft is a rare occurrence.

Crime Trends in Joyden's Wood

Joyden's Wood is experiencing a very positive safety trend, with an 18.5% decrease in overall crime year-over-year. This significant drop suggests that the area is becoming increasingly secure. Monthly data shows that crime rates stayed consistently low throughout the year, with small peaks in January and August 2025 at 4.1 per 1,000 residents.

The lowest point was recorded in December 2024, with a rate of just 0.9. Even at its busiest, the crime rate in Joyden's Wood remains far below the national average. The steady decline from a peak of 4.1 in August to 3.4 in October 2025 indicates a sustained improvement in the local safety environment. For residents, these trends are highly encouraging and confirm the area's status as one of the most secure neighbourhoods in the Dartford local authority.

How To Keep Safe in Joyden's Wood

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Joyden's Wood, though they occur at a very low rate of 8.4 per 1,000 residents. The area is exceptionally safe, but maintaining general awareness is always beneficial.

To stay safe in Joyden's Wood, consider these localized tips:

• Since vehicle crime is a notable portion of local reports, always double-check that your car is locked and avoid leaving any bags or electronics visible through the windows, even on your own driveway.
• The afternoon (12 pm to 6 pm) is the peak time for burglary in this area; ensure all windows and doors are securely locked if you are heading out for school runs or errands.
• Take advantage of the area's strong community spirit by joining a local social media safety group to stay informed about any suspicious activity or the 18.5% decrease in local crime.
• Ensure your home's exterior is well-maintained; well-lit paths and clear lines of sight from windows can deter the anti-social behaviour that occasionally occurs in local green spaces.
• If you enjoy walking in the nearby woodland, try to do so during daylight hours and carry a charged mobile phone for peace of mind.

Crime Timing in Joyden's Wood

Crime in Joyden's Wood is largely concentrated in the later hours of the day. During the morning and afternoon, theft and vehicle crime are the primary concerns, with burglary peaking at 21% of afternoon incidents. This suggests that most residential property risks occur while people are away from home during the day.

However, the most significant temporal pattern is found at night (12 am to 6 am). During this period, vehicle crime surges to account for 62% of all reported activity. This is an unusually high concentration, indicating that criminals specifically target the area's parked cars during the early hours. Conversely, violence-related reports are non-existent during these periods in the current data. Evening hours (6 pm to 12 am) see a rise in 'other' crimes, likely including anti-social behaviour, which makes up 46% of reports. Residents can use this information to prioritise car security overnight and home security during the afternoon.

Joyden's Wood is a notably safe pocket within the Dartford area. When compared to nearby Hextable, which has a crime rate of 42.9, or Hawley at 60.0, Joyden's Wood offers a higher level of security. It is also considerably safer than the larger town of Swanley, where the rate is 87.5 per 1,000. While Swanley Village shows a lower reported rate of 0.0, Joyden's Wood remains one of the most secure established residential communities in the district. For those prioritising safety and a low-crime environment, Joyden's Wood consistently outperforms its immediate neighbours in both safety scores and crime frequency.

Protecting Your Property in Joyden's Wood

Joyden's Wood is a high-safety area with a property crime rate of only 13.2 per 1,000 people. While the risks are low, the 15.6% share of vehicle crime and the opportunistic nature of daytime burglaries mean that residents should still invest in quality protection. In a neighbourhood this quiet, any suspicious activity stands out, but traditional security systems often fail to act on that visibility. Standard cameras or DIY doorbells simply record the event, notifying you when it is often too late to prevent a loss.

A proactive approach is far more effective for maintaining the high safety standards of Joyden's Wood. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that monitors your property boundary 24/7. It doesn't just record; it identifies threats in real-time. If an unknown vehicle or individual lingers near your driveway at night—when 62% of night-time crime is vehicle-related—scOS can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting or audio warnings to move them on. Because scOS learns your family’s routines and recognises your vehicles, it provides serious protection without the frustration of false alerts. For homeowners in Joyden's Wood, scOS offers the proactive edge needed to keep property crime rates at their record lows.