Capel-le-Ferne Crime Rate

Capel-le-Ferne is a secure and peaceful urban settlement located within the Dover local authority, featuring an overall crime rate of 45.0 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1, resulting in an excellent safety score of 89/100. Furthermore, the community has experienced a 9.8% decrease in crime over the past year, indicating a positive trend in local safety. The property crime rate is also very low at 15.4, compared to the UK average of 32.9. As a residential area situated on the cliffs between Folkestone and Dover, Capel-le-Ferne 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 Capel-le-Ferne

Capel-le-Ferne is characterized by a low volume of crime, with violence and sexual offences being the most frequent, accounting for 42 incidents or 37.8% of the total. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 18.0% and criminal damage and arson at 11.7%. While these categories represent the primary concerns, property-related crime is a consistent factor in the local data.

The property crime rate in Capel-le-Ferne is 15.4 per 1,000 people, which is less than half the UK average of 32.9. Within this category, 'other theft' (9.0%) and vehicle crime (8.1%) are more prominent than burglary (2.7%). For residents, this means that while the risk of home invasion is statistically very low, there is a persistent threat to vehicles and outdoor property. The combined total of theft, vehicle crime, and burglary suggests that opportunist criminals do operate in the area, particularly targeting unattended vehicles. Maintaining high standards of security for cars and outbuildings is essential for homeowners looking to protect their assets in this otherwise very safe community.

Crime Trends in Capel-le-Ferne

The long-term trend for Capel-le-Ferne is positive, with an overall 9.8% decrease in crime year-over-year. This indicates that the area is becoming even safer over time. Monthly data shows that the crime rate peaked in September 2025 at 6.1 per 1,000 people, with another notable high in April at 5.3.

Conversely, the area saw its lowest activity in July 2025, with the rate dropping to 2.0 per 1,000, and in November 2024 at 2.4. These fluctuations are common in smaller residential areas, where a single incident can significantly impact the monthly rate. Despite these shifts, the general trend remains downward, which is an encouraging sign for the community. For residents, this means that while vigilance is always required, the statistical likelihood of being a victim of crime is lower now than it was in the previous year.

How To Keep Safe in Capel-le-Ferne

The most common crime in Capel-le-Ferne is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. While the area is very safe, taking specific precautions can help you stay secure.

1. Pay close attention to vehicle security, as vehicle crime is a notable contributor to local statistics, especially during the night (48% 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 anti-social behaviour in public spaces; if you witness a disturbance, report it to the local police to help them maintain the area's 9.8% reduction in crime.
4. Keep the perimeter of your property well-defined and well-lit to deter opportunist criminal damage or vandalism, which accounts for 11.7% 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 Capel-le-Ferne community.

Crime Time Patterns in Capel-le-Ferne

Criminal activity in Capel-le-Ferne follows distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the primary concern, accounting for 48% and 56% 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 46% of reports between 6pm and midnight. The most significant shift occurs during the night-time hours (12am to 6am), where vehicle crime surges to 48% of all reported incidents. Burglary also remains a factor during this period at 10%. This data indicates that while the area is very safe during the day, vehicle security is under the greatest threat during the hours of darkness, requiring consistent and automated protection.

Capel-le-Ferne is one of the safer residential options in the region, especially when compared to its larger neighbours. It is substantially safer than Folkestone, which has a much higher crime rate of 118.6, and also outperforms Hawkinge (60.3). While it has slightly more activity than the very small, tranquil villages of Alkham and Densole—both of which recorded no crimes—it remains a highly secure choice for those who want to live near the coast. The 9.8% reduction in crime over the last year further solidifies its reputation as a safe haven within the Dover local authority.

In Capel-le-Ferne, where the property crime rate is a low 15.4 per 1,000 but vehicle crime is a significant night-time concern (48% 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 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 Capel-le-Ferne's high safety standards by preventing crime before it happens.