Ash (Dover) Crime Rate

Ash is an exceptionally safe and peaceful urban settlement within the Dover local authority, featuring an overall crime rate of 52.9 per 1,000 people. This is significantly better than the UK national average of 93.1, earning the area an outstanding safety score of 87/100. Furthermore, the community has seen a remarkable 37.7% decrease in crime over the past year, indicating a strong positive trend in local safety. The property crime rate is also notably low at 16.0, compared to the UK average of 32.9. As a quiet residential area situated between Canterbury and Sandwich, Ash offers a high degree of security for its residents. This report provides a detailed breakdown of the crime types and trends that contribute to the area's safe environment.

Crime Breakdown in Ash (Dover)

Ash is a safe residential area where violence and sexual offences are the most frequent incidents, accounting for 34 crimes or 39.5% of the total. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 23.3% and criminal damage and arson at 12.8%. While personal safety is a key concern, property-related crime is a consistent factor in the local data.

The overall property crime rate in Ash is 16.0 per 1,000 people, which is less than half the UK average of 32.9. This category includes 'other theft' (9.3%), vehicle crime (3.5%), and burglary (3.5%). Criminal damage and arson also contribute 12.8% to the total. For residents, this indicates that while the risk of home burglary is statistically low, property damage and opportunist theft are more frequent concerns. The combined total of theft, vehicle crime, and burglary suggests that property protection, especially for outdoor assets and vehicles parked overnight, is a priority for homeowners in Ash. Maintaining high standards of security for homes and outbuildings is essential for preserving the area's safe environment.

Crime Trends in Ash (Dover)

The long-term trend for Ash is exceptionally positive, with an overall 37.7% decrease in crime year-over-year. This indicates that the area is becoming significantly safer over time. Monthly data shows that the crime rate peaked in April 2025 at 11.7 per 1,000 people, with another notable high in October at 7.4.

Conversely, the area saw its lowest activity in December 2024, with the rate dropping to just 1.2 per 1,000. These fluctuations are common in smaller residential areas, where a single incident can significantly impact the monthly rate. Despite these minor shifts, the general trend remains sharply downward, which is an encouraging sign for the community. For residents, this means that while basic vigilance is always required, the statistical likelihood of being a victim of crime is much lower now than it was in the previous year.

How To Keep Safe in Ash (Dover)

The most common crime in Ash is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. While the area is exceptionally safe, taking these steps can help maintain your security.

1. Pay close attention to vehicle security, as vehicle crime is a notable contributor to local statistics, especially during the night (31% of night-time reports). Always park in a well-lit area or a secure garage.
2. Ensure your home is locked and secure during the afternoon and early morning hours, as these are the times when burglary and theft are most likely to occur.
3. Be mindful of 'other theft' in public and residential areas; keep valuables out of sight and secure any outdoor equipment or bicycles.
4. Keep the perimeter of your property well-defined and well-lit to deter opportunist criminal damage or vandalism, which accounts for 12.8% of local crime.
5. Join or support your local neighbourhood watch scheme to stay informed about any unusual activity or specific safety concerns in the Ash community.

Crime Time Patterns in Ash (Dover)

Criminal activity in Ash follows distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the primary concern, accounting for 47% and 51% of incidents respectively. This suggests that opportunist theft is most likely to occur during standard daylight hours when residents may be away from their homes.

As evening approaches, the focus shifts toward anti-social behaviour and public order, with 'other' crimes making up 55% of reports between 6pm and midnight. The most significant shift occurs during the night-time hours (12am to 6am), where vehicle crime surges to 31% of all reported incidents. Burglary also remains a factor during this period at 19%. This data indicates that while the area is very safe during the day, vehicle security and home security are under the greatest threat during the hours of darkness, requiring consistent and automated protection.

Ash is one of the safer residential options in the region, especially when compared to its larger neighbours. It is substantially safer than Sandwich, which has a much higher crime rate of 112.0, and also outperforms Eastry (49.2). It is statistically similar to Woodnesborough (46.3), though Ash has seen a more significant decrease in crime recently. In contrast, the very small, tranquil village of Weddington recorded no crimes. This comparison highlights Ash's status as a safe residential area that is more active than the most remote rural settlements but much more secure than the main urban centres. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a balance between village life and modern security.

In Ash, where the property crime rate is an exceptionally low 16.0 per 1,000 but vehicle crime is a notable night-time concern (31% of incidents), the limitations of traditional security are obvious. Reactive systems like standard CCTV or doorbell cameras only provide footage after a crime has been committed. For residents here, the objective is to prevent any interference with their vehicles or property in the first place.

scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time. It doesn't just record; it identifies potential threats as they approach your home or driveway. For example, scOS can recognize a person loitering near your vehicle at 3am and trigger an immediate response, such as activating high-intensity security lights or an audible warning. This destroys the element of surprise that criminals rely on and often deters them within 60 seconds. With multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification, scOS provides a level of professional protection that actively maintains Ash's high safety standards by preventing crime before it happens, rather than just recording it.